The Global Conference "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" kicks off in Makkah

The
Islamic sects' scholars: Islamic scholars are determined to strengthen
commonalities to resume the civilization's contributions of the nation

His
Eminence the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia: "Islam is the religion of
unity, commanding coalition and warning against division and discord

Dr.
Al-Issa: All Muslims are under the banner of Islam and its shade,
regardless of their sects... There is no place for any foreign names or
attributes that divide instead of unite

Signing two MoUs between MWL, OIC, and their affiliated jurisprudential assemblies

Under
the gracious patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the Global Conference
"Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects"
commenced in Makkah on Sunday evening. The conference, organized by the
Muslim World League with broad participation from representatives of
various Islamic sects and denominations, was inaugurated by His
Excellency the Secretary General of the MWL and the Chairman of the
Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
At the opening session, it was announced that the conference attendees
are committed to launching the "Document for Building Bridges between
Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects", which outlines illuminating
principles and important guiding references, aiming to construct bridges
of fraternity and cooperation among Islamic sects for the betterment of
the nation in facing its challenges.

The
conference commenced with a welcoming speech by His Eminence the Grand
Mufti of Saudi Arabia, the President of the Council of Senior Scholars,
the General President of Scientific Research and Fatwa Issuing, and the
Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, Sheikh
Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh.

In
his speech, the Grand Mufti emphasized that Islam is a religion of
unity, commanding coalition and unity of word and rank, while warning
against division and discord. He pointed out that the Prophetic Sunnah
is rich with commands aimed at unifying the word of Muslims, gathering
their factions, and eliminating any factor that may lead to animosity
and hatred among them.

The
Grand Mufti further stated that when we emphasize this great principle
upheld by Islam, which calls for every effort to reconcile among Muslims
and to avoid anything that may cause division among them, we direct
this discourse primarily to their scholars, as Muslims view them as a
source of religious guidance and direction. He added that when a scholar
maintains a level of dialogue etiquette and good intention, Muslims
perceive a sense of brotherhood and emotional closeness, thus
considering their scholars as role models and examples to follow.

The
Grand Mufti concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,
for his gracious patronage of this conference and for his great efforts
in unifying the word of Muslims and advancing their interests. He also
thanked the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince
Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, who
tirelessly works towards the unity of Muslims and the consolidation of
their ranks.

His
Eminence the Grand Mufti also extended his gratitude to the Muslim
World League, represented by its Secretary General, His Excellency
Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, for organizing this
conference for such a noble purpose, and for the continuous efforts
exerted by the league in serving Islam and Muslims.

His
Excellency the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr.
Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, began his speech by saying: "We are
delighted in the Muslim World League to launch the first historic
conference of its kind, in the sacred precincts and blessed month, as an
extension of the principles of the "Makkah Charter".

He
emphasized that the conference, with its esteemed scholars representing
diverse Islamic denominations, aims to affirm that the Islamic nation
is in good standing, and that its divine scholars are the paragons of
virtue and the legitimate models to follow.

He
praised the deep understanding of the nation's scholars, emphasizing
that doctrinal diversity must be accompanied by the acceptance of many
issues. Among these issues are: recognizing that differences and
diversity are among the divine customs, that truth is sought by all and
every Muslim should strive to find it and adhere to it, and that Islamic
sects are in dire need of a unifying word that brings them together
rather than divides them – the common Islamic denominator, which is none
clearer or more evident than the testimony of faith and the rest of
Islam's pillars and constants.

He
reiterated that all Muslims are under the banner of Islam and its
shade, regardless of their sects, and that there is no place for any
foreign names or attributes that divide instead of unite. He emphasized
that any term or description should only be used if it clarifies the
methodology and highlights its qualities, without being a substitute or
competitor to the name of Islam, which Allah has named us with.

He
cautioned against sectarian and partisan slogans, noting that their
provocative practices fuel sectarian clashes and conflicts, leading to
the nation's downfall. He criticized the negative exploitation of
traditional and new media to escalate disputes and incite animosities
within the Islamic world. He called for the inclusion of positive
messaging in the media, promoting dialogue that reconciles and brings
people closer together, in accordance with the values of Islamic
brotherhood.

