Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Announces Egypt as the Host of the Second Edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference
In the Presence of the King of Bahrain, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Delivers Key Address at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference:
Division and Fragmentation Have Emboldened Others Against Us—Now, We Hear Calls to Displace the Palestinian People to Build a Tourist Resort on Their Land
The Time Has Come for True Arab-Islamic Solidarity
I Deeply Appreciate This Exceptional Gathering, a Rare Sight Where Scholars from Across the Islamic Spectrum, Sunnis and Shiites, Have Come Together
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Announces Egypt as the Host of the Second Edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prays for the Success of Arab Leaders at Their Upcoming Summit
His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that history has proven that the Islamic Ummah has gained nothing from division, fragmentation, or interference in each other’s internal affairs. He warned that territorial disputes, the exploitation of sectarian and ethnic differences, and attempts to alter established religious traditions through coercion or enticement have only fueled conflict, weakened the Ummah, and emboldened external forces against it. The Grand Imam condemned calls to forcibly displace an entire people from their homeland to make way for a tourist resort—built upon the remains of martyrs, men, women, and children—from among our brothers and sisters in Gaza. He stressed that the time has come for genuine Arab-Islamic solidarity, free from the divisive forces that have held the Ummah back for so long. Only through true unity, he affirmed, can the Islamic world secure its future and safeguard its lands.
During his speech at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held at Al-Sakhir Palace in the presence of His Majesty the King of Bahrain, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, offered a heartfelt prayer, asking Allah to guide and unite Arab leaders at their upcoming summits in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Grand Imam also extended his gratitude to Islamic scholars, Islamic jurists, and intellectuals for their gracious response to the invitation of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders, to engage in consultations on the pressing challenges imposed by a painful reality that continues to weigh heavily on all Muslims. Expressing his appreciation for this exceptional gathering, His Eminence noted that such a remarkable scene has rarely been witnessed—one where scholars and representatives from across the Islamic spectrum, including Sunni, Shiite, Zaydi, and Ibadi scholars, as well as Muslims of all backgrounds, have come together in unity. He cited the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who defined a Muslim in the hadith:
“Whoever prays as we do, faces our Qiblah, and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim under Allah’s and His Messenger’s protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those in His protection.”
In his commitment to continuing the journey and renewing intentions in service of Islam, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, announced that the next edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference will be hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. He prayed to Allah Almighty to guide efforts toward the well-being of the Ummah and to enable it to achieve unity, solidarity, progress, and prosperity.
The Grand Imam expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, for embracing this sincere call for dialogue among the components of the Ummah, aimed at fostering unity and strengthening Islamic fraternity in the face of shared challenges. He also commended Bahrain’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for the conference’s success and ensuring that its message reaches the world. Concluding his speech, he prayed for continued peace, security, and stability for Bahrain and all Muslim nations.