From Noor Bakhtiar Ahmad
MANAMA (Bahrain), Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concluded on Thursday with a strong call for unity, urging Islamic institutions to collaborate on key issues affecting the Muslim world, including support for Palestine, resistance to occupation, and combating poverty and extremism.
The final statement was delivered by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Dr Ahmed Al Tayyeb.
It stressed that Islamic unity is a shared responsibility and that mutual understanding and cooperation are essential for fostering Islamic fraternity.
The statement called for a dialogue that “is not focused on theological debate but rather on practical engagement that embraces the many shared elements of unity in confronting contemporary challenges.”
A key outcome of the conference was the proposal to establish an Islamic Dialogue Association under the Muslim Council of Elders to serve as a platform for open communication among all components of the Islamic nation without exclusion.
This initiative draws from the prophetic tradition that defines the Muslim nation as a unified entity.
The conference also reaffirmed its unwavering support for Palestine, calling for concerted efforts to resist occupation and uphold justice.
Participants highlighted that when Muslims from diverse backgrounds collaborate on pressing global issues, sectarian tensions naturally subside under the broader framework of Islamic solidarity.
In addition, the event launched the Nida’ Ahl Al Qibla (Call of the Qibla People) declaration, promoting a unified religious discourse under the theme of One Nation, One Shared Destiny.
The General Secretariat of the Muslim Council of Elders confirmed that it will oversee the implementation of the conference’s resolutions and, in coordination with Al Azhar Al Sharif, initiate preparations for the second Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Cairo.
The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was held under the patronage of Bahrain’s King, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The two-day conference, which began on Wednesday, was jointly organized by Al Azhar Al Sharif, Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), and the Muslim Council of Elders. It gathered over 400 Islamic scholars, religious leaders, intellectuals, and experts from across the Islamic world.
The initiative follows the Grand Imam’s call during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022 to strengthen Islamic unity and reinforce dialogue among Muslim scholars.
The conference seeks to move beyond discussions on rapprochement, establishing a structured dialogue focused on shared principles and common challenges.
-- BERNAMA
