Makkah conference, global scholars urge Islamic unity

Jeddah: A gathering of prominent scholars from around the globe has convened in Makkah for a conference themed "Forging Connections among Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects". Hosted under the auspices of King Salman and organised by the Muslim World League (MWL), the event commenced near the Grand Mosque on Sunday evening.

In his opening address, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, the grand mufti of the Kingdom and president of the Council of Senior Scholars, emphasised the pivotal role of unity in Islam. He reiterated Islam's call for coalition and warned against division, stressing the importance of scholars in fostering harmony among Muslims.

“When we emphasize this great principle brought by Islam, which calls for every effort to reconcile among Muslims and to avoid anything that may divide them, we address this discourse firstly to their scholars, as Muslims view them as a source of fatwas and religious guidance”, said Al-Asheikh.

MWL Secretary-General Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa stated the conference's objective to draft guiding principles for building bridges between diverse Muslim communities. He expressed delight in launching the historic conference, emphasizing its continuity from the Makkah Document.

Echoing the sentiment of unity, Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, head of the UAE Fatwa Council, highlighted the significance of adhering to the five pillars of Islam as a means to achieve solidarity among Muslims.

The conference witnessed participation from scholars representing various nations, including Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq, Malaysia and several African countries. Their speeches highlighted the importance of respectful discourse and unity within the Islamic world.

During the conference, crucial agreements were signed between the MWL and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), aimed at implementing the conference's resolutions. Additionally, agreements between the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the MWL and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy were forged to promote research and propagate a culture of tolerance among Muslims.

Discussions continued on Monday, focusing on fostering unity and mutual understanding among diverse Islamic communities. The conference stands as a testament to the concerted efforts towards promoting unity and harmony within the Muslim world.