How Sunni, shi’ates meet at Makkah, vow to bolster unity

Scholars are seen at the “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” international conference in Makkah. (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)

An international conference titled “Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” kicked off on Monday in the holy city of Makkah.

Organized by the Muslim World League (MWL) and sponsored by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the event drew a wide range of Islamic sect representatives. Scholars expressed determination to boost common factors to revitalize the Muslim community’s contributions to civilization.

MWL Chief Mohammed Al-Issa announced plans to launch a document outlining key principles for fostering unity and cooperation among Islamic sects to address challenges effectively.

Al-Issa also expressed joy for hosting the historic conference in Makkah and emphasized the need for Islamic unity.

He warned against divisive sectarian rhetoric and called for responsible media coverage that promotes dialogue and unity. He thanked the Saudi leadership for its support and prayed for continued success.

The conference began with a warm welcome from Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, delivered by Dr. Fahd Al-Majid.

Al-Sheikh stressed the importance of unity in Islam, cautioned against division and highlighted the role of scholars in fostering unity among Muslims.

He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz for supporting the conference and praised efforts to unite Muslims, led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The organizers, represented by the MWL, were also thanked for their ongoing service to Islam and Muslims.

Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed for supporting the conference.

He believed the important conference will promote unity among Islamic sects, with its recommendations to build bridges between them.

Taha also applauded the MWL for its dedicated service to Islam and Muslims globally.

On the sidelines, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the MWL and the OIC on promoting unity and tolerance.

Another agreement was signed between the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the MWL and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the OIC to boost cooperation in research and promote tolerance.

Global conference aims to bridge gaps between Islamic schools of thought