by Modou Modou, Washington DC
In a world that is often riven by its own stark contradictions and enduring conflicts, the 15th OIC Banjul Summit has come to represent a pivotal moment of clarity and enlightenment. At this historic gathering, one of the guest speakers, lawyer Fafa M’Bai, distinguished both by the gravitas of a seasoned jurist and the intellectual depth of a profound scholar, embarked on a rigorous exploration of the Islamic world’s storied past and its contemporary predicaments.
With the precision of a surgeon and the fervor of a revolutionary, he addressed the myriad complexities facing the Muslim world today. His speech, both broad in scope and sharply focused, transcended the usual academic discourse to become a fervent clarion call for renewal—urging a renaissance amidst the contemporary ruins and striving to rekindle the once-bright flame of a civilization that had historically led the globe in scientific, philosophical, and ethical governance. In other words, his address was not merely a nostalgic reverie but a robust call to arms, aiming to revitalize a civilization that once stood at the zenith of intellectual and cultural achievement.
Addressing the modern challenges, M’Bai depicted a Ummah fragmented by internal ideological strife and external geopolitical pressures, which threaten its unity and diminish its stature on the world stage. Rather than merely lament these divisions, he proposed a modus vivendi that seeks to reconcile the rich Islamic intellectual tradition with the urgent needs of the present day. This synthesis of faith and reason, once the bedrock of Islamic ascendancy, is what he sees as crucial for regaining the lost prominence.
As the Persian sage Rumi once articulated, “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” M’Bai’s oratory raised words with the precision and beauty of a seasoned poet, aiming to nurture the flowers of intellect and unity in the fertile grounds of Islamic tradition. His eloquence was a clarion call to the Ummah, echoing through the halls like the gentle yet persistent rains that awaken the dormant seeds of the earth. M’Bai did not only focus on the fractures within; he also illuminated the pathways toward resurgence. He invoked the Prophet Muhammad as the exemplar of a civilization that transformed the barren deserts of Arabia into fertile grounds of scholarly and cultural florescence. Reflecting on the era of Islamic Spain—a time when religious and cultural pluralism thrived under Islamic rule—he reminded us of the potential for a society where diversity is not just accepted but embraced.
In the spirit of luminaries like Ibn Rushd and Ibn Sina, who turned Cordoba into a plillar of knowledge, M’Bai envisions a new era of Islamic scholarship. This vision, anchored not in the nostalgia for past achievements but in a concrete plan for future progress, calls for a revival of the scientific spirit in tandem with a recommitment to moral and ethical governance based on Islamic principles. “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave,” enjoined the Prophet Muhammad, encapsulating M’Bai’s belief that continuous learning is key to the renaissance of the Islamic world. The Banjul Summit, therefore, was not merely a forum for discussion but a catalyst for revival. It served as a profound reminder of a time when the pursuit of knowledge was a sacred endeavor, as noted by Ibn al-Qayyim.
M’Bai challenges the Muslim world to rise again, through a synthesis of faith and reason, to reclaim its rightful place not merely as a chronicler of history but as a formidable architect of the modern world. This summit was a decisive moment, not just for reflection but for action, echoing Ibn Khaldun’s advice, “He who finds no path to success should lay one,” underscoring the imperative for proactive and creative engagement in forging a future that honors the illustrious past while boldly addressing the challenges of today. M’Bai’s exposition was a masterclass in the art of intellectual and cultural revival, calling forth the echoes of a glorious past to inspire a formidable future. His message resonated not just as a reflection on bygone days but as a strategic blueprint for a resurgence, deeply rooted in the rich intellectual and spiritual soils of Islam. In the tradition of great Islamic scholars and poets, his speech was both a reflection and a revelation, calling the Ummah to navigate the complexities of the modern world with wisdom, unity, and foresight.
As global dynamics evolve, it is imperative for leaders across Africa to closely consider the insights presented by Fafa M’Bai at the 15th OIC Banjul Summit. M’Bai’s distinguished career as a scholar, statesman, and author on Islamic and legal themes provides him with unparalleled authority on these subjects. His call for a revival based on Islamic intellectual traditions serves as a strategic guide for governance. African heads of state can leverage his expertise to foster a renaissance that not only acknowledges our rich cultural legacy but also addresses the pressing challenges of the modern world, positioning Africa as a proactive participant in crafting a future that embraces both our unique identities and collective goals.
