The vital importance of Bahrain hosting a top Islamic conference later this week has been spelt out by a top official.
The Islamic Dialogue Conference is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad on Wednesday and Thursday.
His Majesty’s patronage reflects the kingdom’s keenness on supporting all endeavours to co-ordinate efforts, rally ranks and achieve unity and solidarity among Muslims, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) president and Conference’s High Committee chairman Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said yesterday.
In a special interview marking Bahrain’s hosting of the conference, he said it aims to achieve unity of the Islamic countries through constructive dialogue and by working out practical and sustainable mechanisms to promote rapprochement between them.
“Participation of elite of scholars and intellectuals gives the conference a real opportunity to come up with initiatives to boost Islamic unity and face the extremist rhetoric,” he said.
“The conference will discuss multiple issues involving the dialogue’s vision, concepts and approach as well as the role of religious scholars in overcoming inter-doctrinal differences and achieving Islamic understanding,” he added. Shaikh Abdulrahman underscored Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to fostering tolerance and coexistence among all components of the Islamic nation.
He pointed out the kingdom’s rich history, civilisational values and successful experience in this regard, adding that Bahrain sets a model to emulate in handling diversity within its social texture.
Shaikh Abdulrahman also affirmed Bahrain’s diverse initiatives to strengthen Islamic unity and solidarity, stressing the pivotal role played by religious scholars and institutions in mending sectarian divide by adopting a moderate religious discourse advocating coexistence and renouncing hate.
Al Azhar Al Sharif Grand Imam and Muslim Council of Elders chairman Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb will be joined by more than 400 scholars, religious leaders, intellectuals and experts from across the Islamic world at the event.
Held under the theme, ‘One Nation, A Shared Destiny’, it is organised by Al Azhar Al Sharif, the SCIA and the Muslim Council of Elders.
The initiative follows the Grand Imam’s call during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022 to strengthen Islamic unity and reinforce dialogue among Muslim scholars.
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