Muslim Scholars, Muftis Issue Charter on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects

Makkah, March 21, 2024, SPA -- Senior scholars and muftis from various Islamic sects came together to address the issue of sectarianism, issuing the "Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" Charter at the end of a global conference in Makkah organized by the Muslim World League (MWL).
The conference, which took place over two days (7-8 Ramadan 1445 AH), was attended by representatives from around the world. The scholars and muftis emphasized the importance of overcoming the tragedies caused by sectarianism and its tendency to deviate from Islam's true guidance. The conference was held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
The charter is an extension of the "Makkah Declaration Charter," which was signed by the scholars and muftis on May 29, 2019. This week's charter reflects the scholars' pride in their religion and belief in Allah Almighty and Mohammad as His Messenger.
The charter emphasizes the importance of unity among Muslims and the duty to remember the concept of one nation. The scholars and representatives of various sects recognize the need to unite their ranks and work together towards common interests. They acknowledge that their diaspora is diverse, but they should come together to focus on the origins of Islam and its rulings and legislation, which organize their being, preserve their rights, and maintain their dignity. The document emphasizes the importance of overcoming attempts to divide the unity of the nation and its spirit.
In their announcement of the charter, participants emphasized the importance of achieving Islamic unity through respecting differences, proper communication, and avoiding labelling and exclusion. They also warned against the negatives of defamation and projection, as well as the dangers of misguidance and apostasy, which can lead to division, hostility, and corruption.
The participants called for overcoming the tragedies of the sectarian rift and the paths of misguidance that have caused division and hostility among Muslims. They highlighted the importance of embracing differences, diversity, and plurality while following Islamic etiquette and wisdom. They stressed the need to accommodate the breadth and spaciousness of the Sharia, emphasize the brotherhood and friendliness of religion, and explore the consequences and dangers of common glory, which is Islam.
The participants aimed to overcome sterile debates that only increased the dispersion and division of the Muslim nation. They were motivated by a strong will to strengthen the efforts of unity, familiarity, exchange, and cooperation. The charter expresses the consensus of their sectarian diversity.
The charter affirmed that Muslims are one nation who worship one Allah, recite one book, follow one prophet, and are united by one Qiblah. It also notes that Allah honored them and named them Muslims, so no other name can replace it. The charter stipulates that a Muslim is anyone who bears witness to the fact that there is no god but Allah, alone with no partner, and that Mohammed is His Messenger, Peace Be Upon Him, and holds fast to the command and rules of Allah.
The charter stressed that the message of Islam is divine in its source, monotheistic in its belief, sublime in its goals, humane in its values, and wise in its legislation. It carries good for all, and Muslims are called to restore their civilized role to contribute to creating a more aware, beneficial, secure, and peaceful future.
The charter affirmed that the source of Islam's facts is the revelation represented in the Holy Quran and what has been proven to have been transmitted from the Prophet, PBUH, or upon which the nation has unanimously agreed. It also acknowledged that dealing with its diversity and differences is aligned with known etiquette and rules.
The charter emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the objectives of the legislation in preserving the five necessities. Religion serves as the foundation and axis of Islamic identity. The sanctity of the soul means preserving dignity, security, and life and nurturing the mind, which helps maintain the balance of society and prevents deviation from the path of wisdom and maturity. Protecting one's honor is crucial for preserving the values of society, especially the sanctity of the Islamic identity and individuals, and ensuring the safety of its group.
Additionally, preserving money is essential to guard it against assault and corruption. In contemporary times, as there are many national states, there is a sixth necessity, which is preserving the homeland from any harm to its identity, security, gains, or public interests.
The "Building Bridges between Islamic Sects" charter underscores the responsibility of religious scholars and muftis in fostering moderation within their individual and institutional frameworks. This entails elucidating the truths of Islam, highlighting its virtues of nature, nobility, and tolerance, and correcting misconceptions.
The charter emphasizes that the diversity of sects and perspectives among Muslims is a reflection of universal norms ordained by Allah, necessitating differences and diversity. It stresses the importance of understanding and dealing with these differences consciously and wisely, with a focus on avoiding causes of division and fragmentation.
It highlights that despite differences, the common ground among followers of Islamic schools of thought outweighs their disparities, particularly their adherence to the two testimonies (Shahadah) and acting in accordance with them. The shared principles of Islamic brotherhood are deemed more significant than variations in perspectives, urging Muslims to seek and follow the path of righteousness.
Furthermore, the charter emphasizes that Islamic schools of thought emerged within the Muslim community due to methodological approaches and scholarly discourse, grounded in both agreement and divergence. It stresses the importance of maintaining these schools of thought within the framework of their origins based on Islam and its noble guidance.

