Bahrain's Role as a Beacon of Peace: Islamic Dialogue Conference Marks New Era of Unity
Bahrain has launched numerous initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and coexistence, particularly during the prosperous era under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. The Kingdom has made exceptional efforts to enhance dialogue and foster peaceful coexistence, rooted in its rich heritage of mutual respect, acceptance of others, and commitment to peace.
Bahrain's embrace of Islam dates back to its early days when it responded to the call of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and since then, the Kingdom has been a proud home to mosques where the message of Islam has been preached. Throughout history, Bahrain has been known for its humanistic, Islamic, and Arab values, and it has consistently sought initiatives to strengthen relationships and address challenges.
One of the Kingdom's most recent efforts in this regard is hosting the Islamic Dialogue Conference under the theme 'One Nation, One Destiny.' This conference, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, is organized by Al-Azhar, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and the Council of Muslim Elders. It is expected to be a leading global platform, bringing together scholars, thinkers, and religious leaders from across the Muslim world, along with influential figures and decision-makers. The aim is to foster constructive dialogue, unify perspectives on critical issues facing the Muslim Ummah, and promote understanding and solidarity among diverse intellectual and sectarian communities.
Earlier, in November 2022, Bahrain hosted the 'Bahrain Dialogue Forum: East and West for Coexistence,' which took place from November 3rd to 6th under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. The forum coincided with the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Pope of the Vatican, to Bahrain in response to an invitation from King Hamad. This event featured prominent figures, including the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and the President of the Council of Muslim Elders.
Bahrain has consistently utilized its resources and active diplomacy to support tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect between nations. The Kingdom has adopted and supported numerous international initiatives promoting interfaith dialogue, hosting several key conferences such as the 2002 Islamic-Christian Dialogue, the 2003 Conference on Islamic Unity, the 2014 Dialogue of Civilizations and Cultures, and the launch of the 'Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration' for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence in Los Angeles in 2017. Additionally, Bahrain established the 'King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence' in 2018, and the 'King Hamad Chair for Dialogue Between Religions and Peaceful Coexistence' at the University of La Sapienza in Rome.
In response to the ongoing challenges facing the Ummah, the Islamic Dialogue Conference provides a critical platform for uniting scholars, thinkers, and leaders under one roof to support justice and safeguard the unity of the Muslim community, enabling it to address various threats and challenges.
Bahrain's initiatives shine brightly in the realm of humanity, carrying the torch of reconciliation and striving towards further Islamic unity. The Kingdom firmly believes that the path to overcoming challenges and fulfilling aspirations lies in unity and the resolution of divisions, continuously working to enrich the human journey with dialogue and coexistence.
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