BAHRAIN: The Islamic world must unite to address the agenda of sectarianism often used to incite tension among Muslims.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that using sectarianism as a weapon weakens political cooperation and hinders efforts to build unity desired by the ummah.
As the only head of state to speak at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference (IIDC) on Wednesday (Feb 19), Anwar shared views with Islamic scholars and academics on sectarianism and solidarity regarding Palestine and Syria.
"Alhamdulillah, my speech aligns with the call of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif, Prof Dr Ahmed El-Tayyeb, who urged scholars and leaders of the Islamic world to play a vital role in fostering unity and rejecting the culture of religious fanaticism that is increasingly taking root," he said during his speech at the IIDC in Manama on Wednesday.
Anwar added that sectarianism refers to separation, division, or tension arising from differences in religious, ethnic, or ideological beliefs.
He then said that in the Islamic world, sectarianism is often linked to conflicts between groups like Sunni and Shia, which can weaken the unity of the ummah.
Anwar urged the Islamic world to show greater solidarity with Palestinians, not merely through rhetoric but through collective action involving systematic and continuous diplomatic efforts.
He also said that economic support is needed to strengthen Palestine's position internationally.
"Mass killings, the expansion of illegal settlements, and the ongoing expulsion of Palestinians demand more than just condemnation.
The Islamic world must commit to providing educational assistance, human rights, healthcare access, and infrastructure development for the Palestinian people," he added.
Besides Palestine, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of building peace in Syria, saying the country could become a model of peace for the Islamic world.
"The early signs of reconciliation and peace-building efforts in Syria not only bring hope to its people but also offer the entire ummah the opportunity to better plan their future," he said.
Concluding his speech, Anwar called on the Islamic world to unite to achieve common goals and create history that reflects integrity, unwavering commitment, and strong unity.
"Let history record that – through action, integrity, and unwavering commitment – we are indeed one ummah, with one common purpose," he said
