Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh underscored the great responsibility of scholars, thinkers and intellectuals of the Islamic world in raising the voice of wisdom in order to safeguard the unity of the Muslim Ummah and address its problems and issues.

In his speech, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, secretary general of the Council of Senior Scholars, at the inaugural session of the second edition of the international conference on “Building bridges between Islamic schools of thought” in Makkah on Thursday, the Grand Mufti called for the voice of reason to prevail as it tends to confront crises and puts things in their proper place. “The problems and tribulations of the Islamic world should be a reason to unite the ranks and avoid exchanging accusations. It is our duty to strengthen the relationship and the bonds of brotherhood and build trust among ourselves,” he said.

“When doubts spread and discussions become heated, the wisdom of faith shall be present to take the reins of minds and hearts towards their correct direction,” the Grand Mufti said while calling for the necessity of raising the voice of knowledge and wisdom and lowering the voice of ignorance.

In his speech, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa, secretary general of the Muslim World League, underlined the importance of upholding the principles of dialogue within the Islamic community. “We all know that difference and diversity are a divine universal law and these continued to remain within the Islamic community for centuries,” he said.

Sheikh Al-Issa pointed out that the negative paths of sectarian debates did not limit their tragedies to their perpetrators, but rather their evil extended to undermine Islam and Muslims in painful incidents, which history recorded in its painful pages.

The second edition of the international conference on “Building bridges between Islamic schools of thought” kicked off in Makkah under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Organized by the Muslim World League (MWL), the international gathering brought together senior muftis and scholars from various Islamic schools of thought, representing more than 90 countries.

This year’s conference, themed “Towards an effective Islamic coalition,” aims to go beyond traditional dialogues by developing actionable programs that foster Islamic unity. Discussions will focus on practical initiatives to promote moderation, counter sectarian rhetoric, and address common challenges facing the Muslim world.