The world’s Muslims have been urged to overcome divisions and embark on a road to recovery through unity, respect and meaningful collaboration as they battle extremist ideologies spreading mainly through the cyber world.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Anwar Ibrahim outlined his vision of Islamic solidarity that acknowledges diversity while striving for collective strength.
He was speaking at the opening of a two-day Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
The conference, under the theme ‘One Nation ... One Destiny’, is aimed at fostering deeper engagement among Muslim nations to address the persistent challenges that have weakened the Ummah (nation).
Dr Ibrahim underscored that unity was not an automatic given but a responsibility that required active cultivation.
“This conference builds on a legacy of engagement that has sought to bridge divides and strengthen solidarity,” he said.
“Yet, as history reminds us, unity is not a given. Indeed, it must be cultivated, nurtured, and built.”
Central to his message was the idea that Islamic unity does not mean erasing differences, but rather harnessing them for the greater good.
He stressed that the Muslim world must move beyond rigid sectarianism and ideological conflicts, recalling how past scholars such as Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik, as well as Al Ghazali and Ibn Rushd engaged in rigorous debates while maintaining mutual respect.
“The real battle is not between Sunni and Shia, Ash‘ari and Salafi, but between a stagnant mind and a dynamic intellect, between injustice and justice, between apathy and moral responsibility,” he declared.
Dr Ibrahim called for a renewed commitment to “ethical dialogue”, rooted in tasamuh (mutual kindness), pluralism, and ikhtilaf (respectful disagreement), particularly in the face of increasing digital sectarianism.
He pointed out that the cyber world had become a new battleground where extremist ideologies fuelled divisions, warning against the dangers of takfiri (those who consider non-Muslims as infidels) narratives that seek to exclude and alienate fellow Muslims.
“Sectarianism today is not only a theological issue, but a political and digital battleground.
“The cyber world has become an arena where takfiri ideologies are intensifying divisions,” he cautioned.
Dr Ibrahim also addressed the complex relationship between national sovereignty and Islamic unity, acknowledging that each country has its own approach to managing religious diversity.
He cited Malaysia’s decision to formally recognise only Sunni Islam as part of its broader effort to maintain religious harmony, while acknowledging that this model may not be suitable elsewhere.
“We must, therefore, respect the sovereignty of each nation, acknowledging that their policies are guided by the specific realities and imperatives within their borders,” he stressed.
“To attempt to foist one model upon another is not only to invite discord but to risk straining relations between Muslim nations, thus undermining the very unity we seek to build.”
At the same time, he reaffirmed the shared spiritual bond among all Muslims, regardless of sect or school of thought, urging the Ummah to transcend superficial distinctions and uphold the higher moral and intellectual principles of Islam.
In a passionate segment of his speech, Dr Ibrahim highlighted the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people, warning that division within the Muslim world has weakened the Ummah’s ability to mount an effective response to their suffering.
He called for more than just words of condemnation, urging concrete action in the form of diplomatic engagement, economic support and humanitarian assistance.
“Look at Palestine. For decades, the Palestinian people have faced occupation, dispossession and systematic injustice,” he said.
“Their struggle is a stark reminder of one of the consequences of division within our Ummah.
“The genocide in Gaza, the expansion of illegal settlements and the continued displacement of families demand more than mere words of condemnation. We must commit tangible resources to support Palestinian education, healthcare and infrastructure. We must tirelessly champion the Palestinian cause in every international forum.”
On Syria, Dr Ibrahim said the country’s path toward reconciliation was a potential blueprint for healing divisions across the Muslim world.
He expressed hope that the emerging efforts toward peace-building in Syria could serve as an example of how the Ummah can rebuild trust, bridge sectarian divides and work collectively toward stability.
“The road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges, but it also presents a chance to demonstrate that we can unite beyond our differences and rebuild not just infrastructure but also trust and mutual respect among communities.”
He urged Muslim leaders to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts, not just through material aid, but also by fostering interfaith and inter-sectarian dialogue that prioritises reconciliation over division.
Dr Ibrahim also made a heartfelt appeal for action, integrity and commitment to a shared purpose.
He warned against allowing differences to be exploited as tools for division and called on the Ummah to reaffirm its collective responsibility in addressing global challenges.
“Let history record that through action, integrity and unwavering commitment, we are truly one Ummah, with one shared purpose and destiny.
“The Muslim world must move beyond rhetorical unity and take tangible steps to rebuild trust, solidarity and co-operation.”
“This conference should serve as a turning point in efforts to mend longstanding divisions and build a future based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.”
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