There is a great need for revitalizing the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It is so unfortunate that despite the passage of a few decades, the organization still remains as ineffective as it was at the time of its inception. Convening meetings and issuing statements condemning atrocities committed against Muslims across the globe is not enough. It is high time that the OIC defined its actual role. Paying a lip service is not such a big deal. There are hundreds of Muslim organizations across the world that raise hue and cry over various issues directly or indirectly affecting Muslims.

We expect the OIC to become a great force to reckon with. The OIC must revitalize itself and assert its role in important regional and global issues. It is true that it’s easier said than done. It is the responsibility of all the member states to give the OIC the mandate to speak in behalf of the member states and the Muslims around the world. The OIC members must make efforts to strengthen the OIC and project it as the representative of the entire Muslim Ummah. Otherwise, I am sorry to say that the OIC is wasting huge funds that could be utilized for the uplift of poor Muslims.

Shabbir Ahmed

Dammam