Report on the International Muslim Leaders Conference

PREFACE:

There is an increasing number of HIV/AIDS infected persons in Muslim countries in Asia, Africa including the Middle East countries, the response of the Muslim community has been comparatively hesitant and uncoordinated despite the large population of Muslim in Asia. Relatively, few organizations and initiatives have been addressing the problem of HIV/AIDS.

In the Philippines, no organization has focus on this epidemic.In recognition of this, the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Phil’s. Inc. (BCJP) participated in the 3rd International Muslim Leaders Consultation on HIV/AIDS held at Sheraton Addis, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on July 23-27, 2007 with the aim of Strengthening/expanding its network in global Muslim communities, organizations and governments; and to establish an International coordination to promote Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

The Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Phil’s. Inc. (BCJP) would like to extend my gratitude to all those people who supported this journey morally and spiritually.
In particular, the management and staff of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) main, the Executive Council, Committee members and the member – network of the Consortium of Bangsamoro – Kutawato Regional Management Committee (CBCS – KRMC).

Finally, I wish to express my deepest and sincerest appreciation to the following important persons for their support especially to Lorraine B. dela Cruz, the Executive Director of the BALAY Rehabilitation Center Inc.,
Mr. Guiamel M. Alim, the Executive Director of the Kadtuntaya Foundation Inc. (KFI) and Ustaz Rahib L. Kudto, Chairman, Consortium of the Bangsamoro Civil Society – Kutawato Regional Management Committee (CBCS – KRMC), may ALLAH Subhanahu wa Taala reward you all for your kindheartedness and generosity, for without your support and assistance, it would not have been realized. Shukran Khalil.

ABDULBASIT R. BENITO AL HADJ
Funder/CoordinatorBangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Phil’s. Inc.
BCJP

The 3rd International Muslim Leaders took place in Sheraton Addis, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from the 23rd to 27th of July 2007. The theme of the gathering was “The Approach to HIV/AIDS: Enhancing the Community Response”.The consultation was organized by the Ethiopian Affairs Supreme Council in conjunction with the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda. It was funded by the USAID Washington, PEPFAR Ethiopian and Costella Futures. The goal of the Consultation was to: Reach a consensus on the strategies and modalities for implementation of the Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support. The total number of participants who attended reach up to 200 in the opening but the actual participants were 160 people and mostly heads of government, NGO, Community, Imam, Mufti and Ulama from 32 countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Botswana, Chad, Corte D’Voir, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Niger, Pakistan, India, Iran, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, United kingdom, United States of America, and Zambia.


Day 1: Monday 23/07/2007

First day of the consultation (July 23, 2007) the whole Monday morning was an opening program; which started with recitation of some verses from the Holy Qur’an, and reflections by Sheikh Taha Taha Harun from Ethiopia, followed by the official ceremonial opening. A welcome remark was by Haji Yusiof Ali Yassin, General Secretary of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council and Chairman of Local Organizing committee. He reiterated his concerned over nations and communities that have millions of people suffering and dying from HIV/AIDS and how they may get better and effective treatment, care and support as individuals, families and as a nation. According to him, there is a need to look for Allah’s guidance and use it to be able to live through this complex world successfully. He also sighted the 2000 International Conference on AIDS in Durban where some practitioners who are dealing with predominantly Muslim communities felt that it was necessary to coordinate.A speech from US Ambassador to Ethiopia Mr. Donald Yamamoto follows where he expressed his pleasure to be in the consultation and the willingness of the US government to support conference like this through the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief faith – based approaches to combat AIDS in many parts of the world both funding and technical assistance. He mentioned some countries that benefited from this assistance like Uganda and Ethiopia. The Diplomat also praised some significant successes and achievements of Muslim Religious leaders in areas of HIV/AIDS prevention and care as a unique position to shape social values, promote responsible behavior, increase knowledge and influence. All the contributions mentioned reflects the friendship that the American people have with the Muslim communities throughout the world, a friendship which will continue to be nourished for better cooperation in the fight, prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.A speech delivered by the chairman of the International Advisory committee of the 3rd International Muslim Leaders Consultation on HIV/AIDS came after then the individual introduction of participants wherein Philippines has one participant while Ethiopia has the biggest number of participants being the host county.The afternoon session was focus on discussing

Islamic Approaches to HIV/AIDS wherein the participants were divided into groups. The Islamic approach basically means submitting to Allah’s will and guidance while addressing HIV/AIDS issues. The Islamic approach therefore refers to doing well when dealing with HIV/AIDS. As a member of the 3rd group (Group 3), our topic was Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS care and support of the infected and affected, our theme; understood the Islamic Approach to care and support and; Situation analysis. Each participant was encouraged to recall Islamic teachings that are relevant to the discussions. Especially in connection on why we gathered to attend the 3rd International Muslim Leaders Consultation on HIV/AIDS.

