Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference: Difference between revisions

no edit summary
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:


The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held on February 19–20, 2025, in Manama, Bahrain, marked a significant step towards fostering unity and dialogue within the Islamic world. The event was hosted under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and was organized by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders. The conference's theme, “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” encapsulated its core objective of promoting Islamic unity and addressing shared challenges.
The '''Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference''', held on February 19–20, 2025, in Manama, Bahrain, marked a significant step towards fostering unity and dialogue within the [[Islamic world]]. The event was hosted under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and was organized by [[Al-Azhar Al-Sharif]], [[the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs]] in [[Bahrain]], and the Muslim Council of Elders. The conference's theme, “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” encapsulated its core objective of promoting [[Islamic unity]] and addressing shared challenges.


==Context and Purpose==
==Context and Purpose==
The conference was a response to a call by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022. This initiative aimed to move beyond rhetorical expressions of unity to actionable dialogue, focusing on bridging sectarian divides and fostering mutual respect among diverse Islamic communities. By bringing together scholars, religious leaders, intellectuals, and thinkers from across the globe, the conference sought to establish a platform for continuous engagement and collaboration.
The conference was a response to a call by [[Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb]], the Grand Imam of [[Al-Azhar Al-Sharif]] and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022. This initiative aimed to move beyond rhetorical expressions of unity to actionable dialogue, focusing on bridging sectarian divides and fostering mutual respect among diverse Islamic communities. By bringing together scholars, religious leaders, intellectuals, and thinkers from across the globe, the conference sought to establish a platform for continuous engagement and collaboration.


==Key Highlights==
==Key Highlights==
* Date and Location: February 19–20, 2025, in Manama, Bahrain.  
* Date and Location: February 19–20, 2025, in Manama, Bahrain.  
* Organizers: Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders.  
* Organizers: [[Al-Azhar Al-Sharif]], [[the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs]] in [[Bahrain]], and [[the Muslim Council of Elders]].  
* Theme: “One Nation, One Shared Destiny”.  
* Theme: “One Nation, One Shared Destiny”.  
* Objective: To promote Islamic unity, address shared challenges, and establish a permanent mechanism for scholarly dialogue<ref>Bahrain to host intra-islamic dialogue conference on february 19–20. (n.d.). UrduPoint. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://www.urdupoint.com/en/middle-east/bahrain-to-host-intra-islamic-dialogue-confer-1923104.html</ref> <ref>Bahrains supreme council for islamic affairs, muslim council of elders discuss preparations for intra-islamic dialogue conference. (n.d.). The Tribune. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/bahrains-supreme-council-for-islamic-affairs-muslim-council-of-elders-discuss-preparations-for-intra-islamic-dialogue-conference/</ref>.  
* Objective: To promote Islamic unity, address shared challenges, and establish a permanent mechanism for scholarly dialogue<ref>Bahrain to host intra-islamic dialogue conference on february 19–20. (n.d.). UrduPoint. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://www.urdupoint.com/en/middle-east/bahrain-to-host-intra-islamic-dialogue-confer-1923104.html</ref> <ref>Bahrains supreme council for islamic affairs, muslim council of elders discuss preparations for intra-islamic dialogue conference. (n.d.). The Tribune. Retrieved March 1, 2025, from https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/bahrains-supreme-council-for-islamic-affairs-muslim-council-of-elders-discuss-preparations-for-intra-islamic-dialogue-conference/</ref>.  
Line 13: Line 13:
==Key Participants==
==Key Participants==
===Prominent Figures===
===Prominent Figures===
The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain brought together over 400 scholars, religious leaders, and intellectuals from across the Muslim world, representing diverse Islamic traditions. The event featured speeches and contributions from several high-profile figures:
The [[Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference]] in Bahrain brought together over 400 scholars, religious leaders, and intellectuals from across the Muslim world, representing diverse Islamic traditions. The event featured speeches and contributions from several high-profile figures:
* Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb: The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who played a leading role in the conference’s discussions and delivered the final statement emphasizing unity and cooperation (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref>.
* Dr. [[Ahmed Al-Tayeb]]: The Grand Imam of [[Al-Azhar Al-Sharif]] and Chairman of [[the Muslim Council of Elders]], who played a leading role in the conference’s discussions and delivered the final statement emphasizing unity and cooperation (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). [[Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference]] concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref>.
* Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad: Egypt’s Grand Mufti and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, who participated in the main session and delivered a speech during the second academic session (Dar Al-Ifta, 2025)<ref>Dar Al-Ifta. (2025). Egypt's Grand Mufti participates in Bahrain’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference.</ref>.
* Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad: Egypt’s Grand Mufti and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, who participated in the main session and delivered a speech during the second academic session (Dar Al-Ifta, 2025)<ref>Dar Al-Ifta. (2025). Egypt's Grand Mufti participates in Bahrain’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference.</ref>.
* Anwar Ibrahim: The Prime Minister of Malaysia, who was the only head of government to deliver a keynote address. His speech highlighted Malaysia’s global role in fostering Islamic unity and dialogue (Malay Mail, 2025)<ref>Malay Mail. (2025). PM Anwar calls Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference keynote in Bahrain a recognition of Malaysia’s global Islamic role.</ref>.
* Anwar Ibrahim: The Prime Minister of Malaysia, who was the only head of government to deliver a keynote address. His speech highlighted Malaysia’s global role in fostering Islamic unity and dialogue (Malay Mail, 2025)<ref>Malay Mail. (2025). PM Anwar calls Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference keynote in Bahrain a recognition of Malaysia’s global Islamic role.</ref>.
Line 30: Line 30:
==Objectives==
==Objectives==
===Promoting Islamic Unity and Solidarity===
===Promoting Islamic Unity and Solidarity===
The primary objective of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was to foster unity among Muslims by addressing sectarian divides and emphasizing shared values. The conference sought to move beyond theological debates, focusing instead on practical engagement to tackle contemporary challenges collectively. This approach aimed to strengthen the bonds of fraternity across diverse Islamic traditions and promote mutual understanding (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025) WAM. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference kicks off in Manama..
The primary objective of the [[Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference]] was to foster unity among Muslims by addressing sectarian divides and emphasizing shared values. The conference sought to move beyond theological debates, focusing instead on practical engagement to tackle contemporary challenges collectively. This approach aimed to strengthen the bonds of fraternity across diverse Islamic traditions and promote mutual understanding (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025) WAM. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference kicks off in Manama..


