Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Focuses on Citizenship and Unity
Manama: Participants in the fourth session of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, themed 'Intra-Islamic Dialogue and Citizenship Issues,' stressed the importance of collective efforts to address modern challenges, build on shared values, and safeguard societies from division. The session, titled 'One Nation, One Shared Destiny,' was chaired by Ayatollah Dr. Seyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad, Head of the Islamic Studies Department at the Academy of Sciences of Iran and Co-President of Religions for Peace.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt and Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy, highlighted that citizenship aligns with Islamic principles, promoting justice and social harmony. He referenced the Constitution of Medina as a historical example of diverse communities coexisting within a unified state. Dr. Ayyad proposed initiatives to combat sectarian rhetoric and enhance social trust, including the creation of a global association to unify efforts and promote joint humanitarian work across Islamic sects.
Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the UAE, underscored the significance of dialogue for national stability and cohesive societies. He emphasized leveraging platforms like the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference to foster understanding, noting the UAE's model of promoting dialogue and shared values through structured initiatives and legislation.
Dr. Sayyed Jawad Mohammed Taqi Al Khoei, Secretary General of the Al Khoei Institute in Najaf, emphasized Islam's foundational principles of unity in faith and word. He called for respectful dialogue that upholds human dignity and strengthens Islamic unity, recalling the significance of the 2003 Islamic Sect Dialogue Conference in Bahrain.
Seyed Mohammad Ali Abtahi, Former Vice President of Iran for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, discussed the need to address cultural diversity and the distortion of Islamic perceptions due to extremist narratives. He advocated for enhanced cooperation between religious and academic institutions to bridge generational gaps in religious discourse.
Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif Daryan, Grand Mufti of Lebanon, highlighted Islam's core principles of tolerance and justice. He stressed the need for structured mechanisms for interfaith engagement, emphasizing dialogue as essential for building societies rooted in citizenship and mutual respect.
Talgat Safich Tadzhuddin, Grand Mufti of Russia, called for expanding intra-Islamic dialogue based on principles from the Constitution of Medina. He acknowledged Bahrain's role as a platform for global Islamic initiatives.
Ali bin Al Sayed Abdulrahman Al Hashemi, Advisor for Religious and Judicial Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs, emphasized the importance of effective dialogue rooted in openness and ethical conduct, citing historical examples of its significance.
Dr. Omar Bakhit Mohamed Adam, Sudan's Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, urged scholars to find innovative solutions for dialogue and citizenship challenges, highlighting dialogue's role in promoting national stability and enriching Islamic civilization.
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