The reasons include;To serve AllahTo enable each one as an individual to address HIV/AIDS
To encourage our families and friends to address HIV/AIDS
To empower our communities to combat HIV/AIDS
To support our Imams in the work of assisting our communities to fight HIV/AIDS and care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The teaching and learning methods that were being used in the group discussion were derived from Allah’s methods of educating mankind. They include the following;

Reading what was written – Allah teaches man what he does not know by enabling him to read what is written by the penAsking questions – This was Jibril’s method of education. The Angel would ask questions and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would answer them.Answering questions – When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) answered questions those around him learnt the issuesRepetition – Allah repeats messages in the Holy Qur’an to promote learningReminding of past stories and experiences – Allah uses this method in the Holy Qur’an to encourage learningThese methods of teaching and learning can be applied to everyone in the community. In other words the same questions can be asked and answers given by individuals, families and people in the community level.

Background;
People infected and affected with HIV/AIDS include those who are living with persons with HIV/AIDS, their families and the orphans of people who died of AIDS. These people need physical, mental and spiritual care and support to assist them with the impact of HIV/AIDS.Operational definition of the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS includes the following:Believing Allah This is the first pillar of Islam indicating that an individual recognizes that there is an invisible God who has power over all creation, who is the Most Merciful and who has given guidance to mankind on how to live on this earth and in the hereafter. This guidance includes Islamic teachings that promote HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, stigma reduction, and skills utilization. (one of the verses in the Holy Qur’an to support this in chapter 10 verses 3:)Acquiring scientific knowledge about HIV/AIDS Eliminating or reducing risk of infection requires learning about and understanding the scientific facts about HIV prevention and risk avoidance, and about treatment, care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Allah’s guidance to believers is to read and learn in order to acquire knowledge and education.

Holy Qur’an, chapter 96, verses 1 – 5)Making use of relevant Islamic teachings and practices For example, there is an Islamic teaching in the Holy Qur’an discouraging adultery, which can be a predisposing factor for HIV transmission. Do not come near to adultery. For it is a shameful and an evil, opening the road to other evils” (Holy Qur’an 17.32).”This means that people should not indulge in activities that stimulate their sexual desires, which could then lead them to commit adultery. Adultery is a shameful behavior that may increase risk of HIV infection. Forming Partnerships with and making use of religious leaders and their administration structures.The Mosque Imams are the major pillars in this partnership they can deliver AIDS education and counseling to grassroots communities. Islamic guidance in the Holy Qur’an encourages people to form partnership for promoting good behavior. “Let there be arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. They are the nes to attain success.” (Holy Qur’an 3.104)Making use of the concept of Jihad Nafs (struggle of the soul against temptation) by each individual to combat AIDS.In this context, the Jihad on AIDS is about each person’s individual struggle to control their own personal behavior for the welfare of themselves and their families, as well as each community’s struggle to address the broader context of preventing HIV transmission and to provide care and support to those coping with HIV infection. All Muslims were advised to participate in this Jihad Nafs by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). He called it the biggest Jihad because it is not easy for everyone to control the tempting desires of his or her soul.

Implementation of the first four components of the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS above is likely to have a limited impact at the community level until a significant proportion of individuals participate in this Jihad.The Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS should be implemented at the individual level, at the family level and at the community level. At the individual level, the person should believe in God, learn the scientific information about AIDS, and learn the faith teachings that support AID prevention and control, listen to and use the advice of his or her Imams, and participate in the Jihad nafs by controlling his or her behavior. Family members should support each other in implementing these same things. Similarly, communities should support families and individuals in the implementation of all the components of the Islamic approach to AIDS.

