250 Muslim Scholars Gather in Istanbul to Discuss Proposed Unity Charter
The three-day conference is examining shared principles across Islamic traditions and practical steps towards greater cooperation among Muslims.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Muslim scholars from various countries have gathered in Istanbul to discuss how the global Muslim community, or Ummah, can move from shared principles to practical cooperation, with a Syrian delegation presenting its country’s experience in developing a charter for unity in Islamic discourse.
About 250 scholars, thinkers and preachers are attending the conference, titled “The Centrist Ummah’s Unity: From Shared Principles to a Charter of Unity.” It opened on Wednesday under the auspices of the International Union of Muslim Scholars. The three-day programme includes academic sessions and workshops on a proposed Charter of Ummah Unity.
The union’s Secretary-General, Ali al-Qaradaghi, attended the opening session alongside scholars and researchers. The Syrian delegation is led by the country’s Minister of Awqaf, Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri.
Speaking to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Shukri said Syria had prepared a Charter for Unity of Islamic Discourse in cooperation with the Supreme Fatwa Council. He said more than 1,800 Syrian scholars had signed the document, describing it as a model for promoting rapprochement and greater unity in Islamic discourse.
Shukri said the Istanbul conference was exploring ways to bring scholars from different Islamic schools of thought and jurisprudential traditions together around shared principles rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. Such efforts, he said, could strengthen the unity of the Ummah and its capacity to address contemporary challenges.
Mohammad Muadh Abu Saleh, director of the Jeel al-Quran Endowment, said divisions within the Ummah called for greater dialogue, rapprochement and a stronger emphasis on common ground. He stressed the need for practical implementation plans and follow-up mechanisms to turn the conference’s objectives into tangible efforts.
A final statement is expected after Friday prayers.
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