Aim

Enhance and consolidate the bonds of fraternity and solidarity among the Member States; safeguard and protect the common interests and support the legitimate causes of the Member States, and coordinate and unify the efforts of the Member States in view of the challenges faced by the Islamic world in particular, and the international community in general; respect the right of self-determination and non-interference in the domestic affairs and to respect sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of each Member State; support the restoration of complete sovereignty and territorial integrity of any Member State under occupation, as a result of aggression, on the basis of international law and cooperation with the relevant international and regional organisations; ensure active participation of the Member States in the global political, economic, and social decision-making processes to secure their common interests; promote inter-state relations based on justice, mutual respect, and good neighbourliness to ensure global peace, security and harmony; reaffirm its support for the rights of peoples as stipulated in the UN Charter and international law; support and empower the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self determination and establish their sovereign State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, while safeguarding its historic and Islamic character as well as the Holy places therein; strengthen intra-Islamic economic and trade cooperation; achieve economic integration leading to the establishment of an Islamic Common Market; exert efforts to achieve sustainable and comprehensive human development and economic well-being in Member States; disseminate, promote, and preserve the Islamic teachings and values based on moderation and tolerance, promote Islamic culture and safeguard Islamic heritage; protect and defend the true image of Islam, to combat defamation of Islam and encourage dialogue among civilisations and religions; enhance and develop science and technology and encourage research and cooperation among Member States in these fields; promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms including the rights of women, children, youth, elderly, and people with special needs as well as the preservation of Islamic family values; emphasise, protect, and promote the role of the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society; safeguard the rights, dignity and religious and cultural identity of Muslim communities and minorities in non-Member States; promote and defend unified position on issues of common interest in the international fora; cooperate in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, organised crime, illicit drug trafficking, corruption, money laundering and human trafficking; cooperate and coordinate in humanitarian emergencies such as natural disasters; promote cooperation in social, cultural and information fields among the Member States.

History

The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, as a result of criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.