TWMCC Secretary-General Delivers Lecture on ‘The Saved Sect: The Illusion of Selection’ at MBZUH
- 2025-Mar-01
HE Dr. Mohamed Bechari, Secretary-General of The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC), presented his book, titled ‘The Saved Sect: The Illusion of Selection’ during a lecture at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) on Thursday, 27 February 2025. The event was attended by HE Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, University Chancellor, and moderated by Prof. Radwan El Sayed, Dean of Graduate Studies, with the participation of a distinguished group of professors and students.
Dr. Bechari emphasised that the concept of ‘The Saved Sect’ has historically been misused to justify exclusion and accusations of apostasy, while Islam is a religion of unity and mercy, advocating brotherhood and coexistence among Muslims.
He explained that Hadiths concerning the division of the Muslim Ummah require a critical reading based on a scientific methodology. Scholars have pointed out variations in narrations, necessitating caution in their interpretation to avoid fostering division among Muslims.
Dr. Bechari further noted that the Hadith of ‘The Saved Sect’ is considered inconsistent due to the multiple versions and differing wording. Some narrators have inserted additions such as ‘all will be in Hell except one’, leading some scholars to reject these insertions, while the majority advise careful handling based on a critical scientific approach.
The lecture also addressed the political exploitation of the ‘Saved Sect’ concept throughout history to establish intellectual dominance by certain groups. Dr. Bechari stressed the need for a reinterpretation of religious texts in alignment with the objectives of Islamic law, which advocate justice and mercy.
He affirmed that a scientific review of religious heritage does not imply undermining it, but rather correcting and refining it to serve the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Islam was not revealed to establish warring sects but to build a cohesive society based on love and cooperation.
The lecture concluded with an affirmation that Islam is an inclusive religion, and that salvation is linked to righteous deeds rather than affiliation with a specific group. Dr. Bechari called for the promotion of enlightened critical thinking to prevent the misuse of religion in fueling ideological and sectarian conflicts.
