Makkah, March 29, 2024, During the Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects Conference, sponsored by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Muslim scholars engaged in dialogue and discussion sessions have made a significant decision. They have chosen the Center for Safeguarding Intellect of the Saudi Ministry of Defense to undertake a comprehensive study on "The Islamic Intellectual Community," with the intention of compiling an encyclopedia on this subject at a later stage.
This selection was made based on the center's proficiency in analyzing intellectual matters, aligning with the conference's overarching message, objectives, and ratified document, which received approval from the diverse attendees representing various sects.
Furthermore, specific tasks related to the conference's theme, axes, and document have been assigned to three research bodies, entrusted by the scholars for their recognized efficiency and exceptional work.
The aim behind this process is to ensure that the designated tasks are incorporated into the agenda of future conferences aimed at fostering unity between Islamic sects.
The decision to enlist these three bodies, which have direct relevance to the interconnections among Islamic sects, is rooted in the concept of "the Islamic Community," symbolizing the foundation of their broader Islamic ties.
This entails comprehending the distinctiveness of each Islamic sect, whether in their origins or offshoots. The Center for Safeguarding Intellect has been chosen for its commitment to the holistic approach of Islamic discourse, emphasizing clarity, breadth, and integrity, thereby promoting a moderate Islamic perspective that embraces diversity while eschewing exclusivity or factionalism.
The center's intellectual approach is particularly esteemed for its addressing of suspicions of extremism, particularly those targeting the consensus among Islamic sects, which is crucial in contemporary circumstances.
In light of these considerations, participants of the conference have recognized the center's intellectual approach, particularly its avoidance of terms and descriptions that undermine Islamic cooperation and comprehension, especially regarding moderation and sectarian extremism.
Such efforts are vital, especially considering their impact on contemporary issues, for which organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Muslim World League (MWL) were established. The acknowledgment of the specificity of each school of thought, akin to the uniqueness of each nation, underscores the importance of a unified approach to combating sectarianism and intellectual extremism, grounded in the Islamic intellectual consensus championed by Saudi Arabia's continued leadership and influential role in enhancing Islamic solidarity.
