Contemporary challenges and successive crises can only be confronted if the Islamic nations are united, declared a top visiting Muslim cleric.
The Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Muslim Council of Elders chairman, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, called for an Islamic union in which communication channels are open between all components, without excluding any party, while respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He was speaking yesterday at the opening of the two-day Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference which is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
The theme of the conference is ‘One Nation ... One Destiny’.
Dr Al Tayeb thanked His Majesty for his patronage of the major conference which comes at a time when the Islamic nation is standing at a crossroad.
He also appreciated the King’s interest in the affairs of the Arab and Islamic nations, adding that the gathering would enhance the Muslim world’s ability to face challenges.
The Grand Imam presented a proposal to the hundreds of scholars attending the conference to establish a “charter” or “constitution” for Islamic unity.
“The creation of a ‘Constitution of the People of the Qibla’ or an ‘Islamic Brotherhood Charter’ could be a foundation on which we can build Muslim unity,” he said.
“The proposal now rests with the assembled scholars and leaders to turn this vision into a practical framework.
“If adopted, such a document could mark a historic turning point in inter-Islamic relations, offering a blueprint for co-operation, conflict resolution and the safeguarding of Muslim rights worldwide.
“The charter should be based on a hadith from Prophet Mohammed that says: ‘Whoever prays our prayer, faces our Qibla, and eats our slaughtered meat, then he is a Muslim who has the protection of Allah and His Messenger. Do not betray Allah in His protection’.”
Dr Al Tayeb urged conference participants to study, refine and develop the proposal into a document that could serve as a guiding principle for Muslim unity.
“We must take inspiration from the experiences of other nations that have strengthened their bonds through co-operation and common interests,” he said.
“The Muslim world has shared geography, history, language, religion and culture – foundations that no other civilisation possesses in such a unified form.
“Yet, despite these blessings, we remain divided. It is time to establish a co-operative Islamic union that defends the rights of our Ummah (nation).”
Dr Al Tayeb warned against sectarianism and external interference, stressing that one of the major threats to Muslim unity is the manipulation of religious differences to destabilise nations.
“Muslims must be vigilant against those who seek to ignite strife and division within our societies,” he stressed.
“The use of sectarianism to interfere in the internal affairs of states and to divide citizens within a single nation is a grave crime rejected by Islam, condemned by human ethics and opposed by international norms.”
He called for a collective effort to overcome historical and contemporary conflicts, urging all factions of the Muslim world to extend hands of goodwill and work together to strengthen the Islamic cause.
The Grand Imam cited the plight of Palestine as a prime example of why Muslim unity is critical, particularly in light of discussions surrounding the displacement of Gaza’s population.
“The Palestinian cause is facing existential threats,” he warned. “However, the unified and honourable stance taken by the leaderships and people of the Arab and Islamic worlds against these plans is encouraging.
“It revives hope that Islamic unity is still possible.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Anwar Ibrahim is the guest of honour at the event.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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