The document articulates that religious and cultural unity among Muslims is a rooted religious duty, requiring the enhancement of Islamic commonalities to lay the foundation for unity. It underscores Muslims' partnership in shaping their civilization and confronting present challenges, aspiring to a promising future filled with brotherhood and harmony.
Regarding historical events and facts, the charter asserts their value as lessons that inspire successive generations, enabling them to learn from valuable experiences and avoid past mistakes. It deems it unacceptable to invoke past events or obsolete debates to undermine the nation's unity, brotherhood, and cooperation.
Moreover, the charter emphasizes organizing effective and fruitful dialogues between Islamic sects to strengthen fraternal bonds, cautioning against sectarian and partisan slogans that spark conflicts. It stresses that cooperation among diverse Islamic communities is crucial in achieving integration and enhancing the presence of the Muslim nation.
The charter also advocates for the protection of the Islamic identity in non-Muslim countries and urges scholars to enlighten Muslim communities about optimal coexistence within their states. It emphasizes the importance of family as the nucleus of society, fostering brotherhood among Islamic diversity, and guiding towards values of understanding, harmony, and cooperation.
The charter emphasizes that the efficiency of education strengthens family foundations and significantly contributes to shaping the minds of youth, disciplining them, and guiding them towards a bright future. This is particularly evident through the competence of teachers and the soundness of curriculums.
It underscores the essentiality of including everyone, both boys and girls, in this focus throughout all stages of education. These efforts should align with the guidance of Islam and its lofty values, which encourage all Muslims to pursue knowledge without distinction of gender or limitation of educational approaches or specific age stages.
Furthermore, the document highlights the tangible contribution of women within their legitimate framework in realizing the aspirations for the welfare of the nation, as outlined in this document. This is exemplified by the care given to establishing the primary environment for youth, represented in educated and aware families, according to the comprehensive concept of empowering families. The document recognizes families as the nucleus of society and the most significant nurturing and disciplinary entities.
Meanwhile, the document reaffirms that Islamic media discourse should aim to strengthen brotherhood and cooperation among diverse Islamic communities while raising awareness and rectifying misconceptions within the Islamic realm. It should also counter campaigns and concepts that defame Islam, regardless of their source or location. Additionally, Muslims, especially those living in non-Muslim countries, are urged to be truthful representatives of their faith and bear their significant responsibilities in presenting an accurate image of their sound religion.
The charter warns against the negative exploitation of traditional and new media, which exacerbates conflicts and incites hostilities within the Islamic realm. It emphasizes that media content should rely on using kind words and constructive dialogue that fosters unity in accordance with the values of Islamic brotherhood. The content should also offer advice without engaging in exaggeration, arrogance, violence, or defamation.
Moreover, the charter calls for caution against strife and the avoidance of its causes. It urges confronting those who incite and propagate strife, condemning the instigation of discord among the people of one nation and the wider Islamic community. In this regard, the document cautions against sectarian expressions, slogans, and practices that undermine the established Islamic brotherhood, as Allah says: "The believers are but brothers” and the Prophet -peace be upon him- says: "Be servants of Allah as brothers."

The charter emphasizes that ridiculing Muslims, inflaming their sectarian sentiments, undermining their icons, and disparaging their scholarly contributions serve no purpose. It adds that these practices only do a disservice to the individuals, schools of thought, and the reputation of Islam as they are often misattributed to their religion by others, either out of ignorance or deliberate intent.
Furthermore, the charter calls for holding an annual conference to renew the vision, message, goals, and values of this gathering and enhance the implementation of the document. It proposes that the conference in the following year be titled “the second conference for building bridges between Islamic" schools of thought and sects,” discussing the latest developments in the Islamic arena. Also, the charter calls for the formation of a joint coordinating committee named the coordinating committee between Islamic schools of thought and sects." The General Secretariat of the Muslim World League will propose the system, chairmanship, members, and secretariat of this committee in consultation with prominent Islamic figures from various schools of thought and sects. The approval of this committee is expected during the aforementioned upcoming conference.
The participants of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects, including scholars and muftis, pledge to adhere to the contents of this document. They also vow to work towards solidifying the document within their scholarly gatherings and national communities, within the framework of applicable laws and international regulations. The participants express their intention to invite all academic institutions, societal figures, and national organizations to support and endorse the document.
Additionally, the conference attendees express sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Kingdom’s significant efforts in unifying the voice of the Islamic world and enhancing its solidarity. They acknowledge Saudi Arabia’s leading Islamic role and the honor it embraces as the birthplace of Islam, the divine revelations, and the Muslims’ Qiblah (prayer direction). They also highlight the Kingdom’s honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Additionally, they express their gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his gracious patronage of the conference, praying that Allah grants success to all in what He loves and is pleased with.
--SPA