(X) Summary:
[S]ave (in) whosoever enjoineth charity and fairness and peace-making among the people …
(X)(i) Summary of the Whole Amman Message Initiative
The entire Amman Message and its Three Points—and infinitely more—is contained in the three sacred verses quoted as the epigraph of this introduction:
There is no good in much of their secret conferences save (in) whoever enjoineth charity and fairness and peace-making among the people; and whoso doeth that, seeking the good pleasure of God, We shall bestow on him a vast reward. (Al-Nisa, 4:114)
There is no good in ignorantly pursuing minor points of differences between Muslims, once the Islamic essentials of the Unity of God, the Prophet Muhammad, the Holy Qur’an and the five pillars of Islam (submission) and six articles of Iman (faith) are agreed upon. It is better by far to pursue righteous action: charity, fairness to others and to make peace between people. We note that God did not restrict this here to Muslims; rather He said: people. When that is done with sincere intentions, God will bestow a vast reward.
And whoso opposeth the messenger after the guidance (of God) hath been manifested unto him, and followeth other than the believer’s way, We appoint for him that unto which he himself hath turned, and expose him unto hell – a hapless journey’s end! (Al-Nisa, 4:115)
Equally, there is no good in opposing the way of the believers and their consensus.
Lo! God pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto Him. He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners unto God hath wandered far astray. (Al-Nisa, 4:116)
For everyone who has wronged themselves and others by pursuing division, controversy and even conflict between Muslims, if they desist and repent they will find God Forgiving, in sha Allah. Allah Kareem.
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(X)(ii) Summary of the Present Book
The present book is actually the third and considerably enlarged edition of what was initially called Kitab Ihtiram Al-Mathahib (The Book of the Schools of Islamic Jurisprudence). Both earlier editions (including a modified version of the second edition) were published in limited numbers in the hundreds during the early part of this year (1427 AH / 2006 CE). The thrust of those editions—like this one—was to authenticate, document and catalogue the efforts of H.M. King Abdullah II in issuing the Amman Message and the consensus that he—through the Grace of God—gathered upon it and its Three Points; the fatwas behind it, and the signatures party to it.
This book is therefore not so much a book to be read from beginning to end systematically like most other books, but a reference book, the essential part being the text of the Amman Message itself; the text of its Three Points; the total list of signatories to the Three Points; the foreword, the preface and the fatwas at the beginning; and, perhaps, this introduction. Thus despite the bulk of the printed edition its essential aspect can easily be read in an hour or two, God willing, in either Arabic or English.
Finally, we wish to say that all the documents in this book and all the updates and additions to it should be freely and constantly available to everyone on the internet at www.Ammanmessage.com in sha Allah.
And all praise belongs to God Alone.
Prof. Dr. H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal
Personal Envoy and Special Advisor to H.M. King Abdullah II
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought
Amman, Jordan.
Sha’ban 18th 1427 AH; September 11th 2006 CE.