MANAMA: The world is sitting on the edge of volcano which can explode anytime and ongoing conflicts need to be resolved through dialogue by rejecting use of force, according to the grand Imam of Al Azhar.
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of the Al Azhar Mosque, in his keynote address during the inter-faith dialogue which opened in Manama on Monday said that collaboration would remain a key to resolve the outstanding conflicts and issues in the world.
“Differences of opinions and diverse views on many aspects of civilisations make this debate a very complex. However, history proves that Islam being an international religion opened avenues for entire humanity to deliberate on any aspect of any belief and teaches us restraint and tolerance,” he said.
“Islamic civilisation is distinctive because Islam is global religion despite the fact that within Islam we have difference of opinion but it inspires others through a strong values and not force and tyranny. On the other hand the world powers using oppressing tools to justify their dictatorial acts and there is a need to resolve all differences through dialogue. As the world is sitting on the edge of volcano which can explode any time,” Grand Imam warned.
The conference and highlighted the history of Islamic civilisation in forging links between nations. Sheikh Al-Tayyeb praised the role of the conference in reinforcing the principles of equality and justice that are essential to maintaining social stability and development for all.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyib praised the Kingdom of Bahrain’s imitative of hosting the Dialogue between Civilisations and Cultures Conference.
Dr. Al-Tayyib lauded the Kingdom’s hosting this timely conference in view of current circumstances of the modern world, especially in Arab and Islamic countries.
Dr. Al-Tayyib delivered a keynote speech at the inaugural session of the 3-day conference organised under the slogan: “All Civilisations in the Service of Humanity. The conference is being hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain under the patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in the presence of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, with participation of symbols of heavenly religions and other doctrines and beliefs.
Shaikh Al-Azhar in his speech suggested that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to patronize the dialogue and interaction firstly between followers of Islamic doctrines to agree on common denominations then to proceed with national and Islamic unity shunning schismatic conflicts which should not be a substance that sows or creates strife amongst compatriots.
Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam expressed his readiness to contribute in continuation of the dialogue initiated by the Kingdom of Bahrain among Muslim scholars, and secondly to hold dialogue and interaction between the followers of heavenly religions and various civilisations.