Jordan's King Abdullah honours Kuwaitis

King Abdullah II of Jordan presented Kuwaiti philanthropists Ali Abdullah Al-Shamlan and Abdullah Yusuf Al-Ghunaim with Jordan's Order of Independence of the First Degree in appreciation of their efforts to promote a correct understanding and awareness of Islam's tolerance and about Islamic thought. Al-Shamlan is a former minister of higher education and head of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences. Al-Ghunaim had served as minister of education, as minister of higher education, and is head of the Kuwaiti Studies and Research Center. The Kuwaiti figures received their honors in a meeting with the king on the sidelines of the 16th Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought General Conference, which wraps up activities today. Speaking to KUNA, the two figures expressed appreciation for this recognition of their efforts and stressed the conference, hosted in the Jordanian capital, is even more important this time around in view of the current state of affairs in both the Arab and Muslim world. The current situation, they said, requires a joining and coordination of effort to present an objective view on all issues to guide all to a path that guarantees harmony which in turn makes it possible to achieve stability and progress for our Arab and Muslim nations. The figures added awareness of this state of affairs led to the choice of title for the 16th General Conference as " Viable and Sustainable Modern Islamic State." The working papers presented also discussed the image of "state" in Islamic thought and the need for viable answers and responses to modern day issues and challenges to enable Muslim states to thrive while staying in harmony with "the other." On the meeting with King Abdullah, they said the monarch stressed the Arab World's need of an objective view of many issues and pointed out many dangers and challenges facing our world, which requires Muslim scientists, leaders, and men of thought to unite to shun and counter divide and dissension. The king, the added, also stressed that all must unite to counter extremism, which only leads to more divide and scattering of effort, and stressed that "this is in no one's benefit but the enemy." The discussions on a modern sustainable model for Islamic statehood are held with participation of 33 countries of different sects who represent different institutions and schools of thought. The sessions last for three days. The Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought is an international Islamic non-governmental, independent institute headquartered in Amman. The Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought states its mission is to serve Islam and humanity at large. Among its objectives are, "promoting awareness of Islam and Islamic thought, rectifying unsound ideas and misconceptions about Islam, and highlighting the Islamic intellectual contribution and its impact on human civilization. Objectives also include, "deepening the dialogue and fostering cooperation between the schools of Islamic jurisprudence. The institute also lists, among its objectives, "highlighting the achievements of Aal Al-Bayt (Household of the Prophet) and their calling for middle ground, moderation and tolerance, fostering the encounter of Muslim scholars, the strengthening of their intellectual links and exchange of opinions, and cooperating with research centres, institutes, academic entities, and universities in accordance with the objectives of the Institute.