The International Islamic Conference, titled “True Islam and Its Role in Modern Society,” was held in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in 2005, at the kind invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. The conference discusses various issues and challenges facing the Muslim nation, and the campaigns of distortion, abuse and defamation hitting the Muslim nation in this era. It also involves clarifying the stance of Islam on the violence and terrorism practiced by some groups and organizations in its name, all of which are contrary to the true essence of Islam; Islam has nothing to do with them. Rather, these acts constitute sedition and corruption on earth, since they give justifications for non-Muslims to judge Islam from this perspective, and to interfere in the affairs of Muslims and exploit them.

In this conference, King Abdullah II granted His Eminence the Grand Imam the Order of Independence of the First Degree, and the Certificate of Membership of the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, in recognition of his efforts in demonstrating the true aspects of Islam and its moderation.

The attendees agreed on a group of issues, including the following,

- Whoever follows one of the four major Madhhabs (Schools of Jurisprudence) of Ahlu s-Sunnati wa l-Jamāˁah (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafiˁi, and Hanbali), the Jaˁfari, the Zaydi l, the ˀIbāḍi, or the Zahiri is a Muslim, who may not to be judged as an apostate. Hence, the life, honor, and property of such a person are inviolable. Likewise, it is not permissible to claim apostate any other group of Muslims, who believe in Allah (Glorified be He) and His Messenger (pbuh), and in the pillars of faith, who respect the essential constituents of Islam, and acknowledge the conclusively established elements of the religion.

What brings these Madhhabs together far exceeds their differences. The Imams of these eight Madhhabs agree on the basic principles of Islam, all believing in Allah Almighty, the One and Only God, and that the Noble Qur’an is Allah’s revealed Word, and that our Master Muhammad (pbuh) is the Prophet and Messenger for all humankind.

- Acknowledging the different Madhhab in Islam means adherence to a specific methodology in ˀIftāˀ. So, it is not permissible for anyone to issue fatwas without specific personal qualifications defined in each Madhhab. Likewise, it is not permissible to issue fatwas without adherence to the methodology identified in these Madhhabs. Moreover, it is not permissible for anyone to claim practicing Ijtihad and in turn to introduce a new Madhhab or issue rejected fatwas that drive the Muslims away from the rules and constants of the Sharia or its established doctrines.

- The essential topic of the Amman Message, which was issued on the blessed Lailatu i-Qadr (Night of Glory), in 1425 AH, and read in the Hashemite Mosque, is adherence to the Madhhabs and their methodology. Indeed, acknowledgment of these Madhhabs and underscoring their agreement and dialogue guarantees moderation, tolerance and mercy, and sustains dialogue with the others.

- We call for renunciation of disagreement among Muslims, and for unified statements and stances on their part. We also call for underpinning their mutual respect, promoting solidarity among their peoples and their countries, and strengthening the bonds of fraternity that unite them through the love of Allah Almighty. Hence, they are encouraged to leave no room for dissension and external interference