The Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Sites, Muhammad Al-Khalayleh, inaugurated the 45th scientific session on Sunday to explain the contents of the Amman Message. The event took place in the hall of the Islamic Cultural Center at the Martyr King Abdullah I Mosque, with the participation of scholars and thinkers representing 30 friendly countries.
Al-Khalayleh stated, "We meet over several days to research and delve into the Amman Message, which was issued to express the true essence of Islam and to remind the Muslim nation of the true nature of their religion." He noted that the Amman Message was issued in specific circumstances to alert Muslims worldwide to the peaceful, moderate, and tolerant image of Islam that calls for balance and moderation.
He further emphasized that the tolerance, moderation, and balance of Islam do not signify weakness but rather represent dignity, coupled with respect and appreciation for others and recognition of their rights.
For his part, Ismail Al-Khataba, Assistant Secretary-General for Preaching and Islamic Guidance and Director of Preaching and Guidance, highlighted Jordan’s global status among nations in terms of its geographical position and the rule of the Hashemite family, which is directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He explained that the Kingdom saw fit to offer advice to Muslims in particular, and the world in general, through a concise and beneficial document known as the Amman Message, which was presented in eight pages.
Al-Khataba added that the Amman Message contains 19 Quranic verses, along with references to other verses and authentic Prophetic Hadiths. He also provided an explanation and presentation of the content, goals, and vision of the Amman Message from its introduction to its conclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Professor Yahya Hendi from Georgetown University said, "We gather today at a critical moment in world history, where the voices of those advocating war, sectarianism, and ignorance are rising. We come together to discuss a global document that reminds us of the Islamic civilization’s heritage and the contributions Muslims have made to human civilization in all fields of culture and science."
Hendi pointed out that the Amman Message reflects the spirit of Islam and the living conscience of the Islamic Ummah. It calls for social solidarity, teaching that Islam is a religion of tolerance, love, justice, and goodness.
The inauguration also featured a panel discussion titled "The Amman Message: Its Origins, Principles, and Impact on Global Peace," with contributions from the Minister of Awqaf, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communication Zaid Al-Nawaiseh, Dean of the Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II School of International Studies Hassan Al-Momani, and the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Sufyan Al-Qudah. The session was moderated by Abdul Sattar Al-Qudah, Director of the King Abdullah II Institute for Preachers’ Training and Qualification.
The opening event was attended by the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom Ahmad Al-Hasanat, Chief Islamic Justice Abdul Hafez Al-Rabtah, Public Security Directorate Mufti Brigadier General Samer Al-Hawamleh, President of the Sharia Judicial Council Kamal Al-Samadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Awqaf Abdullah Al-Aqeel, Director General of the Institute of Public Administration Siham Al-Khawaldeh, Director of the Center for Religious Coexistence Father Nabil Haddad, as well as several directors, diplomats accredited to the Kingdom, and other dignitaries.