The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 16th August 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Awaiting the age of moderation

Why in News?

In June 2022, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) criticized the derogatory statements of two Indians against the Prophet Muhammad and Islam.

• However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the OIC’s assertions, noting that the sentiments stated by individuals did not reflect the views of the Government of India.
• Similarly, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation criticized India in February 2022 for having a “communal mindset” amid the Karnataka hijab controversy.
• However, India’s answer to the OIC statement was that India is a democracy, and matters within the nation are settled “in line with our Constitutional structure and system, as well as democratic spirit and polity.”

What is meant by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?

OIC Countries

• The OIC now has 57 members, 56 of which—excluding Palestine—are also United Nations members.
• India is not an OIC member.
• Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, and Iran all have significant political, religious, and economic weight and engagement within the OIC.
• Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Libya are other members with substantial influence due to their budgetary contributions.

OIC Role & Objectives

• To uphold Islamic social and economic ideals.
• To encourage solidarity among OIC member nations.
• To safeguard, defend, and resist defamation of Islam.
• To promote noble Islamic ideals such as moderation, tolerance, respect for variety, the conservation of Islamic symbols and shared heritage, and the defense of the Islamic religion’s universality.
• To encourage cooperative Islamic activity and collaboration among its member countries.
• To promote the Muslim world’s collective voice in order to safeguard and protect their interests in economic, social, and political spheres.

OIC Charter

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) adheres to a charter. The charter lays out its objectives, principles, and operating mechanism.

• The present charter was adopted in March 2008 at Dakar in Senegal.
• It enshrines that all members be guided by the noble Islamic teachings and values. It also mentions committing themselves to the purposes and principles of the U.N. charter.
• The charter aims to establish solidarity among member states.
• It supports the restoration of complete sovereignty and territorial integrity of any member state under occupation.
• The charter aims to protect, defend and combat defamation of Islam.
• It also aims to prevent growing dissension in Muslim societies. It works to ensure that member states take a united stand at: 
  • the U. N. General Assembly, 
  • the Human Rights Council, and 
  • other international fora.
• The charter provides the framework for OIC's decision-making process. 
  • The Council of Foreign Ministers is the chief decision-making body as per the charter.
• The charter also provides for the financing of OIC through membership contributions.

Functioning of OIC