IUMS Hails Al-Azhar Call for Boosting Islamic Unity
“We agree to unity in the Islamic Ummah based on principles. This is a religious duty and a Wajib (compulsory act), IUMS Secretary-General Ali al-Qaradaghi said, Arabi21 website reported.
“However, this unity requires a proper atmosphere,” he added.
“All Muslim countries have duties and responsibilities (in this regard) and the correct way is for all to hold dialogue and take serious steps for realization of this.”
He highlighted the responsibility of Arab countries in this regard and said if the right steps are taken, Islamic unity will soon be materialized, God-willing.
Qaradaghi added that he supports any invitation to unity among Muslims and also human unity for peaceful coexistence.
His remarks came after Al-Azhar Chief Sheikh Ahemd El-Tayeb called for dialogue among Shia and Sunni Muslims.
Speaking on Friday in Bahrain, El-Tayeb said, “I and major scholars of Al-Azhar and Muslim Council of Elders are ready with open arms to sit down together on one roundtable with our Shia brothers to put aside our differences and strengthen our Islamic unity.”
Such a dialogue, he maintained, will aim at chasing away any talk of hate, provocation and excommunication and setting aside ancient and modern conflict in all its forms.
“I call on my brothers, Muslim scholars, across the world of every doctrine, sect and school of thought to hold an Islamic dialogue,” El-Tayeb stressed.
The forum was held in Manama in the presence of Pope Francis who made his first-ever trip to the island.
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