KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- Leading Islamic scholars and senior muftis from over 90 countries have gathered in Makkah for the second edition of the international conference “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects”, which aims to foster Islamic unity and coordinate responses to common challenges.
Held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the conference, themed "Towards an Effective Islamic Coalition", commenced on Thursday in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
Organised by the Muslim World League (MWL), the conference aims to develop practical programmes for fostering unity among Islamic sects.
In his speech, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, said the challenges facing the Islamic world should serve as a catalyst for unity, fostering solidarity rather than fuel division through accusations, projections and polarisation.
He emphasised that in addressing these challenges, the Ummah should prioritise strengthening relationships, building trust, and reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood.
“Your responsibility is immense in upholding wisdom that preserves the unity of the Ummah and addresses its challenges and concerns,” he said. The speech was delivered on his behalf by Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, Dr Fahd bin Saad Al-Majid.
In the speech, Sheikh Abdulaziz highlighted that the second edition of the "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" conference serves as a vital model for addressing Islamic doctrinal matters, focusing on scientific and intellectual peace.
He also warned against tendencies that promote conflict, which have only exacerbated the difficulties facing the nation.
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hussain Ibrahim Taha, in his speech, called upon everyone to be courageous enough to set aside differences, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and work towards a unified vision that restores the ummah's glory and regains its leading role among nations.
He underscored that unity is both a religious duty and a historical responsibility.
Meanwhile, secretary-general of the MWL and chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, Dr Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, called for greater unity and mutual respect among Islamic sects, emphasising that diversity is a divine principle that has shaped the Muslim nation for centuries.
He cautioned that "the negative effects of sectarian debates have not only resulted in tragedies but have also extended their harmful impact, undermining Islam and Muslims, leaving painful truths recorded in the dark pages of history".
He underscored the importance of fostering dialogue within the Islamic community, stating, "We all know that difference and diversity are a divine universal law, and these have remained within the Islamic community for centuries."
He further emphasised that every sect possesses unique characteristics as ordained by God and has the right to exist with dignity within Islam. "Each sect has its own uniqueness, which God has ordained, and it has the right to exist with the dignity of Islam."
Highlighting the importance of coexistence, he added, fraternity in coexistence, and even the necessary solidarity, does not require agreeing with the specifics of others, but rather understanding and respecting their existence.
He concluded by reaffirming the unity of Islam, stating, "This means recognising that the umbrella of Islam is one, its fraternity is unified, and the common ground is vast."
The conference continued on Friday with four additional sessions, covering topics such as: "Elements of the Islamic Coalition", "Fields of Joint Work Between Islamic Sects According to the Document of Building Bridges Between Schools of Thought and Sects", "Issues of the Ummah and Coordination of Stances", and "The Islamic-Islamic Dialogue".
-- BERNAMA