Day 2: Tuesday 24/07/2007

The whole day of July 23 was spent on presentation/reporting of each group followed by an Open Forum. One of the issues I raised was the concern of Muslim Minorities in a country being governed by a non-Islamic state like Philippines. Other representatives echoed and shared common issues. A reflection by one Muslim woman with HIV/AIDS shared the difficulties and hardship she faced including emotional, physical and financial burdens. She suffered from discrimination and stigma from her own community. The afternoon was spent on another workshop. Our group theme was setting goals; objectives and activities of the Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS care and support of the infected and affected.

Day 3: Wednesday July 25/07/ 2007

Day 3 was another reporting and plenary discussion, followed by an open forum. One of the significant issues that I raised was the term Islamic and scientific knowledge. For me, if this 2 terminology are separated, the implication is that there is no science in Islam. This is in contrast to the concept of Islam as complete way of life. This is similar to ISLAM and DEMOCRACY where some group advocates, similarly, the implication is that Islam is not a democracy, which according to Islamic scholar, Islam is the highest form of Democracy.The afternoon is spent with another workshop for the session

3. The theme of our group is Monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilizations, resolutions and commitments regarding Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS.Aside from the workshop, discussions and sharing of ideas, prestige scholars, Imams and Mufti has presented lessons learned and best practices in Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS such as Ghorban-ali Dorri Najaf-abadi, State Prosecutor General of the Islamic Republic of Iran on his Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS and the experience of the Islamic Republic of Iran. For him, the AIDS epidemic is largely a result of society’s inattention and moral promiscuity and high-risk sexual behavior as well as other similar factors. He shared experiences by simply outlining some categories of effective and useful action taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to the causes, and to the scale, of this great human tragedy.Infra-structure and policyo Active involvement of Iran’s Drug Control Headquarters, with some 60% of its substance abuse treatment resources dedicated to the expansion of HIV prevention programs (about 7 million USD in last year);o Allocation of additional funds to Iran’s Ministry of Health under the category of emerging diseases (about 10 million USD this year);o Multi sectorarity; Active participation of more than 12 state institutions’ and ministries in the efforto Conducting research on harm reduction strategies, social health improvement, reduction of discordant behavior and response against offender so Expansion and universalization of the national public network;o Measures to alleviate poverty and disparity as well as striving towards comprehensive justice as the underlying preventive strategy§ Prevention o Emphasis on strengthening the family institution and protecting the true values of the healthy family;o Public awareness improvement regarding risk factors and the disease through mass information campaign,o Harm reduction interventions such as methadone maintenance therapy and Needle and Syringe programs for prevention of transmission through infected needles within the framework of a national committee for harm reduction and HIV/AIDS;
o Specific Prisons programs including needle exchange and methadone
o Extend teacher training at school level
o Encouraging healthy spiritual, moral and physical lifestyle choices among youth and the general public in order to reduce the risk of substance abuse, risky sexual behavior and other destructive behavior that could lead to transmission of the disease;§ Care and Treatment
o Activation of more than 100 specialized HIV/AIDS clinics in each province and inside prisons which provide voluntary counseling and testing and care of patients (including provision of ARVs) free of change
o Efforts to produce effective pharmaceutical medication, currently being tested in laboratory trials with some promising results (clearly, if successful the mass production of such pharmaceuticals would benefit not only Iranians but others as well);o Focus on, and planning for, the treatment of AIDS-related diseases such as TB, hepatitis, etc.§ Support
o Promotion of an attitude of protection, empathy and care toward PLWHA as members of the great family of our society; refraining from measures that might lead to marginalization, stigmatization, invisibility or negative reaction; Each one of these categories requires specific tactics and strategies in order to bring about a global reduction in the prevalence of the disease with the aim of eventual eradication

The following approaches are worthy of consideration in this regard by all Muslim countries:

1. Development of policy and legislation commensurate to the scale of the problem
2. Establishment of strengthening of “One “ national HIV/AIDS coordinating body
3. Extend support and help build capacity for the active participation of NGO’s;
4. Education of youth and the general public (through schools etc.);
5. Protection and empowerment of People living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable populations;
6. Promotion of means of prevention with integrated program monitoring and evaluation;
7. De-stigmatization of AIDS as a disease and its legislative categorization as a special disease;
8. Prevention and treatment of the psychosocial impact of the disease on the individual and society;
9. Promoting voluntary testing and counseling;
10. Informing and educating the public as well as advocacy among religious leaders and reference social groups regarding the threat of HIV/AIDS; also raising awareness of the disease and the relevant medical issues among the elite, key players, the media, religious scholars etc.
11. Dealing withy the affairs of children who have been made orphans as a result of the epidemic;
12. Measures toward social justice, poverty alleviation and elimination of disparities have long been global priorities for international community.

