JEDDAH/BEIRUT — Several scholars and intellectuals have praised the call by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to set up a dialogue center for Islamic schools of thought in Riyadh. They said the proposed center would enjoy wide acceptance all over the Muslim World. During his inaugural speech to the two-day Islamic Solidarity Summit in Makkah on Tuesday, King Abdullah suggested setting up of the center in Riyadh with its members drawn from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states. The center aims to narrow differences in opinion among the followers of Islam and seek unity. It will also give the Muslim World an unprecedented opportunity to avoid sectarian conflicts and civil wars that have erupted due to embracing different opinions and viewpoints. Sheikh Muhamed Al-Jozo, a Lebanese scholar, believes that the center would fight sedition threatening Muslim countries by welcoming all schools of thought. “All the world Muslims will always remember that it was King Abdullah who came up with the initiative,” he said. Sheikh Saadallah Al-Sibae, a Dawah activist, said the center should put an end to bloodshed in the Muslim World. He believes that all Muslim leaders from various schools of thought should adopt the initiative and ensure its success. “As a Muslim Ummah, we're going through a critical time. Unity is the solution that can allow us to overcome all obstacles surrounding us. Open dialogue is needed.” Muhammad Nasrallah, a Shoura Council member, said the Muslim World has been encountering myriad challenges and its unity is at stake. King Abdullah's call for setting up this center aims to unify the Ummah and see beyond its differences. “This is a golden opportunity to avert sectarian conflicts and civil wars.” Dr. Suhail Qadi, former Shoura Council member, said the center would enhance dialogue and lower intolerance in light of current tumultuous conditions. “It's a timely call.” Dr. Ali Al-Tawati, a writer, said Muslims from all schools of thought are in dire need to hold dialogue. The center would allow scholars from different schools to get together and agree on certain points that serve the interests of all Muslims. Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi, member of the Shoura, said the center will not allow instigators a chance to sow the seeds of discord among Muslims. The center will reinforce tolerance, solidarity and co-existence. This initiative reflects the fact that the Kingdom is deeply concerned about the state of the Muslim World, he said. King Hamad Al-Khalifa of Bahrain lauded King Abdullah's proposal to set up a center for dialogue between all Islamic sects and doctrines. King Hamad described Islam as the religion of unity and solidarity, a religion that includes all peoples, sects and races and rejects acts of hatred, divide and sedition.
