Al Azhar Grand Imam and Muslim Council of Elders chairman Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb underscored the urgency of creating Arab and Islamic solidarity to serve the interests of the Ummah (Islamic nation).
The Grand Imam was speaking as His Majesty King Hamad received him at Sakhir Palace yesterday, on the sidelines of his participation in the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference.
Dr Al Tayeb expressed appreciation to His Majesty for hosting the conference in Bahrain and calling for dialogue to foster unity and strengthen solidarity among Muslim communities in the face of common challenges.
He commended the provision of the necessary capabilities for the conference to succeed and convey its message to the whole world.
Dr Al Tayeb wished His Majesty success in serving the kingdom and supporting the issues of the Ummah. He also wished Bahrain and all Islamic countries continuous safety, peace and stability.
Dr Al Tayeb expressed appreciation to the scholars for their presence and response to this pure and sincere Islamic initiative, through which “we seek to unite the Ummah, reach understanding, and forget the past”.
He said that the conference engaged fellow Muslim scholars, jurists, and thinkers in discussions about the significant challenges facing the Muslim world. He commended the conference as a rare and remarkable event, bringing together scholars and representatives from across the Islamic spectrum including Sunnis, Imami Shi’ites, Zaidis, Ibadhis and other Muslim communities.
Reflecting on the historical consequences of division, he noted that internal conflicts and sectarian tensions had weakened the Muslim world, creating vulnerabilities that external forces had exploited. He said that one of the consequences was seeing those who call for the forced displacement of an ancient people from their homeland to make way for a tourism project on top of corpses of the men, women and children in the bereaved Gaza.
Dr Al Tayeb extended his best wishes for the success of the upcoming Arab summits in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, expressing hope that they would contribute to greater unity and co-operation.
The Grand Imam commended the efforts of all those who contributed to the success of the conference, including Bahrain’s leadership and the organising entities. He also announced that the next Islamic Dialogue Conference would be hosted by Al Azhar in Egypt, continuing efforts to advance collaboration and mutual understanding.
He reiterated his gratitude to His Majesty for his leadership and support of the initiative, acknowledging Bahrain’s dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue within the Muslim world.
The King hosted a luncheon in honour of the distinguished guests attending the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference.
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