Bahrain to host landmark intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference
Global gathering of Islamic scholars to promote unity, counter sectarian divides, and establish structured platform for dialogue
MANAMA, Bahrain (MNTV) – Bahrain will host the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference on February 19-20, bringing together more than 400 Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and policymakers to foster unity and address sectarian divides in the Muslim world.
The event, held under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, aims to create a permanent platform for dialogue and strengthen intra-Islamic cooperation.
Themed “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” the conference is organized by Al Azhar Al Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders.
It follows a call by Ahmed Al Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al Azhar, during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in 2022, where he urged greater engagement among Muslim scholars to reinforce solidarity and address divisions.
The conference seeks to move beyond discussions of reconciliation and transition toward a structured dialogue on shared principles and challenges.
Participants will focus on strengthening common values, addressing sectarian divides, countering hate speech, and promoting mutual respect among different Islamic schools of thought.
Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed, president of the SCIA, emphasized that the King’s patronage reflects Bahrain’s deep commitment to Islamic unity and dialogue.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to promote coexistence, peace, and interfaith engagement, aligning with its broader vision of fostering regional and global stability.
He also praised the support of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the government in ensuring the success of the event, reaffirming Bahrain’s role as a center for dialogue and reconciliation in the Islamic world.
Mohamed Al Duwaini, deputy of Al Azhar Al Sharif, described the conference as a significant step toward addressing long-standing sectarian tensions and divisions through meaningful dialogue and intellectual engagement.
He reaffirmed Al Azhar’s commitment, under the leadership of the grand imam, to fostering unity, rejecting extremism, and establishing a lasting framework for intra-Islamic cooperation.
Mohamed Abdel Salam, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Elders, called the event a moral and religious imperative, given the challenges facing the Muslim world.
He emphasized that dialogue is the most effective tool for achieving lasting unity and expressed hope that the conference would lay the groundwork for new partnerships among Islamic institutions to strengthen cooperation, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence.
Beyond immediate discussions, the conference is expected to establish a framework for continued dialogue, bringing together scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders to collaborate on addressing political, social, and religious challenges affecting Muslim communities worldwide.
By hosting this landmark event, Bahrain reinforces its role as a leading advocate for Islamic solidarity, aligning with the vision of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding, while tackling the pressing challenges confronting the Muslim world today.
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