Major Two-Day Conference in Bahrain Closes with Call for Islamic Unity and Mutual Respect
The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, hosted by Bahrain, concluded with a powerful declaration titled “Nida’ Ahl Al Qibla” (Call of the Qibla People), urging a unified religious discourse under the theme “One Nation, One Shared Destiny.”
The two-day event brought together scholars, intellectuals, and religious leaders to address the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah and chart a path toward greater unity and mutual understanding. Attendees included His Eminence Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Dr Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Muslim Council of Elders member His Eminence Sayyed Ali Al Amin, Grand Mufti of Egypt and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide His Eminence Dr Nazir Ayyad, Dr. Ali Abdul Sahib Al Hakim, Secretary General of the Imam Al Hakim Foundation, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Scholars in Morocco and professor at Sultan Moulay Slimane University Dr Saeed Shibbar, Council of Senior Scholars at Al Azhar Al Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders member Professor Hassan Al Shafei, US Justice and Wisdom president Dr Mahmoud Alkhuzaee, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Muhammad bin Hamad Al Thani Centre for Muslim Contribution to Civilisation at the College of Islamic Studies director Dr Aisha Yousif Al Mannai and others.
The declaration emphasised that true Islamic fraternity goes beyond superficial rapprochement, calling for a deeper appreciation of shared values and the necessity of harmony in the face of global challenges. It acknowledged the existence of doctrinal differences but clarified that its goal is not to eliminate these differences but to safeguard Islamic brotherhood and promote respect for diversity.
The declaration highlighted the importance of fostering intellectual and sectarian understanding through open academic discussions and scholarly dialogues. It warned against narratives that promote division and discord, describing such rhetoric as a serious threat to the unity and cohesion of the Muslim Ummah.
“The challenges facing Muslims today, whether direct hostilities or attempts to sow discord, are shared challenges that require collective action,” the declaration stated. It called for vigilance against divisive rhetoric and emphasised the need for a renewed commitment to the principles of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The declaration underscored the fundamental role of freedom as a divine trust, noting that Allah has granted humans the freedom of thought and action. It cited the Qur’anic verse, “And say, ‘The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills—let him believe; and whoever wills—let him disbelieve’” (Surah Al Kahf, 29), to affirm the principle of doctrinal freedom.
Mutual respect among Islamic scholars and their followers was also highlighted as both a religious obligation and a universally agreed principle. The declaration called for an immediate end to insults or derogatory remarks directed at religious figures of any school of thought, condemning discrimination or offense based on doctrinal beliefs.
The declaration stressed the urgent need to renew Islamic discourse to counter division and isolate extremist voices across all schools of thought. It called for enhanced collaboration among religious, academic, intellectual, and media institutions to confront the culture of hatred and division within the Muslim world.
“Promoting mutual understanding and cooperation to fulfill the essence of Islamic unity is an obligation upon all Muslims,” the declaration stated.
It emphasised that the dialogue needed today is not a theological debate but a constructive discourse that embraces commonalities and addresses shared challenges with respect and ethical decorum.
The declaration urged leading Islamic institutions to undertake a comprehensive scholarly initiative aimed at identifying areas of agreement across different schools of thought in matters of faith, jurisprudence, and values. Such an initiative, it noted, would enhance the Ummah’s self-awareness, rectify misconceptions, and strengthen the global Islamic message.
It also warned against the misuse of religious principles for narrow partisan gains, calling for the integrity of Islamic teachings to be safeguarded from political disputes and pressures.
The declaration highlighted the vital responsibility of the press and media, particularly digital and social media platforms, in avoiding divisive rhetoric and preventing the spread of narratives that fuel conflict among Muslims. It called for wisdom and courage in critically examining inherited perspectives and fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding.
As the conference concluded, the declaration served as a clarion call for unity, urging Muslims worldwide to embrace their shared destiny and work collectively to overcome challenges, preserve their faith, and strengthen the bonds of the Ummah.