World Islamic Call Society
World Islamic Call Society (Abbreviated: W.I.C.S) (Arabic: جمعية الدعوة الإسلامية العالمية) is a non-profit entity that is comprised of more than 250 Islamic Organizations from around the world who are members of its General Congress.
The General Conference of WICS is held once every four years. Its task is to set the outlines for the Society's programs and activities in religious, cultural, social and economic development for the following four years. The General Congress chooses 36 members from among its affiliates to be part of the International Council for Islamic Call.
Financing and income sources
The Society finances the social, economic, religious and cultural programs from returns on the investments made within and outside the State’s Headquarters. The programs are also supported by generous donations and gifts presented by philanthropists and institutions.
Areas of interest
WICS is interested in bridging the gaps among religions and bringing them closer by promoting interfaith dialogue. One of the main focuses of the Society is to promote moderate view of Islam that is inclusive rather than exclusive. The Society hopes to become a beacon of religious tolerance, understanding, spirituality and enlightenment. www.islamic-call.net/English
WICS and women
WICS is also a major advocate of Women. Muslim women’s issues represent an essential part of WICS’s programs. This is because the Society’s objectives are in compliance with the distinguished position that Islam gave women. The programs that address women’s interests comprise education, training and medical care. The Society also provides support in activating women’s institutions such as unions and associations. In addition, it organizes cultural forums, seminars, lectures and conferences that discuss women’s issues and ways to solve the problems that they face so as to enable them to become active and effective participants in the development of their respective societies. The programs also aim at freeing them from all kinds of injustices that encumber her due to society’s backwardness and ignorance; such as traditional factors that hold them back in social life, or the materialistic pressures that force her to imitate men to the detriment of her unique value as a human being.
Interest in women’s issues is a priority in World Islamic Call Society’s programs. This becomes clear when looking at the many programs that focus on Muslim women, namely the organization of training programs in different fields to afford them the opportunity to participate in the global process of social, economic and cultural development.
Cooperation with the United Nations
WICS has working relationships with various UN bodies such as UNICEF and UNESCO. The organization carries out educational and humanitarian projects with the above mentioned UN bodies through out the world.
Interfaith activities
In an ongoing attempt to create an atmosphere of understanding, tolerance and respect, WICS also has strong working relationships with various religious bodies including the Vatican.