An extraordinary conference designed to facilitate intra-Islamic dialogue was held in Manama, Bahrain, at the end of February 2025 titled ‘One Nation; One Shared Destiny’ which was headed by the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, who serves as Chairman of the global Muslim Council of Elders.
Hosted by the King of Bahrain, over 400 scholars, religious leaders, Islamic authorities, intellectuals, and experts from around the world attended and participated in this unique opportunity. The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, delivered the keynote address in which he expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for facilitating this initiative for dialogue amongst Muslims of differing denominations, in order to foster unity within the Muslim community (ummah), to strengthen the fraternal bond amongst Muslims in the face of shared challenges, and to amplify its message around the world.
Reiterating the call of the 20th century erudite scholar and influential public intellectual, Imam Muhammad Abu Zahra (d. 1974), regarding people of the prayer direction (ahl al-qiblah), the Grand Imam defined a Muslim as mentioned in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Whoever prays as we do, faces our prayer direction (qiblah), and eats our slaughtered animals, is a Muslim under Allah’s and His Messenger’s protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those in His protection.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 391]
The Grand Imam highlighted the pitfalls of disunity and division amongst the Muslim community over centuries, saying: “I trust you agree that history has shown that our Muslim community has gained nothing from division, fragmentation, and internal interference among its brotherly nations. Neither has it benefited from the seizure of one another’s territories, nor from exploiting sectarian, doctrinal, or ethnic differences to sow discord among citizens of the same homeland. Attempts to alter well-established religious traditions or schools of thought through coercion or enticement have brought nothing but disunity, conflict, and strife, leaving the Ummah in a state of weakness and regression, emboldening outsiders against us and making us an easy target for their ambitions.”
The Grand Imam linked the crises within the Muslim community to the sufferings which are visible in Gaza, Palestine, and he called for the unity of the Ummah, which in turn would lead to a future of dignity for the whole community. The Grand Imam concluded with prayers of wellbeing and well wishes, saying: “I pray to Allah Almighty to guide us in working for the betterment of our Ummah and to grant it means that lead to unity, reconciliation, solidarity, progress, and prosperity.”
