Participants in the second session of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference emphasize the role of scholars in fostering understanding and coexistence
Participants in the second session of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference emphasize the role of scholars in fostering understanding and coexistence
His Eminence Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt: Citizenship is a call for acquaintance, achieving justice, and building bridges of love among various groups
His Eminence Sayyid Ali Al-Amin: Efforts should be made to enhance a culture of citizenship, justice, and equality among Ummah members
Sayyid Ali Abdul-Sahib Al-Hakim, Secretary-General of the Imam Al-Hakim Foundation: Jurisprudential differences are a natural reality that should not become a cause for conflict or violence
During the second session of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, themed "One Nation, One Shared Destiny," scholars and thinkers from various Islamic countries emphasized the need to enhance a culture of understanding and tolerance among Islamic schools of thought. They pointed out that religious scholars and authorities play a pivotal role in overcoming obstacles to understanding and in building bridges of communication among followers of Islamic schools of thought. This session was held with the participation of numerous distinguished religious and intellectual figures and was chaired by Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharikah, Director of the Moderation Center at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Kuwait and a member of the European Coordination Council (AMMALE).
In his speech during the session, His Eminence Sheikh Sayyed Ali Al-Amin, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, clarified that differences in scholarly opinions have never been a cause for discord among their followers. Instead, it is the political manipulation of these differences that leads to sharp divisions. He emphasized the necessity of promoting a culture of citizenship, justice, and equality among the members of the Ummah, noting that establishing joint religious institutes between sects would help solidify the values of Islamic unity and tolerance.
His Eminence Professor Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt and Chairman of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, stated that "citizenship" is not, as some portray it, a foreign Western concept conflicting with the spirit of Islam. In reality, it is a call for acquaintance, the achievement of justice, and the building of bridges of love among various groups. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exemplified this concept in the Charter of Medina, which recognized multiple identities and allowed each community its place within a single state.
Furthermore, His Eminence Professor Dr. Ayyad offered several suggestions to address the issues and challenges faced by Muslim countries, such as the decline in community trust due to sectarian speeches and doctrinal biases. He highlighted the importance of establishing an independent global league to unify efforts to bridge institutions, enhance understanding and citizenship, and ensure their independence from sectarian agendas. Additionally, His Eminence emphasized strengthening joint humanitarian efforts among Islamic sects in areas like relief, poverty alleviation, and combating ignorance, to solidify unity and belonging.
His Eminence Sheikh Khalifa Muhammad Al-Madani Tal praised the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, highlighting the role of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in all initiatives aimed at promoting the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity, and support for religious freedoms and practices.
His Eminence Sayyid Ali Abdul-Sahib Al-Hakim, Secretary-General of the Imam Al-Hakim Foundation, emphasized the importance of recognizing that jurisprudential differences are a natural reality that should not lead to conflict or violence. He stressed the necessity of understanding culturally, intellectually, and socially diverse perspectives by familiarizing oneself with the cultural, intellectual, and social aspects, and doctrinal nuances, even if only to a minimal extent of mental familiarity with other schools of thought.
His Eminence Professor Dr. Said Chabar, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Ulema in the Kingdom of Morocco and a professor at Sultan Moulay Slimane University, also emphasized the need for scholars to return to their true role in fostering understanding among sects. He advocated focusing on shared religious foundations and agreed-upon principles, rather than dwelling on divisive details.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is hosting the first edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference on February 19 and 20, under the generous patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The conference will be attended by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with a distinguished group of scholars from the Muslim Ummah. The event is organized by Al-Azhar, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders.