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MAKKAH: Participants at the second “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” conference in Makkah have called for unity among Muslims globally.

The conference opened on Thursday under the patronage of King Salman, bringing together Muslim leaders of various sects from more than 90 countries.

The event, organized by the Muslim World League, is being held under the theme “Towards an effective Islamic alliance.”

The conference opened with several sessions addressing developments in Palestine, Sudan and Syria, as well as issues concerning Muslim minorities around the world.

The participants include senior muftis, scholars, intellectuals and representatives from Islamic councils across different sects and denominations.

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, in his opening remarks, stressed the critical responsibility of Islamic scholars to “elevate the voice of wisdom” to ensure Muslim unity.

His remarks, read by Dr. Fahd Al-Majed, secretary-general of the Council of Senior Scholars, called for reason to prevail over division.

He stressed that “our obligation, in pursuit of compassion for Muslims and their collective unity, is to fortify relationships, establish mutual trust, and strengthen the essential ties of brotherhood.”

“During a time when uncertainties proliferate and debates grow heated, faith’s wisdom emerges to direct both intellect and sentiment toward proper understanding.

“We must reject extremism, factionalism, and capricious thinking in favor of evidence-based truth and conscious guidance within Islam’s framework.

“The challenges and hardships facing the Islamic world should serve as catalysts for unification rather than opportunities for blame, projection, or division.”

The grand mufti added that the event was taking place in “Saudi Arabia, a blessed land that serves as the pulsing heart of the Muslim world and consistently upholds its responsibilities.

“The Kingdom stands as a vanguard in matters of Muslim unity, solidarity, and collective aspirations, exercising its leadership through effective mechanisms that bring together diverse voices, consolidate ranks, and harmonize efforts and positions.”

The MWL’s chief Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said the conference extends the groundwork laid by the document produced after the inaugural meeting last Ramadan.

Al-Issa noted that differences and diversity are natural but require proper management. “When awareness is heightened and intentions are noble, diversity follows a sound path,” he said.

He warned warning that negative doctrinal debates have historically harmed both perpetrators and the broader Muslim community.

He emphasized that genuine unity, coexistence and solidarity do not require complete agreement but rather mutual understanding and respect.

“While dialogue represents an essential and worthwhile endeavor championed by the wise, it has remained largely static for decades without progressing to the crucial next phase of practical implementation and constructive action.

“This advancement is particularly vital now that we have established our foundation — the broad Islamic commonality that brings us together today and authenticates our identity as true adherents to Islam’s name and principles.”

He explained that the conference will launch practical initiatives based on the “Building Bridges” document.

“The initiative, which has received formal endorsement from Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states, now moves to the implementation phase,” he said.