In an era when divisions are often exacerbated by political and ideological disputes, the recently held Muslim-Muslim Dialogue in Bahrain under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the esteemed presence of His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, stands as a beacon of hope.
This landmark gathering reinforced the necessity of intra-faith dialogue among Muslim schools of thought, striving towards an Ummah united in its shared values and spiritual heritage.
At the heart of the dialogue was the acknowledgement that despite our theological and jurisprudential differences, Muslims remain bound by a sacred covenant – one Ummah united by faith, shared history, and a common destiny. The dialogue was not merely a ceremonial event but a call to action and a renewed commitment to transcending sectarian rifts and working towards meaningful reconciliation.
The “Call of Ahl Al-Qibla,” issued as the dialogue’s final declaration, is a remarkable step towards healing the fractures that have for far too long weakened the Muslim world. It unequivocally reaffirms that theological diversity within Islam is a natural and legitimate phenomenon, one that should enrich rather than divide. It also stresses that unity does not necessitate uniformity; rather, it calls for an ethic of mutual respect and understanding, grounded in the Quranic injunction: “And verily, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so fear Me.” (Al-Mu’minun, 52)
The dialogue underscored the importance of academic cooperation and theological exchange as vital tools to counteract the tides of division. The message was clear: our differences must not be weaponised to fuel discord but should be recognised as a strength and a reflection of the intellectual and spiritual diversity that has historically enriched Islamic civilisation.
At the forefront of these efforts stands Al-Azhar, the oldest and most prestigious seat of Islamic scholarship. For centuries, Al-Azhar has served as a gathering point for Muslim scholarship across sects and madhahib (jurisprudential schools). The leadership of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar has been instrumental in promoting dialogue, advocating for the rejection of extremism, and fostering a balanced and moderate understanding of Islam.
His Eminence’s efforts at the Bahrain Dialogue further solidified Al-Azhar’s role as the custodian of Islamic unity. Under his guidance, the institution has consistently called for an approach to Islamic scholarship that is rooted in both textual authenticity and contemporary realities. By emphasising shared principles over contentious details, Al-Azhar has demonstrated how theological differences can coexist without animosity.
In recent years, Al-Azhar has led numerous initiatives, including the historic dialogues with the Vatican and other religious communities, the establishment of global interfaith platforms, and educational reforms aimed at countering ideological extremism. These initiatives highlight the fact that Al-Azhar’s vision extends beyond intra-Muslim dialogue; they are part of a vision of global coexistence and mutual respect.
While the Bahrain Dialogue marks a significant milestone, its success will ultimately be determined by what follows. Mere declarations are insufficient; what is needed is a concrete roadmap that ensures these principles are institutionalised within the Muslim world. This roadmap should include the following key elements:
ESTABLISHING PERMANENT INTRA-MUSLIM DIALOGUE PLATFORMS: Conferences such as this one should not be isolated events but must evolve into permanent institutions. A Global Islamic Dialogue Forum, hosted under the auspices of Al-Azhar and other leading Islamic institutions, should be established to facilitate ongoing theological discussions, conflict resolution efforts, and joint initiatives.
ACADEMIC AND SCHOLARLY EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES: Islamic seminaries and universities must create cross-sectarian educational programmes that allow students from different traditions to engage in structured dialogue. A curriculum that includes comparative Islamic jurisprudence, historical perspectives on sectarian harmony, and methodologies for conflict resolution should be widely adopted.
MEDIA AND PUBLIC DISCOURSE REFORM: The proliferation of sectarian narratives in the media has been a major driver of discord. Islamic scholars must actively counteract divisive rhetoric by using digital platforms to promote unity. A dedicated media initiative that curates and disseminates narratives of unity, historical coexistence, and scholarly collaboration should be launched.
JOINT FATWA COMMITTEES AND ETHICAL GUIDELINES: Recognising that fatwas (Islamic legal rulings) can sometimes be misused to create division, joint fatwa councils comprising scholars from different schools should be established to issue balanced and unified Islamic perspectives on major contemporary issues.
COUNTERING SECTARIAN EXTREMISM THROUGH EDUCATION: Sectarian intolerance often stems from ignorance. A unified effort is needed to revise Islamic educational curricula to ensure that young Muslims are raised with a deep appreciation of the legitimacy of different Islamic traditions. This requires engagement with policymakers to integrate inclusive narratives into school textbooks and religious instruction.
SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN COLLABORATION: Islamic unity must also be reflected in action. Humanitarian organisations from across the Muslim world should collaborate on joint projects, particularly in crisis areas, to reinforce the idea that all Muslims regardless of sect share a collective responsibility towards their brethren.
The Bahrain Dialogue demonstrated that the will for unity exists. What is required now is sustained effort, strategic action, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of brotherhood and mutual respect. The Muslim world stands at a crossroads: it can either allow historical grievances to dictate its future or it can choose the path of reconciliation and cooperation.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar has rightly emphasised that unity is not a luxury but is an existential necessity. If the lessons of this dialogue are embraced, and if the roadmap outlined above is pursued with sincerity, then this gathering in Bahrain will be remembered not as an isolated event, but as the dawn of a new era in Islamic unity.
It is time for the Muslim world to rise above its divisions and reclaim its position as a beacon of moral and intellectual leadership. The road to unity is long, but with courage, wisdom, and faith, it is a journey worth undertaking.
The writer is a senior adviser to the Grand Mufti of Egypt.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link: