Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The high-profile gathering of eminent Islamic scholars, grand muftis, and intellectuals from around the Muslim world have adopted the Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Consensus and approved the strategic and executive plan for the Document on Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

The conference launched the Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Consensus to be a roadmap for relations among Islamic schools of thought according to the concept of the comprehensive Islamic commonality. Overseen by the Center for Safeguarding Intellect under the Saudi Ministry of Defense and prepared by 60 scholars, the encyclopedia was reviewed by the General Secretariat of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars, along with members of the Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Muslim World League Supreme Council to serve as a guiding framework for inter-sectarian relations based on shared Islamic values.

The second edition of the international conference on Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects was held in Makkah on March 6–7 under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. The two-day conference, under the theme "Towards an effective Islamic coalition," that brought together representatives of Islamic schools and sects from over 90 countries was organized by the Muslim World League (MWL).

The conference lauded the MWL's efforts in redefining sectarian relations through the Document on Building Bridges, ensuring that the initiative is not merely symbolic but reinforced with practical programs and strategic partnerships aimed at fostering unity and cohesion within the Islamic world.

In the final statement, the conference has approved the “Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought” with its 28 articles as the basis and starting point for the path of joint Islamic action “scientifically” and “intellectually”, with a view to strengthening brotherhood and solidarity among the peoples of the Muslim Ummah.

The conference decided to amend the name of the “Coordinating Committee” in the Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought to the “Coordinating Council between Islamic Schools of Thought”, and to adopt the Council’s Law, and the proposal to name its chairman, secretary and members. The Council will work on the paths to activate the articles of the document in Muslim societies, and supervise the implementation of the “Strategic and Executive Plan for the Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought” and follow up on the programs and initiatives emanating from it.

The conference attendees announced the launch of an annual award presented to pioneering institutions and individuals who contribute to achieving the goals of the "Document for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought." The participants stressed their pride in the collective identity, their adherence to the principles and rulings of Islam, and their belief in the necessity of Muslims holding fast to the rope of God.

The delegates called for the importance of respecting the existence of Islamic diversity, and dealing with issues of disagreement within Islamic frameworks founded on the etiquette of disagreement, and not being drawn into the dangers of conflict.

The conference warned against the consequences of what some media outlets witness of heated debates that incite anger and provoke conflict and division under pretexts that bring about greater harm than the benefits they imagine, thus fueling grudges, provoking fanaticism, and generating hatred.

The participants appreciated the qualitative efforts of the Muslim World League in reformulating relations among various schools of thought in the “Building Bridges Document,” on solid foundations of the wisdom and flexibility of Islamic law, and its keenness to ensure that this approach is not just a temporary initiative, but rather practical programs and strategic partnerships that invest in the broad common ground, towards a more integrated and cohesive future among members of the the Islamic Ummah.

The conference reaffirmed their support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, rejecting displacement and destruction projects. It called on the international community to recognize their legitimate rights to establish their independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital, and to form delegations of scholars of the Document to mobilize global efforts from influential religious and community figures to support the Palestinians' cause and restore their rights.