King of Bahrain: Today, we heed the historic call of the Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders by convening this crucial conference to rejuvenate Islamic thought
King of Bahrain: It was the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who initiated the idea for the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain over two years ago
King of Bahrain: Today, we heed the historic call of the Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders by convening this crucial conference to rejuvenate Islamic thought
King of Bahrain: Only in unity does the Muslim Ummah find its glory and sovereignty
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, expressed pleasure that Bahrain is hosting the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, an initiative originally proposed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, over two years ago. He remarked, “Today, we answer the Grand Imam’s historic call by convening this pivotal conference, which aims to rejuvenate Islamic thought and usher in a new era that allows us to accurately and faithfully convey the true spirit of Islam, and to intelligently address the challenges that impede the advancement of our civilization.”
During the conference's main session at Al-Sakhir Palace, the King of Bahrain highlighted that the challenges confronting our Islamic Ummah compel us to work harder to find a unifying consensus that brings our hearts together, strengthens our unity, bolsters our determination, and shuns division and discord. He emphasized that our nation’s dignity and sovereignty can only be maintained through unity and adherence to our faith, echoing the divine command: “Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute with one another, or you would be discouraged and weakened” (The Holy Quran, 8:46).
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also expressed his eagerness for the conference’s contributions in the scholarly and Sharia-related fields, particularly on promoting moderate thought, preventing the misuse of religion and sectarianism that threatens societal stability and national sovereignty, and creating innovative and sincere mechanisms to broaden understanding and cohesion across all elements of our Islamic communities, led by the wise guidance of religious leaders and scholars from diverse schools and intellectual traditions.
In concluding his speech, His majesty King Hamad reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to supporting any resolutions from this auspicious religious gathering that aim to unite our Islamic Ummah under the principle of authentic ‘religious fraternity.' This commitment involves deepening solidarity and fostering closeness among Islamic sects, considering their differences as diversity and complementarity, and acknowledging that their commonalities far exceed their differences.