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
Japan’s embassy marks emperor’s birthday in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia held a reception in Riyadh on Feb. 10 to mark the 66th birthday of Japan’s emperor, with senior Saudi officials and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance.
The event, hosted by Japanese Ambassador Yasunari Morino at his residence, was attended by Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, deputy governor of the Riyadh region, who represented the Saudi government. Diplomats and other dignitaries were also present.
During the reception, Morino extended greetings ahead of Ramadan and congratulated Saudi Arabia on the occasion of Founding Day.
The ambassador referred to bilateral relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, highlighting 2025 as marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He also noted Japan’s hosting of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, describing the event as a platform for cultural and economic exchange.
Morino emphasized the participation of Saudi officials and the Saudi Pavilion at the Expo, and said Japan was prepared to share its experience in the lead-up to Expo 2030 Riyadh.
Morino also pointed to cultural exchanges between the two countries, including a Japan Festival organized by the embassy last year. Looking ahead, he mentioned the upcoming Asian Games and Asian Para Games scheduled to take place in Nagoya, Aichi, later this year, expressing hope that the events would contribute to regional engagement.
The ambassador further addressed economic cooperation, citing the growing presence of Japanese companies in the Kingdom and the expansion of collaboration beyond the energy sector. He said the embassy would continue to support business and investment links between the two countries.
The reception featured cultural and sports elements, including a judo demonstration by Saudi youths trained by Japanese coaches. Japanese companies also displayed products and technologies related to sports, health and food.