===Establishing a Permanent Mechanism for Dialogue===
===Establishing a Permanent Mechanism for Dialogue===
A key goal of the conference was to create a structured and sustainable platform for ongoing dialogue among Islamic scholars and leaders. This included the proposal to establish an Islamic Dialogue Association under the Muslim Council of Elders, which would facilitate open communication and collaboration across all components of the Islamic nation without exclusion. This initiative was inspired by the prophetic tradition that defines the Muslim community as a unified entity (Bernama, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref>.
A key goal of the conference was to create a structured and sustainable platform for ongoing dialogue among Islamic scholars and leaders. This included the proposal to establish an Islamic Dialogue Association under [[the Muslim Council of Elders]], which would facilitate open communication and collaboration across all components of the Islamic nation without exclusion. This initiative was inspired by the prophetic tradition that defines the Muslim community as a unified entity (Bernama, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref>.


===Addressing Global Challenges===
===Addressing Global Challenges===
The conference also aimed to address pressing global issues affecting the Muslim world, such as:
The conference also aimed to address pressing global issues affecting the Muslim world, such as:
* Combating poverty and extremism.
* Combating poverty and extremism.
* Supporting Palestine and resisting occupation.
* Supporting [[Palestine]] and resisting occupation.
* Countering hate speech and fostering coexistence.
* Countering hate speech and fostering coexistence.
By uniting Muslims around these shared challenges, the conference sought to reduce sectarian tensions and advance Islamic solidarity on a global scale (Bernama, 2025; Malay Mail, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref> <ref>Malay Mail. (2025). PM Anwar calls Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference keynote in Bahrain a recognition of Malaysia’s global Islamic role.</ref>.
By uniting Muslims around these shared challenges, the conference sought to reduce sectarian tensions and advance Islamic solidarity on a global scale (Bernama, 2025; Malay Mail, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref> <ref>Malay Mail. (2025). PM Anwar calls Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference keynote in Bahrain a recognition of Malaysia’s global Islamic role.</ref>.


===Spotlighting Successful Models of Coexistence===
===Spotlighting Successful Models of Coexistence===
Another significant objective was to highlight examples of successful coexistence within Muslim societies. By showcasing these models, participants aimed to inspire broader adoption of practices that reinforce justice, equality, and mutual respect among diverse communities (WAM, 2025)<ref>WAM. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference kicks off in Manama.</ref>.
Another significant objective was to highlight examples of successful coexistence within Muslim societies. By showcasing these models, participants aimed to inspire broader adoption of practices that reinforce justice, equality, and mutual respect among diverse communities (WAM, 2025)<ref>WAM. (2025). [[Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference]] kicks off in Manama.</ref>.


==Conference Themes==
==Conference Themes==
===Unity and Shared Values===
===Unity and Shared Values===
The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference emphasized the importance of unity within the Muslim world, focusing on shared values and principles that transcend sectarian differences. The theme, “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” highlighted the collective identity of Muslims and their shared responsibility to address global challenges. Participants were encouraged to prioritize mutual understanding and collaboration over theological debates, fostering a sense of fraternity and solidarity (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025)<ref>WAM. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference kicks off in Manama.</ref>.
The [[Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference]] emphasized the importance of unity within the Muslim world, focusing on shared values and principles that transcend sectarian differences. The theme, “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” highlighted the collective identity of Muslims and their shared responsibility to address global challenges. Participants were encouraged to prioritize mutual understanding and collaboration over theological debates, fostering a sense of fraternity and solidarity (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025)<ref>WAM. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference kicks off in Manama.</ref>.


===Bridging Sectarian Divides===
===Bridging Sectarian Divides===
Line 132: Line 132:
===Future Outlook===
===Future Outlook===
The General Secretariat of the Muslim Council of Elders announced plans to oversee the implementation of the conference’s resolutions in coordination with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. Preparations for a second Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Cairo are already underway, reflecting a long-term vision for sustained engagement and unity within the Muslim world. These initiatives highlight a commitment to building platforms for future generations to uphold the values of fraternity and mutual respect (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref> <ref>WAM. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference kicks off in Manama.</ref>.
The General Secretariat of the Muslim Council of Elders announced plans to oversee the implementation of the conference’s resolutions in coordination with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. Preparations for a second Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Cairo are already underway, reflecting a long-term vision for sustained engagement and unity within the Muslim world. These initiatives highlight a commitment to building platforms for future generations to uphold the values of fraternity and mutual respect (Bernama, 2025; WAM, 2025)<ref>Bernama. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference concludes with a strong call for unity and cooperation.</ref> <ref>WAM. (2025). Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference kicks off in Manama.</ref>.
==References==
592

edits