Bahrain Hosts Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference To Promote Unity Among Muslims On February 19–20

The Kingdom of Bahrain, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, will host the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference on February 19–20. This event, in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, aims to foster unity among Muslims. It will take place in Manama and gather over 400 scholars, religious leaders, thinkers, and stakeholders worldwide.

His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, will participate in this significant gathering. The conference is organised by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders. The theme is "One Nation, One Shared Destiny."

The conference responds to a call made by His Eminence during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022. This call emphasised enhancing Islamic unity and solidarity. The initiative seeks to move beyond mere rapprochement rhetoric towards a deeper understanding of shared values and challenges.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Conference, highlighted King Hamad’s patronage as a testament to his commitment to fostering unity among Muslims. He noted that this aligns with Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The conference aims to unify diverse components within the Muslim nation by highlighting areas of agreement among Muslims. It seeks to establish a framework for addressing these areas as starting points for dialogue among Islamic sects. Additionally, it aims to strengthen scholars' roles in bridging sectarian divides.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, described the conference as a timely response to a pressing religious duty toward Muslims. He emphasised that current challenges require innovative solutions to restore unity within the Ummah.

A Platform for Constructive Engagement

His Eminence Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, underscored the importance of addressing discord roots through constructive dialogue. He stressed that such dialogue is key to achieving understanding and unity among Muslims.

He further noted that under Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb's leadership, Al-Azhar has developed a vision for fostering intra-Islamic dialogue as a means to counter division and promote unity. The conference aims to create a sustainable platform for engagement among religious authorities.

Building Future Partnerships

The event also seeks to foster Islamic thought renewal by addressing causes of division and conflict while spotlighting successful models in this realm. Judge Abdelsalam expressed hope that new partnerships would emerge from this conference among Muslim leaders and institutions.

Bahrain appreciates the Grand Imam’s efforts toward advancing Muslim unity. The government’s support led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa ensures this event's success.

This global platform will bring together distinguished scholars alongside decision-makers from across the Muslim world. It aims at establishing principles for constructive dialogue while aligning perspectives on critical issues facing Muslims today.

With inputs from WAM