
At the Close of the 2nd Edition of the "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" Conference, Held Under the Patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques:
At the Close of the 2nd Edition of the "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" Conference, Held Under the Patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques:
- The Senior Grand Muftis and Prominent Scholars Endorse the " Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Community" and Approve the Strategic and Executive Plan for the "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of thought and Sects" Document.
- They Expressed Their Deep Gratitude to the Kingdom's Leadership for the services they render to Islam and Muslims.
- They Reaffirmed Their Pride in a Unified Islamic Identity and Solidarity with the Palestinian People in Their Struggle to Preserve Their Land, Rejecting Displacement projects and Destruction.
- They Announced the Launch of an Annual Award to Recognize Institutions and Individuals Who Contribute to Advancing the Goals of the "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" Document.
- Praised the Muslim World League's Pioneering Role in Reframing Relations among the Different Sects and Schools of Thought Through the "Building Bridges between Schools of Thought and Sects” Document.
- Sixty Scholars Contributed to the "Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Community" a Comprehensive 1,800-Page Guide for Strengthening Relations Among Islamic Sects Based on an Inclusive Common Islamic Ground.
At the conclusion of the second edition of the International Conference "Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects," held on 6-7 Ramadan 1446 AH (6-7 March 2025 AD) in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God protect him), the Senior Mufti of the Islamic Ummah, along with scholars and intellectuals from all Islamic sects and schools of thought, endorsed the "Encyclopedia of the Islamic Intellectual Community" and adopted the strategic and executive plan for the "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" document. The conference, titled "Towards an Effective Islamic Coalition," saw broad participation from representatives of Islamic sects and schools from over 90 countries.
The high-level scholarly session dedicated to the announcement of the final statement, issued on Saturday, was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars; His Eminence Ayatollah Sheikh Ahmed Mobalghi, Member of the Assembly of Experts of the Islamic Republic of Iran; His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor at the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque; His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, and Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque; His Excellency Dr. Mustafa Qutb Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; His Excellency Dr. Yusuf bin Muhammad bin Said, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Osseiran, Grand Mufti of Sidon in the Republic of Lebanon.
The conferees witnessed the launch of the "Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Community" supervised by the Intellectual Protection Center at the Ministry of Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The encyclopedia, prepared by sixty scholars over approximately 1,800 pages, was reviewed and scrutinized by the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as several distinguished members of the Council, the Islamic Fiqh Academy, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. The work aims to serve as a roadmap for relations between Islamic schools of thought and sects based on an Inclusive Common Islamic Ground.
The Scrutinizing reports praised the encyclopedia for its distinguished structure and objectives, recognizing it as a significant contribution to the long-awaited Islamic library. The Intellectual Protection Center expressed its gratitude to the scholars of the founding conference for "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" for their remarkable intellectual and scientific efforts. The center also acknowledged that the completion of this encyclopedia, which met the hopes and aspirations of all, was a direct result of the participants' efforts in the founding conference held last year, as outlined in its official statement.
In their final statement, the conferees agreed to adopt the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" document, comprising twenty-eight articles, as the foundation and starting point for joint Islamic action, both "scientifically" and "intellectually." This initiative aims to strengthen brotherhood and solidarity among the peoples of the Muslim Ummah.
They also endorsed the "Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Community," developed by the Center for Intellectual Protection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Efforts will be made to introduce and publish this work across various academic communities and international events, establishing it as a roadmap for relations between Islamic sects based on an Inclusive Common Islamic Ground.
Additionally, the conferees announced the adoption of the "Strategic and Executive Plan" for the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools and Sects" document.
The conferees decided to change the name of the "Coordinating Committee" in the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" document to the "Coordinating Council between Islamic Schools of Thought." They also adopted the Council's structure, including the proposal to designate its president, members, and secretary. The Council will focus on implementing the document's terms within Muslim societies, overseeing the execution of the "Strategic and Executive Plan for the Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects," and monitoring the programs and initiatives arising from it.
The conferees reaffirmed their support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in their land, rejecting any displacement projects or destruction. They called on the international community to recognize Palestine's legitimate rights to establish an independent state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Furthermore, they proposed forming delegations of scholars who adopted the document to mobilize global efforts from influential religious and community figures to support the Palestinian cause and restore their rights.
They also announced the creation of an annual award to honor individuals and institutions that contribute to achieving the objectives of the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" document.
The conferees expressed their pride in their unified identity, their unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam and its teachings, and their belief that Muslims must hold firmly to the rope of Allah and His straight path. They emphasized that, despite differences in sects, schools, and geographical distance, they represent one united nation, responding to God's command to unite around the core principles of His religion.
They stressed the importance of respecting Islamic diversity, addressing disagreements within Islamic frameworks based on the principles of respectful discourse, and avoiding the pitfalls of takfir and the dangers of rivalry and division.
The conferees warned of the negative consequences stemming from certain media outlets that fuel sharp debates, provoke conflicts, and deepen divisions under false pretenses. Such actions, they noted, cause greater harm than anticipated, inciting hatred and fostering fanaticism. They reminded all of God's blessing upon the believers: *" He brought their hearts together. Had you spent all the riches in the earth, you could not have united their hearts. But Allah has united them. Indeed, He is Almighty, All-Wise."* (Quran 8:63)
The participants also praised the Muslim World League (MWL) for its significant efforts in reformulating doctrinal relations in the "Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” document establishing strong foundations based on the wisdom and guidance of Sharia. They acknowledged the MWL's commitment not only to a timely initiative but also to practical programs and strategic partnerships that aim to foster a more unified and cohesive future for the Muslim Ummah.
The conferees, comprising scholars, muftis, and intellectuals, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the ambitious goals of the founding conference document. This document laid the foundations for their path of brotherhood and solidarity based on the core principles of Islam and its shared values. They emphasized their determination to take further steps along this unified path, treating the document as a practical guide that goes beyond the hostile and repetitive discourses that have dominated for years. They stressed that what remains is activation and action—building bridges in the pursuit of Islamic solidarity: "Towards an Effective Islamic Coalition," with a systematic approach in which the document is transformed into initiatives and projects that promote Islamic awareness, uphold the moderation of Islam, and challenge sectarian discourse and practices.
The conference participants extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God protect them—for their immense contributions to Islam and Muslims. Special thanks were given for their generous sponsorship of the conference, which aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s tireless efforts to foster Muslim unity, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, and reinforce solidarity within the broader context of its leadership in the Islamic world.