Bahrain’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Highlights Unity and Cooperation
TDT | Manama
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Under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain is hosting the second and final day of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, themed "One Nation, One Shared Destiny." The event, which began yesterday, has brought together over 400 Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and intellectuals from across the Muslim world to engage in meaningful discussions on unity and cooperation.
Key Speakers Inspire Shared Commitment to Unity
The conference features the presence of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside key representatives from Islamic institutions. Among them, H.E. Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, shared his perspective on strengthening interfaith dialogue, stating, "A united Islamic community is essential to our shared destiny, and this conference sets the stage for lasting cooperation across nations."
Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Conference, reaffirmed Bahrain's role in promoting Islamic unity. "Under His Majesty’s patronage, Bahrain continues its role as a key player in facilitating dialogue among nations," he remarked. "This event symbolizes Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to fostering unity within the Muslim community."
His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, echoed the sentiment, stressing that fostering mutual respect was pivotal to resolving sectarian divides. "Dialogue, rooted in respect, is the key to overcoming our differences and building a harmonious future," he said.
Building on Bahrain’s Legacy of Dialogue
This event builds upon the Grand Imam’s call during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in 2022 to strengthen intra-Islamic dialogue. Daubo Ayatollah Shaikh Ahmad Moballeghi, a Member of the Assembly of Experts for the Leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran, pointed out the urgency of structured engagement. "We must move beyond mere rapprochement and embrace long-term solutions to our shared challenges," he stated.
The conference serves as a platform for thought leaders and policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue. Mohamed Abdel Salam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, described the conference as a moral and religious necessity, adding, "The challenges we face today demand that we come together not only in words but in meaningful actions."
A Path Toward Global Unity
As the conference concludes today, the call for an enduring platform for scholarly engagement remains strong. H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed hope for the future, saying, "What we have established here is not just a conversation but the beginning of a movement toward lasting unity and shared prosperity."
Meanwhile, His Eminence Shaikh Ahmad bin Saud Al-Siyabi, Secretary-General of the Office of His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman, affirmed that the work done here will extend beyond the conference hall. "This is just the beginning; true unity requires commitment and collaboration on every level."
H.E. Dr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, echoed these sentiments. "Islamic unity is a goal that transcends national borders. Today, we have laid the groundwork for future generations to build upon."
A Call for Unity from Islamic Scholars
Speaking exclusively to TDT, Shaikh Ali Al-Sudani, representing Iraq's religious leader Sayyid Hussain Ismail Al-Sadr, underscored the significance of the conference. "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," he began, emphasizing the spiritual foundation of the dialogue. Al-Sudani highlighted the crucial role of scholars in promoting Islamic-Islamic dialogue, stating, "The role of the references and the role of the scholars of the media in promoting, first of all, the Islamic-Islamic dialogue," which resonates with the conference's aim to foster unity across different sects of Islam.
He further commended the efforts to move away from hatred and extremism, aligning with the conference's theme. "In promoting the values of Islamic culture away from hatred and extremism, in confirming the values of brotherhood and Islamic love," Al-Sudani said, reflecting a sentiment that has been a recurring theme throughout the conference's discussions.
Al-Sudani also touched on the importance of overcoming sectarian divides, a challenge that the conference directly addresses. "In moving away from sectarianism and sectarianism," he noted, which is pivotal for the unity and cooperation that Bahrain is advocating for. His gratitude towards the host nation was clear: "We thank Bahrain as a government and as a people, and we thank Imam Al-Akbar, Shaikh Ahmad Al-Tayyib, for this successful conference."
His message was one of hope and action, calling for practical steps towards unity. "In fact, he invites us to send hope in the hearts of the followers," Al-Sudani said, suggesting that the conference's discussions are not just theoretical but are intended to inspire real change within the Muslim community. He concluded with a call for collaboration, "So the symbols of the Ummah, in fact, their role is the leading role in unifying the word," reinforcing the idea that leaders should lead by example in uniting the Islamic world.
Strengthening Cooperation for the Future
As the conference draws to a close, participants remain optimistic that the momentum generated will contribute to long-term collaboration among Islamic scholars. His Eminence Shaikh Yahya Hussein Al-Dailami, Imam and Preacher of Al-Alami Mosque in Sanaa, Republic of Yemen, concluded the final session with an impassioned message. "This conference is a testament to the strength of our shared values and our collective destiny," he said. "We are united in purpose, and together, we will face the challenges of the future with courage and unity."
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