In a historic gathering aimed at strengthening bonds and fostering unity among diverse Islamic communities, some of the world’s leading scholars have convened in Makkah Conference for a groundbreaking conference titled “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.” Under the esteemed patronage of King Salman and organized by the Muslim World League (MWL), this momentous event marks a pivotal step towards promoting harmony and understanding within the Muslim ummah.
Embracing Unity: A Call from Religious Leaders
The conference, spanning two days, commenced with an inspiring address by Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, the grand mufti of the Kingdom and president of the Council of Senior Scholars. Sheikh Al-Asheikh emphasized the intrinsic unity embedded within Islam, highlighting the imperative of coalition and solidarity while cautioning against division and discord. Drawing upon the prophetic sunnah, he underscored the imperative of fostering reconciliation and eliminating animosity among Muslims, echoing the sentiment that Islam is a religion of unity and harmony.
Makkah Conference-Scholarly Dialogue: Pathway to Togetherness
Central to the discourse was the role of scholars in cultivating an atmosphere of togetherness through respectful dialogue and collaboration. Sheikh Al-Asheikh emphasized the influential position scholars hold within Muslim communities, serving as exemplars of virtue and guidance. Through courteous engagement and goodwill, scholars pave the way for greater cohesion and understanding among diverse sects, fostering a spirit of emulation and unity among believers.
Royal Support: A Catalyst for Unity
Acknowledging the pivotal role of leadership in advancing the cause of unity, Sheikh Al-Asheikh extended gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering efforts to unify and uplift the Muslim ummah. Their steadfast commitment to promoting the well-being of Muslims serves as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring the importance of leadership in fostering unity and harmony.
Guiding Principles: Towards Building Bridges
MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa outlined the conference’s objective of formulating guiding principles to facilitate dialogue and bridge-building initiatives among diverse Muslim communities. The aim is to produce a comprehensive document that delineates pathways for fostering understanding and collaboration, rooted in the timeless values of Islam.
Combatting Sectarianism: A Call to Action
In the face of growing divisions fueled by various forms of communication, Sheikh Al-Issa issued a clarion call for continued dialogue centered on the core tenets of Islam. By reaffirming the key pillars of the faith and promoting mutual respect, scholars endeavor to counteract sectarianism and promote a culture of inclusivity and tolerance within the Muslim ummah.
Global Participation: A Symbol of Unity
The conference witnessed the participation of scholars from diverse regions, reflecting the global significance of the endeavor. From Iran to Indonesia, Pakistan to Turkiye, scholars from across the Islamic world came together to engage in constructive dialogue and exchange perspectives on fostering unity and respectful discourse.
Memoranda of Understanding: Cementing Commitments
On the sidelines of the conference, pivotal agreements were signed to bolster cooperation and collaboration among Islamic institutions. Memoranda of Understanding between the MWL and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as between the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the MWL and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy under the auspices of the OIC, signify a commitment to implementing the conference’s resolutions and advancing research on tolerance and moderation within Islam.
Continued Discourse: Nurturing Unity
As discussions continue to unfold, scholars remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting unity and understanding among diverse segments of the Islamic world. Through scholarly engagement and collaboration, they seek to pave the way for a future characterized by harmony, respect, and mutual cooperation within the global Muslim ummah.
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