MAKKAH: The second “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” international conference concluded in Makkah early on Saturday, with participants from more than 90 countries adopting the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony.”
Held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the two-day conference gathered senior muftis, scholars, and thinkers who also approved the strategic and executive plan for the document “Building Bridges between Islamic Sects,” a media statement said on Saturday.
The conference was organized by the Muslim World League and held under the theme “Towards an Effective Islamic Alliance.”
The high-level session dedicated to the recitation of the conference’s final statement, which was issued at dawn on Saturday, was attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa; Member of the Council of Experts for Leadership in Iran, Sheikh Ahmed Mobalghi; Adviser at the Royal Court in Saudi Arabia, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hamid; Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais; Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Mustafa Qutb Sano; Member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Youssef bin Mohamed bin Saeed; and the Mufti of Sidon in Lebanon, Sheikh Mohamed Osseiran.
The attendees witnessed the launch of the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony,” which was supervised by the Intellectual Protection Center at the Saudi Ministry of Defense, and was prepared by 60 scholars over about 1,800 pages.
The encyclopedia was refereed by the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Fiqh Academy, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League to be a roadmap for relations between Muslim sects.
Participants also decided in the final statement to consider the “Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought” with its 28 articles as the basis and starting point for the path of joint Islamic action “scientifically” and “intellectually,” with a view to strengthening brotherhood and solidarity among the peoples of Muslim nations.
The attendees further extended their sincere thanks to the leadership of the Kingdom for the great services they are providing to Islam and Muslims.
They also affirmed their pride in the comprehensive Islamic identity, and their supportive stance toward the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, and their rejection of displacement and destruction projects.
The conference witnessed several sessions addressing developments in Palestine, Sudan, and Syria, as well as issues concerning Muslim minorities around the world.
2nd ‘Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought’ conference concludes in Makkah
https://arab.news/rk9ap
2nd ‘Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought’ conference concludes in Makkah
- Participants from more than 90 countries discuss development of comprehensive Islamic identity
- 1,800-page ‘Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony’ prepared by 60 scholars
Sustainability in focus as Madinah marks World Soil Day
MADINAH: Madinah joined the world in celebrating World Soil Day on Dec. 5, highlighting the importance of soil conservation for food security and ecosystems, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The day holds added significance in Madinah due to its rich agricultural history, diverse soil types — from clay to sand and volcanic Harrat — and its longstanding connection to date production.
The region’s soil faces challenges, notably salinization from imbalanced irrigation and climate change, the SPA added.
Authorities are addressing this through soil protection programs, improved irrigation techniques and sustainable agricultural practices.
Soil plays a vital role in water purification, acting as a natural filter. As winter begins, it is an opportune time to prepare soil for spring, expanding crop cultivation and harvest, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Madinah is implementing initiatives to enhance resource efficiency, raise farmer awarenes and combat desertification. Farmers contribute by using organic fertilization and recycling agricultural waste.
World Soil Day highlights the need for collaboration between government agencies, farmers and stakeholders to ensure soil sustainability, preserve agricultural heritage and support Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
Approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2013, World Soil Day aims to raise awareness of soil’s critical role in healthy ecosystems and human well-being.