In
conclusion of his speech, Dr. Al-Issa expressed gratitude and
appreciation for the significant Islamic efforts led by Saudi Arabia,
under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister,
His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He prayed
to Allah Almighty to preserve and reward them abundantly for their
contributions to Islam, Muslims, and humanity as a whole.

Furthermore,
His Excellency also expressed gratitude to the esteemed royal patronage
for graciously sponsoring this significant conference, praying to Allah
Almighty to fulfill its aspirations and hopes and to make it a blessed
beginning and a successful conclusion.

Then,
the opening session of the conference began, where His Eminence, the
distinguished scholar and Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council, and member
of the Islamic Fiqh Assembly, Abdullah bin Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah,
affirmed that the importance of Islamic unity and its significance for
Islamic societies is a consensus among scholars. He pointed out that
unity is a great Islamic concept that covers all individual, collective,
and international relations.

He
further explained that unity has its universal foundations, represented
by the testimony of faith (Shahadah), which embodies the highest degree
of unity by encompassing all Islamic sects and denominations, and by
observing the outward rituals of Islam that Muslims collectively adhere
to.

Sheikh
bin Bayyah concluded his speech by praising the efforts of the Muslim
World League and His Excellency the Secretary General, Sheikh Dr.
Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, in bringing Muslims closer together and
bridging the gap for unity and coexistence among them.

On
his part, His Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, expressed in his speech the
highest praise and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to the Crown Prince, the Prime
Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz,
may God protect them, for their gracious patronage of this important
international conference. He emphasized that this conference is an
extension and completion of the Kingdom's clear and steadfast positions
on issues concerning the Islamic world, embodying its spiritual
leadership and continuous support for everything that unites and brings
Muslims together.

The
SG of the OIC Hussein Taha affirmed his belief that this conference
will contribute significantly to promoting unity among Islamic sects,
and its recommendations and outcomes will lay the foundations and
principles upon which this unity is based. He praised the diligent
efforts of the Muslim World League and its active presence in serving
Islam and Muslims in various parts of the world.

Following
that, speeches continued in the opening session by speakers including
Ayatollah Sheikh Ahmed Mablaghi, a member of the Leadership Experts
Council in the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed
Mokhtar Gomaa, Minister of Awqaf and Chairman of the Supreme Council for
Islamic Affairs in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the General
President of the Nahdlatul Ulama Association in the Republic of
Indonesia, His Eminence Sheikh Mufti Abdul Ghani Al-Akhyar. In addition
to, the Amir of the Islamic Scholars Association in the Islamic Republic
of Pakistan, His Eminence Sheikh Fadlur Rahman bin Mufti Mahmoud, His
Excellency Dr. Ali bin Abdulrahman Arbash, Minister of Religious Affairs
of the Republic of Turkey, and the President of Dar Al-Ilm for Imam
Khomeini in Iraq, His Eminence Dr. Sayyed Jawad Al-Khoei, delivered
speeches. As well as, the President of the African Islamic Union, His
Eminence Sheikh Mohamed Mahmoud El-Mahi bin Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, and
the President of the Malaysian Scholars Association, His Eminence Sheikh
Wan Muhammad bin Abdulaziz, also delivered speeches.

On
the sidelines of the conference, a memorandum of understanding was
signed between the Muslim World League and the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation. His Excellency the Secretary General of the Muslim World
League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, signed on behalf of
the MWL, while His Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization
of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, signed on behalf of
the OIC.

This
MoU embodies the mutual cooperation between the Muslim World League and
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in implementing the outcomes of
the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects"
conference, symbolizing unity and tolerance.

Furthermore,
another MoU was also signed between the Islamic Fiqh Assembly of the
Muslim World League and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy
affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, aiming to
enhance cooperation in scientific research, promote a culture of
tolerance and moderation, and strengthen Islamic unity.

The
forum will continue on Monday with several sessions where Islamic
scholars and thinkers will discuss various issues related to cooperation
among Islamic sects, enhancing commonalities, and promoting the
principles of religious diversity and respectful disagreement.