Culled from Onearebian

Participants at the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" international conference, organized by the Muslim World League (MWL) in Makkah, have underscored the critical need for enhancing unity within the Islamic Ummah. They called for concerted efforts to counteract attempts at creating divisions, fostering discord, and misrepresenting Islam and Muslims globally. The conference highlighted the urgent requirement for solidarity among different Islamic sects and the establishment of constructive dialogue with the West to rectify misconceptions about Muslims.

Dr. Sami Al-Sharif, Secretary-General of the Association of Islamic Universities, remarked on the timeliness and significance of the conference amidst challenges stemming from a distorted perception of Islam and Muslims. He praised MWL's endeavors in fostering East-West cooperation and understanding. "This conference is pivotal as it unites various Islamic sects to explore avenues back to authentic Islamic teachings and to build genuine bridges that portray Islam accurately. Our unity is paramount in facing threats against Islam," he stated.

Dr. Abdul Karim Bakhsh, Secretary-General of the Central Association of Ahl Al-Hadith in Pakistan and a member of the Pakistani Senate, expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia's role in hosting this significant event near the Kaaba. He emphasized the urgency of unity within the Islamic Ummah and acknowledged the conference's efforts in addressing disputes among Islamic sects and proposing solutions.

Jawad Al-Khoei, Secretary-General of Al-Khoei Institute in Najaf, noted the conference's timing during Ramadan and its location in Makkah as crucial factors for uniting Muslims. He commended MWL for its pivotal role in bringing Muslim scholars together, especially during challenging times.

Ali Al-Ameen, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted the current circumstances as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and solidarity to counter conspiracies aimed at dividing the Ummah. The collective stance of participants reflects a deep-seated desire for harmony and understanding within the Islamic community.

The gathering in Makkah serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts towards fostering intra-faith dialogue and understanding. By addressing key issues that lead to division and proposing actionable solutions, the conference marks a significant step towards achieving greater unity among Muslims worldwide.