Amman Declaration - 2005

RELATED: ALSO READ; Surah Al-Isra (17:71), Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:15); Sūrah Yāsīn* (36:12); Surah Āl ʿImrān (3:7); 

The **Amman Message** is one of the most significant modern declarations of unity and theological consensus issued by Muslim scholars worldwide. Launched in 2004 under the patronage of King Abdullah II of Jordan, it sought to counter extremism, clarify authentic Islamic teachings, and bridge sectarian divides. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

1. Background and Purpose

- **Context**: Rising sectarianism (Sunni-Shia tensions) and extremist ideologies (e.g., terrorism in the name of Islam) post-9/11.

- **Goal**: 

  - Reaffirm shared Islamic principles.

  - Define who qualifies as a Muslim (to counter *takfir*—accusing others of apostasy).

  - Promote intra-faith tolerance and unity.

2. Key Declarations and Fatwas

The Amman Message consolidated **three critical fatwas** (legal rulings) from leading scholars:

A. **Recognition of All 8 Mathhabs**:

   - Affirmed the validity of *all eight Sunni, Shia, and Ibadi schools of jurisprudence*:

     - **Sunni**: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali.

     - **Shia**: Ja’fari (Twelver), Ismaili, Zaydi.

     - **Ibadi** (distinct from Sunni/Shia).

     - **Sufi**: Acknowledged as a spiritual tradition within Islam.

B. **Prohibition of Takfir (Excommunication)**:

   - Condemned declaring Muslims apostates based on sectarian differences.

   - Emphasized that only qualified scholars may issue fatwas.

C. **Condemnation of Extremism**:

   - Rejected violence against civilians as "terrorism," stressing Islam’s ethics of peace and justice.

Signatories and Endorsements**

- Over **500 prominent scholars** from 50+ countries endorsed the declaration, including:

  - **Sunni**: Al-Azhar Grand Imam (Egypt), Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi.

  - **Shia**: Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani (Iraq), Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah.

  - **Sufi**: Leaders of major tariqas (orders).

  - **Ibadi**: Scholars from Oman and North Africa.

- Unprecedented consensus across sects and regions.

Theological Impact**

- **Unity in Diversity**: Formalized mutual recognition of Sunni, Shia, and Ibadi schools as part of Islam.

- **Countering Extremism**: Provided a theological basis to delegitimize groups like Al-Qaeda or ISIS, who justify violence through selective interpretations.

- **Global Influence**: Inspired follow-up initiatives, such as:

  - **A Common Word Between Us and You** (2007): A Muslim-Christian interfaith dialogue letter.

  - **The Amman Interfaith Declaration** (2005): Promoting Abrahamic unity.

Criticisms and Challenges**

- **Implementation**: Critics argue its ideals have not translated into tangible reductions in sectarian violence (e.g., Syria, Yemen).

- **Exclusion of Minorities**: Some reformist or heterodox groups (e.g., Ahmadiyya, Quranists) were not recognized.

- **Political Instrumentalization**: Skeptics view it as a state-led effort to bolster Jordan’s religious authority.

Why It Matters Today**

The Amman Message remains a landmark effort to:

- **Reclaim Islam’s narrative** from extremists.

- **Model scholarly consensus** (*ijma’*) in a fragmented Muslim world.

- **Provide a framework** for coexistence in pluralistic societies.

For further reading, visit: [The Official Amman Message Website](https://ammanmessage.com).