Fifth Session of Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Highlights Challenges to Islamic Unity
Manama: The fifth session of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, titled 'One Nation… One Shared Destiny: Responding to the Challenges of Achieving Intra-Islamic Understanding,' gathered esteemed scholars from across the Islamic world to discuss unity and shared values. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Abbas Shoman, Secretary General of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al Azhar.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Ayatollah Dr. Sayyed Abu al Qasim al Dibaji, Secretary General of the World Islamic Jurisprudence Organisation, stressed the significance of the conference in fortifying unity among Muslims. He highlighted that Islamic unity serves as a fundamental basis for progress and dignity and advocated for practical steps through constructive dialogue, media engagement, and educational reforms.
Professor Dr. Mostafa Bajou, from the University of Ghardaia and member of the High Islamic Council in Algeria, addressed the challenges to intra-Islamic understanding. He emphasized that opposition is natural in efforts aimed at humanity's betterment, particularly within Islamic missions. Bajou called for wisdom and effort to foster an environment conducive to the Islamic nation's progress through meaningful dialogue.
Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif Mahmoud Al Mahmoud, alongside Sheikh Dr. Fareed Al Miftah and Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim bin Rashid Al Muraikhi, presented a paper highlighting that the diversity of Islamic thought should unify rather than divide. They noted that early Muslim scholars, despite differences, maintained mutual respect, and that modern efforts should aim to uphold these principles of understanding and fraternity.
Sheikh Nasser Sheikh Ahmed Al Asfour, with contributions from Dr. Suleiman Sheikh Mansour Al Sitri and Sheikh Mohammed Hassan Abdul Mahdi Al Sheikh, examined the challenges to intra-Islamic understanding. The paper emphasized Islam's principles of coexistence and tolerance, noting that early Muslims spread the faith through these values. The discussion underscored returning to Islamic teachings to address divisions.
Proposals from the session included enhancing theological dialogue, developing curricula to instill values of tolerance, supporting balanced media discourse, and establishing institutions to unify Muslims. Sir Iqbal Abdul Karim Sacranie, Senior Advisor to the Muslim Council of Britain, highlighted the necessity of internal Islamic understanding for cohesion within the global Muslim community, advocating for dialogue, education, and cooperation to confront challenges and strengthen unity.
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