Building Bridges between Islamic Sects Conference Kicks off in Mecca
The International Conference “Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects” commenced yesterday evening in Mecca. This conference is under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The conference is organized by the Muslim World League (MWL) with broad participation from representatives of various Islamic sects and denominations.
Al-Sheikh’s Speech in Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects Conference
The conference began with a welcoming speech by the Grand Mufti of KSA and the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh. In his address, He emphasized Islam’s call for unity and warned against division. Moreover, he pointed out that the Prophetic tradition is replete with directives to unify Muslims.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to eliminate anything that causes discord and animosity among them. Besides, he added that when emphasizing this great principle brought by Islam, it calls for every effort to reconciliation among Muslims and to avoid anything that may divide them.
In addition, he expressed gratitude to King Salman for his gracious patronage of this conference. He also mentioned his tremendous efforts towards Muslims unity and realizing their interests. He also thanked Crown Prince, who exerts great efforts in uniting Muslims. Al-Sheikh thanked MWL and its Secretary-General for organizing the conference and their continuous efforts in serving Islam and Muslims.
Al-Issa’s Comments in Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects Conference
Following this, the Secretary-General of MWL and the President of the Muslim World League’s Council of Senior Scholars, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, delivered a speech. In this speech, he announced the intention of the conference participants to launch the “Document for Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects”. This document aims to outline illuminating principles and important guiding indicators. Additionally, it aims to foster unity among Islamic sects for the benefit of the Muslim nation in facing challenges.
Besides, Al-Issa expressed joy at the historic conference being held in Mecca, extending the themes of the Mecca Document. He highlighted that the conference, with its diverse scholars from various sects within the Islamic world, confirms the well-being of the Islamic nation, with its divine scholars as exemplary models.
Furthermore, he commended the deep understanding of the nation’s scholars and asserted that doctrinal diversity necessitates accommodating various aspects. This includes recognizing diversity as divine, pursuing truth collectively, and uniting Islamic sects under a common identity. He stressed Islamic unity despite doctrinal differences, warning against divisive slogans fueling conflict.
Al-Issa warned against the negative exploitation of traditional and new media to escalate differences and stir sentiments within the Islamic community. He also called for media messages in the Islamic world to promote positive dialogue that fosters unity and brotherhood. Al-Issa expressed gratitude for the significant Islamic efforts of King Salman and the Crown Prince. He wished for their continued protection and abundant rewards for their contributions to Islam, Muslims, and humanity.
Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Remarks
On his part, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrahim Taha regarded the conference’s patronage as an extension of the Kingdom’s clear stance on Islamic world issues. He emphasized that this patronage embodies KSA’s spiritual leadership and continuous support for everything that unites Muslims. Taha highlighted the significance of the conference in furthering these principles.
Taha expressed confidence in the conference’s ability to advance the cause of rapprochement between Islamic sects. He believed that its recommendations and outcomes would contribute significantly to laying the foundations and principles for this rapprochement. He praised the diligent efforts of the Muslim World League and its active presence in serving Islam and Muslims across the globe.
Promoting Islamic Unity: Voices from Diverse Perspectives
Following Taha’s remarks, the speakers from various countries continued their speeches in the opening session. The speakers included members of the Council of Experts in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Egypt’s Minister of Awqaf and leaders of Islamic organizations from Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iraq, among others. They emphasized the importance of Islamic unity and cooperation among different sects.
Fostering Collaboration: Memorandums for Unity & Progress
On the sidelines of the conference, memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between MWL and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This MoU symbolizes the joint cooperation to implement the outcomes of the conference and promote unity and tolerance.
Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Islamic Fiqh Council of the MWL and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This MoU aims to enhance cooperation in scientific research. It also seeks to promote a culture of tolerance and moderation and to strengthen Islamic unity.
The forum continues on Monday with different sessions. Islamic scholars and intellectuals will discuss various issues related to inter-sectarian cooperation. They aim to promote commonalities and foster doctrinal diversity and respectful discourse.
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