Historic Gathering in Makkah: King Salman Hosts Conference to Unify Islamic Sects

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Historic Gathering in Makkah: King Salman Hosts Conference to Unify Islamic Sects

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ABU DHABI:The recent inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights an interesting irony. This grand temple stands in the Muslim-majority UAE, where secularization is on the rise. This event comes shortly after the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in India. While Modi’s government in India blurs the lines between the state and Hindu faith and undermines minority rights, the UAE moves in the opposite direction. The UAE’s secularization, influencing Saudi Arabia as well, is a significant development in the Islamic world. This shift challenges India’s secular values. The UAE has attracted people of various religions and backgrounds to live and work there. Despite Islam being the official religion, the government allows diverse religious practices. Non-Muslims, forming a quarter of the population, have space to worship freely, with many churches, a synagogue, and a gurdwara present. Hindu gatherings and celebrations are also welcomed. The UAE’s tolerance extends beyond religion. Alcohol and pork are available, and Ramadan fasting rules are relaxed. Women have freedom in dress, and discrimination based on religion is rare. These progressive attitudes influence neighboring Saudi Arabia, where Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is spearheading modernization efforts by reducing Islamic influence and cutting support for radical groups worldwide. This trend towards secularization in the UAE and potentially Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in the Islamic world. For India, reduced Saudi funding for conservative mosques could lead to a return to moderate religious guidance for Indian Muslims. The UAE’s example challenges the Hindu nationalist dream of a Hindu majoritarian state, often compared to Saudi Arabia’s treatment of non-Muslims. Modi, at the temple inauguration, praised the UAE’s diversity, contrasting India’s fading secularism. As Hindu residents in UAE face this contrast, it prompts reflection on India’s trajectory. The writer, a private equity investor, emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and secular values in both countries.

MAKKAH: In a momentous occasion near the Sacred House of Allah, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al saud of Saudi Arabia convened the Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects. This unprecedented event, held during the Holy Month of Ramadan, signifies a groundbreaking effort to unite diverse Islamic sects under the ‘Charter of Cooperation and Brotherhood.’

Under the auspices of His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, the conference brought together approximately 300 Islamic scholars and dignitaries from across the globe, representing Shia, Sunni, and Sufi sects. Addressing critical issues such as extremism and exclusion, the gathering aimed to foster unity, celebrate Islamic diversity, and promote a shared Islamic identity.

In his opening address, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia, emphasized Islam’s inherent unity and denounced division and discord. The timing of the conference during Ramadan holds immense significance, symbolizing a transformative push for peace within the Muslim world.

With the formation of the ‘Charter of Cooperation and Brotherhood,’ the conference marked a significant milestone in bridging sectarian divides and promoting peace. Additionally, the establishment of a scholarly committee to disseminate the Charter reflects an unprecedented effort to unite Islamic sects under a common ideology.

The presence of esteemed scholars from various countries, including Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, further underscored the global significance of the conference. Their participation reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s role as a spiritual hub for Muslims worldwide and highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering unity and promoting peace within the Islamic community.

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