Women Are Key To Intra-Islamic Dialogue, Experts Say

By Noor Bakthtiar Ahmad

MANAMA (Bahrain), Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Women play a vital role in advancing intra-Islamic dialogue and societal development, contributing to the shaping of future generations through tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect for diversity, experts say. 

Speaking at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference held here on Thursday, Vice-President of the Bahrain Supreme Council for Women (SCW), Dr Shaikha Maryam binti Hassan Al Khalifa, highlighted women’s pivotal role in fostering intra-Islamic dialogue and strengthening societal harmony.

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“As half of society, women play a crucial role in cultivating a culture of understanding from an early age,” she said.

Building on this, she emphasised the importance of instilling values of tolerance and openness while equipping younger generations with the dialogue skills needed to navigate differences constructively.

She further called for greater respect for religious and sectarian diversity, even amid differing viewpoints, while highlighting the shared values that unite Muslims and strengthen the collective future of the Islamic nation.

Echoing Al Khalifa’s views, Dr Aisha Yousif Al Mannai, Director of the Muhammad bin Hamad Al Thani Centre for Muslim Contribution to Civilisation at the College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, underscored the need for both men and women to actively engage in meaningful intra-Islamic dialogue.

“Women are pivotal in cultivating a culture of dialogue from a young age by promoting respect for differences and instilling the values of tolerance and moderation,” she said.

Al Mannai referred to the Al Azhar Declaration, which stresses that the progress of societies depends on the equal participation of men and women in building and advancing communities.

She further highlighted that both genders play an essential role in upholding social, cultural, and religious values, contributing to the collective development of the Islamic world.

As part of discussions on women’s resilience in Islamic societies, Al Mannai underscored the steadfastness of Palestinian women in times of crisis, noting their role in preserving identity and reinforcing Islamic values. She pointed out their perseverance as a key factor in maintaining cultural heritage and strengthening the fabric of Islamic communities.

Meanwhile, a fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States, Dr Safinaz Suleiman, shed light on the challenges facing Muslim communities in the West and the role of Islamic institutions in addressing their needs.

Building on this, she stressed that Muslims in Europe and the United States remain an integral part of the global Islamic community, contributing to its civilisational strength.

To further reinforce these connections, Suleiman called for greater engagement with the broader Muslim world through cultural exchange programmes, academic cooperation, and initiatives that equip religious leaders with the necessary tools to promote a correct understanding of Islam.

The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, jointly organised by Al Azhar Al Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders, brought together over 400 Islamic scholars, religious leaders, intellectuals, and experts from across the Islamic world. The two-day conference, held under the theme “One Nation, One Shared Destiny”, aimed to foster unity and strengthen intra-Islamic dialogue.

-- BERNAMA