MAKKAH: The international conference titled “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta, and Sheikhdoms in the World” convened in Makkah on Sunday, uniting about 150 prominent Islamic scholars, muftis, religious leaders, and thinkers from 85 nations. Under the theme of “communication and integration,” the two-day event seeks to foster collaboration, address contemporary challenges, and promote Islamic unity while countering extremism.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, the conference demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims on a global scale, as well as promoting the values of moderation, peace, and harmony.
Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, Saudi Islamic Minister, stressed that the conference builds upon the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to advance moderation—a foundational principle of true Islam. Al-Asheikh emphasized that the conference aims to further Saudi Arabia’s mission of uniting Muslims, combating terrorism, and countering extremism, with the ultimate goal of establishing global peace, stability, and prosperity.
In a statement, Al-Asheikh highlighted the significance of the conference’s theme, “We are meeting in this conference, which embodies Islamic unity and underlines cooperation, partnership, and solidarity, which constitute a great prophetic approach.” He commended the participants for their dedication to creating a safe space for women and for upholding the principles of justice, mercy, and moderation.
Diverse Attendees of Makkah Conference
The conference’s diverse attendees, which include heads of Islamic associations, sheikhdoms, and academics from international universities, have come together to discuss pressing issues facing the Islamic world. These discussions include the need to counter extremist ideologies, promote interfaith dialogue, and uphold Islamic values within contemporary contexts.
Hissein Brahim Taha, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, lauded Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting peaceful coexistence and human values. The Kingdom’s efforts to support the organization’s mission were acknowledged, and the conference was praised for addressing the challenges facing the Islamic world, including ideological distortions and geopolitical developments.
The conference also shed light on the need to confront hostile currents that seek to undermine the image of Islam and to strengthen the concept of Islamic unity. Participants stressed the importance of establishing a comprehensive Islamic platform that prioritizes consensus, dialogue, peace, and solidarity. The platform is envisioned as a means to strengthen relations within the Islamic community while upholding the principles of Islam and defending its authenticity.
Throughout the conference, attendees shared concerns, ideas, and experiences, working collaboratively to devise initiatives, strategies, and priorities that serve the Islamic community and promote its values. As challenges related to faith education, family values, and extremist interpretations of Islam persist, the conference’s participants emphasized the urgency of finding solutions rooted in Islamic law, principles, and purposes while acknowledging contemporary realities.
