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HE Dr Mohamed Bechari, Secretary-General of The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC), participated in the international conference, under the theme “Building Bridges Between Islamic Sects,” organised by the Muslim World League, in Mecca on 17 and 18 March, 2024.

HE Dr Mohamed Bechari emphasised that the dispersal of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) across the regions, and issuing fatwas based on diverse observations, highlights that Islamic law accommodates differences, and that this diversity is a result of Allah's mercy toward His servants rather than a source of discord.

HE added, “Unity does not entail uniformity, but rather communication and understanding amidst diversity. Thus, this story remains a torch that illuminates the path of those seeking a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the message of Islam, which unites and does not divide, elevates and does not diminish, and always calls for mercy, tolerance and justice."

The Secretary-General of TWMCC said: “In our endeavor to promote rapprochement between Islamic sects, the role of common origins and jurisprudential approaches is highlighted as a basis for rapprochement between Islamic sects.”

HE explained, “These efforts are considered necessary to overcome the secondary differences that have long affected the internal cohesion of Islamic societies.”

HE pointed out that “Focusing on common origins and methodology in dealing with differences can give a strong impetus to rapprochement between Islamic schools of thought, and this requires scholars in our current era to seek dialogue and understanding based on mutual respect.”

HE Dr Mohamed Bechari said, “Taking into account the disagreement is not just a procedural step, but rather a deep strategy rooted in the spirit of Islamic jurisprudence, seeking to purify the soul first before adopting lofty values such as impartiality and objectivity.”

He added, “The Maliki school is considered one of the most prominent schools of jurisprudence in Islam thanks to the diversity of its principles and rules, which gives it an advanced position in the breadth of the scope of reasoning. This diversity and breadth have given it characteristics that distinguish it with its richness and continuous innovation.” Among its jurisprudential origins, the principle of “Taking Into Account Disagreement” stands out as one of the foundations that gave the Maliki school its unique dimension.

HE pointed out the need to focus on the common denominators that unite Muslims, such as: Belief in Allah and in the Messenger Muhammad (PBUH), in the Heavenly Books, and good deeds as foundations for spiritual life. He stressed that by focusing on these common foundations, it is possible to reduce the divisions resulting from differing interpretations of sub-issues.

The Secretary-General of TWMCC added that “The principle of consideration of the differences provides a unique opportunity to promote rapprochement between Islamic sects, including between Sunnis and Shiites, by promoting a culture of tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect.”

HE concluded by saying: “By adopting this principle, Islamic communities can work towards achieving greater unity and transcending the divisions that politics has reinforced throughout history.”

TWMCC is an international non-governmental organisation that functions as a think tank. It supports Muslim community organisations and associations by helping them improve their operations, collaborate effectively, and adopt innovative approaches.