Amman Message
The Amman Message is a landmark document that draws on the values of Islam enshrined in the Quran to reassert the principles that must, as part of the practice of true Muslim faith, guide inter-Muslim relations and the Muslim world's relationships with other faiths and cultures. The Amman Message, released during the holy month of Ramadan (November 2004), was inspired by the historical responsibility of the Hashemites, as descendants of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), to uphold and defend the faith. The Amman Message conveys the noble values of tolerance, moderation and dialogue that Islam embraces and requires the faithful to respect in their daily lives. As such, the Amman Message is an invitation to greater understanding and respect between faiths and cultures for those who believe that these are pillars of peaceful relations among nations and peoples. Its content is also a refutation of ideologies that advocate violence and sedition in the name of the faith. It is also a robust answer to those who have depicted Islam as a violent and hateful faith, stirring Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment.
Highlights from the Amman Message
- Islam's principles provide common ground among different faiths and peoples. The origin of divine religions is one and Muslims believe in all messengers of God; denying the message of any of them is a deviation from Islam.
- Islam honours every human being, without regard to race or religion.
Islam affirms that Muslims, when spreading the word of God, are called on to act gently on earth.
- Because the Islamic mission is guided by reason, Muslims are to shun violence and cruelty and to speak with kindness and respect.
- The message of Islam is one of mercy to all peoples.
- Islam demands that the faithful treat others as they desire to be treated. It urges tolerance and forgiveness, qualities that elevate human life, and calls for treating others justly, safeguarding their rights and possessions.
- Islam demands respect for conventions and pledges, and condemns treason.
- Islam honours human life. There is to be no aggression against non-combatants; no assault on civilians and their properties, on children, students, or the elderly.
- Islam respects balance, moderation, and equanimity.
- Islam calls on Muslims to demonstrate tolerance and delight in human life; it opposes extremism, exaggeration and intransigence.
- The Amman Message was translated into many languages to be distributed all around the world, so that people everywhere can understand the real essence of Islam.