Latest news with #Intra-IslamicDialogueConference
Bahrain This Week
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Bahrain This Week
One Nation, One Destiny
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.
See - Sada Elbalad
13-03-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sano: Contemporary Challenges Require Unity of Muslim Ummah and Its Reconciliation
Mohamed Mandour Dr. Qutb Mustapha Sano, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, former Minister of Religious Affairs, Minister of International Cooperation, former Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Guinea, and Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah, stressed the importance of uniting the Muslim Ummah and reconciling its people in the face of contemporary challenges that seek to divide them and impose a specific culture. In the third episode of the "One Ummah" program, which airs on the Muslim Council of Elders' social media platforms throughout Ramadan, He stated that the Muslim Ummah is confronting numerous intellectual, social, political, and economic challenges. These require unified efforts to overcome. This can be achieved by raising generations capable of turning these challenges into opportunities and using modern technologies positively and beneficially for the Ummah. The member of the Muslim Council of Elders further explained that unity within the Ummah is also about distancing itself from extremism and radicalism and upholding the values of mutual understanding and coexistence. This was the main focus of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held in Bahrain last February, which called for the unity of the Ummah based on the shared belief that those who pray our prayer, face our Qiblah, and consume our halal food are indeed Muslims. Dr. Qutb Sano urged the members of the Ummah to move beyond past historical conflicts in which current and future generations were not involved, citing Allah's words: "That was a community that had already gone before. For them is what they earned and for you is what you have earned. And you will not be accountable for what they have done." (The Quran, 2:141). This, he emphasized, is crucial for the Ummah to restore its unity, leadership, and distinctiveness.
See - Sada Elbalad
08-03-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
GCC Ministerial Council Commends Bahrain's Hosting of Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference
Mohamed Mandour The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in its 163rd session, held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, commended the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the inaugural edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in February 2024. The event was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and was attended by His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with more than 400 scholars and intellectuals representing various Islamic schools of thought and sects. Article 47 of the final statement of the meeting underscored the Ministerial Council's appreciation for Bahrain's hosting of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference under the theme 'One Nation, One Shared Destiny.' The conference aimed to foster unity, reject division and discord, uphold the noble values of Islam, and strengthen solidarity and rapprochement among Islamic schools of thought. The conference, organized jointly by Al-Azhar, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders, culminated in the launch of the 'Call for the People of Qiblah' Charter—a comprehensive declaration aimed at fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among all Islamic sects and schools of thought. This landmark document reaffirms the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the importance of collective efforts in addressing contemporary challenges.
See - Sada Elbalad
27-02-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Iraqi National Wisdom Movement leader Discuss Ways to Enhance Islamic Unity
Mohamed Mandour Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, welcomed Ammar Al-Hakim, Head of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, to discuss strategies for bolstering Islamic unity among all components of the Muslim Ummah. Al-Tayeb stressed that unity is the sole pathway to revitalizing our Arab and Muslim nations. Consequently, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was launched in the Kingdom of Bahrain to harmonize the perspectives of Muslim scholars. He noted that the Ummah is currently grappling with a difficult situation that presents a substantial challenge, particularly emphasizing the profound distress experienced by Arabs and Muslims due to the extended conflict in Gaza, which has now persisted for over sixteen months. The Grand Imam further declared that the only resolution lies in uniting Muslims under a common cause, emphasizing that the time for division and discord has passed. He expressed profound surprise at the paradox of division without cause, saying, "It is profoundly astonishing that we find reasons to divide when there are none, while others find unity despite having no common ground. We must fiercely protect our unity, for the Muslim Ummah possesses shared values that can serve as a solid foundation for unifying our voices and standing as one." His Eminence prayed for God to bless Muslim countries with peace and security. During his reception of Ammar Al-Hakim, Head of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted the robust connections between Al-Azhar, the Council, and Iraq. He observed that such visits yield significant benefits and mirror the activities undertaken during conferences like the recent "Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference," which emphasized discussions and calls for unity. He reiterated that these efforts aim to positively influence the lives of Muslims and deepen the bonds of Islamic fraternity. Ammar Al-Hakim expressed his gratitude and respect for the roles played by Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue, commenting, "We consistently follow your esteemed statements and regard Al-Azhar as a beacon of moderation and balance, renowned for its advocacy on behalf of Muslim issues; this has always been our understanding of it. The Iraqi government and its religious leadership have maintained a unified stance on the Palestinian ordeal from its outset seventy years ago to the present. We value Egypt's firm opposition to the displacement of Palestinians, which has been clear and valiant, as well as the profound Arab and Islamic solidarity." Al-Hakim also briefed the Grand Imam on the latest developments in Iraq, stating that the country is making rapid and steady strides toward stability and advancement. He proclaimed, "Thank God, we are experiencing ongoing recovery and stability across all fronts, notably in the political and security realms. Iraq has become a bustling workshop of reconstruction and development, and we are racing against time to ensure Iraq reaches its deserved prominence and respect. The diverse Iraqi populace eagerly anticipates your visit, valuing your significant Islamic stature. They deeply respect and follow your bold stances."
Bahrain News Gazette
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Bahrain News Gazette
Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Chairman Engages with Iraqi Scholars at Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference
Manama: Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), engaged in discussions with several prominent scholars from Iraq during the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference. This event, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, featured the theme 'One Nation, One Shared Destiny' and was attended by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed expressed his gratitude towards the Iraqi scholars for their participation and contributions to the conference. He emphasized the significance of enhancing Arab and Islamic cooperation to foster better understanding and unity within the Islamic community. The Iraqi scholars extended their congratulations to Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed for the successful organization of the conference. They also expressed their appreciation for Bahrain's hospitality and praised the conference's objectives, which aim to foster unity among Muslims and strengthen Islamic cooperation. Among the distinguished scholars in attendance were Dr. Ali Abdul Sahib Al Hakim, Secretary General of the Imam Al Hakim Foundation; Dr. Sayyed Jawad Al Khoei, Secretary General of the Al Khoei Institute in Najaf, Iraq and UNESCO Professor for Interreligious Dialogue Studies at the University of Kufa; and Dr. Sayyed Zaid Mohammed Bahr Al Uloom, Director of Al-Balaghi Centre at Dar Al-Ilm for Imam Al Khoei. Other notable attendees included Dr. Haidar Al Sahlani, Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence at the University of Kufa; Sayed Modhar Alhilou½; Dr. Sayyed Hashim Al Awadi; Shaikh Ahmed Jawad Al Kindi; Sayyed Ihsan Saleh Al Hakim, Director of Imam Al Hussein Foundation for Dialogue and Peacebuilding; Dr. Abdul Amir Kazem Zahid, Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Kufa and Board Member of the Al Rafidain Centre for Dialogue; Shaikh Ahmed Al Saimari; Sayyed Waleed Al Ba'aj; Dr. Sheikh Thaer Al Saadi; and Shaikh Mohammed Taher Al Khaqani.