Efforts to counter HIV epidemic constitute an integral part of our collective global mandate of comprehensive development, improvement of public welfare and subsistence, combating illiteracy and disease and bridging the North/South divide.The Islamic prosecutor urged all of those sympathetic souls and dutiful individuals representing international organizations, and charitable associations to join in the battle to contain this tragic human catastrophe as they would with any contagious disease. He implored the participants to think about the plight of innocent children and helpless mothers and to extend any kind of help and support that they can afford. By using known prevention and treatment methods we can help contain the level of risky behavior, reduce the spread and the prevalence of the disease, and keep youth from shifting from lower-risk to higher-risk categories. If we are truly committed and plan out our response we will be able to organize and implement many different kinds of protection, treatment and technical interventions. He added.The task before us is a sacred endeavor; a service to the suffering and to all humanity. To help save the lives of human beings is a universal imperative. We are all responsible before God, before history and before our great human and Islamic values. Any failure or shortfall in this regard would be unacceptable.
May Allah endow us with the blessing of being able to serve. The prosecutor ended.


Day 4: Thursday 26/07/2007

The day was all about presentation by invited resource persons from different organization with HIV/AIDS program from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and US. Sharing experiences, best practices and challenges in the implementation of Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS.Exploring the Islamic Potential – A solution for HIV/AIDS(Nuredin Jemal Mukhtar, Program Coordinator EIAS/EMDA)Implementing the Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS at the Mosque level:
Successes and challenges from Uganda Imams. (Sheikh Ramadhan Mumbajje)The Lambenth Southwark and Lewisham African Muslim Communities Campaign Against HIV/AIDS (Sukainah Jauhar)HIV/AIDS & STI Awareness Program (Dr. Baz Mohammad Shirzad)·
HIV – AIDS Control Programs – Islamic Perspective(Dr. M S Alkalifa – Dr Afaf H Ahmed)· Promoting Sexual Reproductive Health issues of Muslim women in Purdah practice (Hajarat Sulieman)· Essential Life Skills for a progressive Muslim community in the Islamic approach to HIV/AIDS (Nakimwero Hadijah Kibira)· Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS primary prevention needs of African Muslim women in London Borough of Camden)· Socio – Economic impact of HIV/AIDS n Youth: A Kenyan perspective of Muslim youth affected by the epidemic (Asiya Mwanzi)· Stigma, Hindrance to HIV/AIDS prevention interventions in Muslim communities in Nigeria – a case study of Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, Nigeria. (Ismaeel Abdulqadir Danesi)·
Interfaith Collaboration in Zanzibar (Nuru Mbarouk Ramsa)· Peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue to combat HIV/AID in Indonesia (Dhea Dahlia Madanih)· Training n Nigerian Muslim Leaders on HIV/AIDS (Lateefah M. Durosinmi, PhD)· Implementing of National /Community programmes the Islamic Faith – Based network model for improving AIDS Services (Dr. Zainab Akol. Dr. Kagimu, Dr. Karama Said, Dr. Yusuf Walakira)Following are some common concern/issues and recommendations among the presenter:A number of factors were reported as impacting on access to services, these include:Myths about HIV/AIDS and its roots of transmissionPersonal attitudes around discussion of sexual healthPerception of services provided & confidentiality concernsCulturally inappropriate sexual health promotion

The Way Forward

Networking with non-statutory organisations already working with culturally diverse communities
Working with community groups to utilise existing relationships of trust and credibility Collaboration with local & regional Mosques to make information available to members Training of Imams and community leaders as peer educators Community based projects should be appropriately funded Sexual health services should reflect the existing cultural norms of the communities they serve Conclusion:Some recommendations from this consultation have started to translate into actions;Culturally/faith sensitive leaflets in development Community leaders & Imams have been identified for training Further research in this area is strongly recommended to help in developing an appropriate health promotional strategies
In the afternoon, the group planning was held with the following output:International Muslim Leaders Conference meeting every Two years (Host countries to be announced)All participants is a coordinator Integrate HIV/AIDS issues in other development programmes such as health, education, poverty alleviation and sanitation Tap the international Islamic organization (Muslim World League, Islamic Development Bank, etc.) for funds.Commitment from the participants to implement Islamic Approach to HIV/AIDS Come up with a resolution;


RESOLUTIONS

The 3rd International Muslim Leaders Consultation on HIV/AIDS took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 23 -27 July 2007, with more than 150 participants from 29 countries.

