Sheikh Bin Bayyah addresses 1200 Islamic Figures from 127 Countries representing 28 Islamic Components at the MWL conference on Islamic Unity: Perlis of Labeling & Exclusion, held in Makkah under the Patronage of the Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques. Muslim Makkah Conference
Excerpts from the speech of His Eminence Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah
Head of UAE Fatwa Council
Unity is optional, however, attention should be paid to its steady progress based on temporal, spatial and human contexts.
The concept of unity does not mean that the Muslims should be part of one single entity. The Caliphate is useful, yet not an act of worship. This is what led wise people of this epoch to establish organizations and institutions for cooperation and solidarity.
The multitude of the States of Islam and that of their leaders are a historical practice. Therefore, there is no proof that anyone sought to unite countries under one banner with a religious motive underlying the necessity of a caliphate under one single leader (Imam.)
Developing solidarity through the promotion of common denominators and to believe in unity with diversity.
To warn against the spirit of exclusion and isolation; that have caused the rejection of the other, and Takfir; (accusing others of apostasy) which is the most extreme features of exclusion.
