Imams Examine and Discuss Democracy, Human Rights

With a new vision of what democracy is and how it should work, dozens of imams from Sanaa, Yemen, are now incorporating democratic concepts into their discussions of societal issues inside and outside the mosque.

Men and women preachers have publicly addressed the need for rule of law, women’s political participation, and components of good governance and transparency as they address their followers’ questions of what is halal (allowed in Islam), and what is haram (forbidden).

These imams have so far attended 14 out of 20 democracy and human rights training sessions organized by the National Organization for Developing Society (NODS), with support from the MEPI Local Grants program.  NODS implemented a similar 2006 project in Taez, Yemen, also with support from MEPI.

According to NODS director Shawqi Al Qadi, the outcome of the Sanaa training so far has exceeded his expectations in terms of the change in thought patterns and attitudes.

“Evaluation questionnaires reveal that 80% of attendees’ behavior and religious sermons were positively influenced, and 20% were mildly affected,” he said.  “The questionnaire also disclosed a 100% approval and encouragement of a second round of this type of training.”

Despite the fact that some participating imams were opposed to considering any issue or concept related to democracy, by the end of the training, all participants agreed to the importance of understanding and addressing the concepts discussed.  “Even the most stringent imams demonstrated a much improved perception – though not complete approval – of democracy,” commented Al Qadi.

The interactive training includes role play, practical exercises, dialogue, and power point presentations, and each session has attracted the participation of at least 35 imams.  The “Concepts of Democracy” session was the most popular session so far, drawing 60 participants.

The project was covered in local media and web portals such as “reef news,” “taiz today,” and the NODS website.

This article was written by staff at the MEPI Regional Office Abu Dhabi and appears on their website at www.abudhabi.mepi.state.gov.