The theme of the consultation was “The Islamic Approach to HIV/AID: Enhancing the community response”

WE, THE PARTICIPANTS, RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:TO URGE ALL MUSLIM COMMUNITIES AND THEIR LEADERS TO BE CONCERNED WITH THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC AND TO CONTINUE THE “JIHAD ON AIDS”TO IMPLEMENT THE FIVE COMPONENTS OF THE ISLAMIC APPROACH ON HIV/AIDS (IAA):

BELIEVING IN ALLAHACQUIRING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE ON HIV/AIDSFORMING PARTNERSHIP WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURESMAKING USE OF THE CONCEPT ON JIHAD NAFSIN PROVIDING SERVICES (PREVENTION, TREATMENT, CARE AND SUPPORT, STIGMA REDUCTION, AND LIFE SKILL) TO THOSE INFECTED AND AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS IN MUSLIM COMMUNITIES.TO ENCOURAGE ALL MUSLIM LEADERS TO INTEGRATE THE ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS IN THEIR PREACHING, TEACHING AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS.TO ENGAGE MUSLIM WOMEN AND YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS IN PROVIDING PEER EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON HIV/AIDS.

TO ENDEAVOR TO MOBILIZE ALL ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO ADDRESS HIV/AIDS.

TO CONDUCT RESEARCH TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF THE ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS.
THAT STIGMA, DENIAL AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) IS UNACCEPTABLE.
TO SHOW COMPASSION AND MERCY TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS, FACILITATE ACCESS TO TREATMENT AND ENABLE THEM TO FEEL FULLY ACCEPTED IN LOCAL MUSLIM COMMUNITIES.
TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GO FOR HIV COUNSELLING AND TESTING, ESPECIALLY THOSE PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE.
TO WORK TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC FUND TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS.
TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER PARTNERS IN A COLLECTIVE REPONSIBLE TO HIV/AIDS CONSISTENT WITH THE ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS.

TO PROMOTE INTER-RELIGIOUS COOPERATION ON HIV/AIDS CONSISTENT WITH ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS.
TO ADVOCATE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER KEY STAKEHOLDERS TO RECOGNIZE THE ISLAMIC APPROACH AS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT IN THE GLOBAL RESPONSE TO HIV/AIDS.
TO URGE OUR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT AND FINANCE THE ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS.TO FORM AN INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS NETWORK UNDER THE COORDINATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS IN UGANDA.
THE INTERNATIONAL MUSLIM LEADERS CONSULTATION INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS TO FORMULATE THE OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THIS NETWORK.TO CONSTITUTE OURSELVES INTO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF COMMUNITY COORDINATORS OF ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS IN THE NETWORK.

TO ESTABLISH A MUSLIM WOMEN’S FORUM WITHIN THE ISLAMIC APPROACH TO HIV/AIDS NETWORK TO ADDRESS WOMEN’S ISSUES ON HIV/AIDS.


Day 5: Friday 27/07/2007

Presentation of the Resolutions for comments, reactions and recommendations then followed by Closing Ceremony, and then Jamaah prayer to the Biggest Mosque in Addis Ababa City, one of the oldest mosque in Ethiopia.The afternoon was filled with field visits to the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council and to places where we were able to meet and talk to some HIV/AIDS patients and their caregivers.

Highlights·

I was able to present Philippine issues during the plenary· BCJP was recognized through my active participation in the discussions· I was able to visit and talked to HIV/AIDS patients and hear about their personal story.· I was able to meet and talked to the tireless caregivers who dedicated their lives in helping the HIV patients.· Able to meet the different Muslim leaders in the world and share a journey with them