Abstract
The fragmented structure of Muslim countries and the lack of political will to solve their problems with a real collaboration prevent Muslim societies to form an active union. Although most of the documents of OIC are in line with the universal human right principles and there is some organs within the organization to carry out the decisions, the deep clash of interests between the Muslim countries and the fact that the implementation of the provisions in these documents are up to the member countries' initiatives and there is no sanction about the implementation of these provisions are the main reasons of the failure and ineffectiveness of the organization. As the organization is unable to protect even the basic human rights of the Muslims in the member states, inefficacy about social policies, except for some humanitarian aids, is not surprising. As all of the intellectuals agree, the political will should be consolidated among member states, lack of which seems to be the main reason behind the organization's failure.
TopIntroduction
The Organization of Islamic Corporation (OIC, formerly The Organization of the Islamic Conference) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The organization is the collective voice of the Muslim World which covers almost one fifth of humanity, and ensuring to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim World in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
Muslim countries have experienced a diverse scale of politics. At the one of the spectrum, some Islamist regimes have embraced the strictest possible interpretations and practices of Islam. At the other hand of the spectrum, secularist regimes have denied Islam any role in governance. A third way has been adopted by other Muslim countries with variations; among them are countries whose constitution contains a clause declaring Islam as a major source of legislation. On the other hand there are radical political movements using Islam to justify their violent and illegitimate practices. One of the main accusations against Islam on the international scene is based on the unjustified and unfounded linking of practices of these illegal radical political movements with Islam (İhsanoğlu, 2010).
It is important to know that The OIC’s success depends on how much Muslim societies behave with Islamic solidarity. But today both in the internal and international relations the role of Islam is debated. İslamoğlu explains this point as follows:
Today at the end of the first decade of the twenty fist century, a consensus is far from being reached and controversy still persists over the position and weight of religion as a frame of reference in the external and internal affairs of Muslim countries. The place and effect of Islam in Muslim societies, and the way faith is reflected in their relations with the wider international community, depend on how each country draws the line between religion and politics. Muslims are not alone in debating this point, particularly as the role of faith in contemporary society becomes one of the pressing issues of our time. However it is worth noting that Islam as a religion has a different place in the working of society compared to other religions. (İhsanoğlu, 2010:2)
Key Terms in this Chapter
Organization of Islamic Cooperation: The Organization of Islamic Corporation (OIC, formerly The Organization of the Islamic Conference) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The organization is the collective voice of the Muslim World which covers almost one fifth of humanity, and ensuring to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim World in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.