Al-Azhar calls for Shia-Sunni interfaith dialogue amid escalation across globe

Imam of prestigious university al-Azhar in his address to Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence called for Islamic talks to be held for Shia and Sunni scholars to attend, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

Top Muslim cleric in his speech at the conference held in the capital Manama announced readiness of al-Azhar and council of Muslim scholars to talk with “Shia brothers” with open arms.

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb urged Muslim clerics across the world to take measures to hold Islamic interfaith dialogue in line with unity, proximity and familiarization with each other.

He noted that the objective of Bahrain meeting was to leave the past behind, boost Islam and unify Islamic stances proposing that the hate speeches, provocations and Takfir (excommunication) should immediately be stopped.

Top Egyptian cleric said,” To listen to calls for division, misusing the religion to fuel national and sectarian clashes, interference in domestic issues of states, weakening the governments and occupation of lands are all Haram (forbidden) for Muslims.”

Attended by Pope Francis as the leader of world catholic church and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayyeb, grand mufti of al-Azhar, Bahrain Forum for Dialogue held with the motto “East and West for Human Coexistence” was held at Al-Fida' Square of Sakhir Royal Palace on Thursday and Friday November 3-4, 2022.