Dr. Hassan Al-Shafi’i: Insufficient Mutual Knowledge among Followers of Various Islamic Schools of Thought is a Major Barrier to Understanding and Dialogue
Egyptian Minister of Endowments Calls for Adoption of the Grand Imam’s Initiative to Launch a Charter of the People of the Qiblah and Islamic Fraternity
Hamid Shahriari: Collaboration and Unified Efforts Will Enhance Security, Stability, and Address Challenges in the Muslim World
Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade Discusses Azerbaijan’s Experience in Harmonious Coexistence Among Various Schools of Thought
Islamic Scholar Dr. Bashar Awad Ma’ruf: Islamic Dialogue Should Be Based on a Clear, Methodological Vision That Focuses on Commonalities Among Schools of Thought
The participants in the inaugural session of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held under the theme “One Nation, One Shared Destiny” and the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressed the importance of fostering Islamic unity and mutual understanding among different sects. They argued that this is essential to confront the challenges facing the Ummah. The speakers urged for a resolution of historical disagreements and emphasized the importance of building a foundation for peaceful coexistence, drawing on successful efforts to bridge differences between sects.
In his address, His Eminence Professor Dr. Hassan Al-Shafi’i, a member of the Al-Azhar Council of Senior Scholars and the Muslim Council of Elders, pointed out significant barriers to Islamic unity, such as insufficient mutual knowledge among followers of various Islamic schools of thought and the proliferation of misleading rumors that perpetuate negative stereotypes. He noted that overcoming these challenges requires increasing awareness, enhancing dialogue, and underscoring shared elements like the unity of the holy book, the Qibla, and the fundamental pillars of the religion.
In a related context, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Hamid Shahriari, Secretary General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, stressed the necessity for collaboration among Muslim countries through an institutional framework that unites them under a single entity, named “the Federation of Muslim Countries.” He underscored that such cooperation and unified efforts are crucial for achieving security and stability, and addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world.
Additionally, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the Spiritual Leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus Region and a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, discussed Azerbaijan’s role as a model for Islamic coexistence. In Azerbaijan, Muslims from different sects live harmoniously and practice their religious duties following a unified calendar, without discrimination between Sunni and Shia. He emphasized that this unity and mutual understanding among the schools of thought exemplify their lifestyle, reflect their state policies, and form part of their cultural heritage.
In his address during the session, His Excellency Professor Dr. Osama Al-Sayed Al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments in the Arab Republic of Egypt, highlighted that diversity in religious sects and thought is a natural aspect of life and the universe. He stressed that jurisprudential disagreements should not lead to conflicts or divisions among members of the Ummah.
Continuing on this theme, Islamic scholar Dr. Bashar Awad Ma’ruf emphasized the importance of grounding Islamic dialogue in a clear methodological vision that prioritizes commonalities between sects and avoids igniting doctrinal disputes in public settings.
Concluding the session, the participants declared that achieving Islamic unity is indeed feasible, requiring collaborative efforts across intellectual, political, and social dimensions. They noted the media’s role should be to foster unity rather than provoke discord, highlighting that the Muslim world abounds with successful cases of peaceful coexistence. These examples can serve as a foundation for a practical model of unity and combat the extremist ideologies spread by proponents of various intellectual schools.