A three-day international conference of Muslim scholars, intellectuals and religious leaders concluded in Istanbul on October 30 with a call for a new charter to strengthen unity across the Muslim world, overcome sectarian divisions and translate shared principles into practical cooperation.

Organized by the International Union of Muslim Scholars in cooperation with the Endowment of Islamic Scholars, the conference on “The Unity of the Ummah of the Middle Way: From Core Principles to a Charter of Unity,” gathered participants from more than 30 countries.

The summit sought to move beyond conventional appeals for Muslim solidarity towards establishing institutional mechanisms capable of addressing divisions and promoting cooperation in religious, political, educational, scientific and humanitarian fields.

Among the prominent participants were Ali Muhyiddin Al-Qaradaghi, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars; Nusretullah Müftüoğlu, President of the Endowment of Islamic Scholars; Mohammad Abou Al-Khair Shoukri, Syria’s Minister of Religious Affairs; and Abdülvahap Ekinci, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee. 

Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Chairman of Al-Ummah Foundation, who also attended the conference, later issued a press note saying: “The summit represents a timely and commendable initiative to strengthen unity, mutual understanding and cooperation across the Muslim world.”

Zakir, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ummah magazine, said: “The proposed Charter of Unity offers a promising framework for turning shared principles into collective action.” 

He stressed the Charter’s implementation to make it more significant and said: “We must go beyond declarations and establish effective institutional mechanisms, clear objectives and sustained cooperation, particularly in education, research, economic development, and humanitarian affairs.”

Zakir said: “Unity must become a practical force for progress, peace and the collective well-being of humanity.

Unity Amid Growing Challenges

Against a backdrop of mounting political, economic and social challenges, the conference’s final statement described Muslim unity as more than a religious aspiration or political slogan. It characterized unity as a religious obligation, a civilizational objective and a strategic necessity for confronting common challenges.

Participants acknowledged that divisions within Muslim societies have weakened opportunities for cooperation, undermined collective interests and complicated efforts to address conflicts and humanitarian crises.

They emphasized that unity should not require the abandonment of legitimate differences among Islamic schools of jurisprudence or intellectual traditions. Rather, it should rest on mutual respect, scholarly dialogue and a shared commitment to the fundamental principles of Islam.

The statement called for rejecting sectarianism, extremism and intolerance while promoting moderation, consultation and cooperation. It also stressed that Muslim unity should strengthen peaceful engagement with other peoples and nations rather than encourage isolation.

A Charter for the Muslim Ummah

The conference’s central proposal was the development of the “Charter of the Ummah of the Middle Way: Core Principles and Evolving Issues,” envisioned as a common intellectual and religious framework for Muslim societies.

The proposed charter would distinguish between fundamental religious principles established by definitive texts and matters open to legitimate juristic interpretation, or ijtihad.

Participants argued that recognizing this distinction would help reconcile fidelity to Islamic principles with the flexibility required to address contemporary challenges. It would also provide common ground for cooperation without suppressing legitimate scholarly differences.

Scholars, intellectuals, religious institutions and community leaders were invited to contribute to the drafting process to ensure that the charter reflects broad consensus.

The conference emphasized that building unity is a gradual process requiring sustained dialogue, mutual trust and institutional commitment rather than occasional declarations of solidarity.

From Principles to Practical Action

A significant feature of the conference was its emphasis on translating broad objectives into institutional initiatives.

Among its principal recommendations were:

• Establishing a Centre for Unity Studies and Projects for Unity and Renaissance to conduct research and develop practical initiatives.

• Forming unity committees in Muslim-majority countries and among Muslim communities elsewhere to encourage dialogue and coordinate activities.

• Organizing academic meetings, workshops and periodic conferences to identify obstacles to unity and develop workable solutions.

• Launching joint research, educational and training programs among Islamic institutions.

• Developing a renewed Islamic outreach initiative grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah, emphasizing wisdom, moderation, constructive engagement and social reform.

The statement also recommended establishing contact points among participating institutions to monitor progress, exchange experiences and ensure continuity.

Particular attention was given to education, scientific research and the media. Participants called for joint scholarly projects, educational reform and greater institutional cooperation to strengthen intellectual development and social cohesion.

The media, they argued, should play a constructive role in countering sectarian incitement, hate speech and intolerance while highlighting shared values and common interests.

Palestine and Other Humanitarian Crises

The conference devoted considerable attention to conflicts and humanitarian emergencies affecting Muslim populations, emphasizing the need for coordinated responses.

Palestine occupied a central position in the discussions. Participants called for an end to the violence in Gaza and violations in the West Bank, protection of Palestinian prisoners and Islamic holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

The statement urged Muslim institutions and leaders to coordinate their efforts in defending Palestinian rights through legitimate and responsible means.

Regarding Yemen, participants reaffirmed their support for the country’s unity, security and stability, calling for an end to internal conflict and the restoration of effective state institutions. On Sudan, the conference appealed for increased humanitarian assistance, an end to bloodshed and the restoration of peace, sovereignty and institutional stability. Participants also expressed solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar and Muslims in East Turkestan, calling for the protection of their rights and dignity.

The statement further highlighted the importance of strengthening educational, economic and institutional development among Muslim communities in Africa, encouraging greater cooperation and the effective mobilization of resources.

Rejecting Extremism, Promoting Coexistence

Alongside its emphasis on Muslim solidarity, the conference reaffirmed its rejection of terrorism in all its forms and warned against rising Islamophobia and religious hatred. It condemned attacks on places of worship, including mosques and churches, and called for respect for the law, protection of fundamental rights and peaceful coexistence among religious communities.

Participants stressed that Islamic unity should contribute to international peace, mutual understanding and the defense of human dignity, rather than deepen divisions between communities.

The Road Ahead

The conference concluded by assigning its drafting committee the task of completing the proposed charter within 10 days. The document is expected to be published, translated into several languages and disseminated through meetings, seminars and educational initiatives.

The organizers envision the charter as a reference document that can strengthen awareness of shared Islamic principles, encourage dialogue across different schools of thought and provide a foundation for sustained institutional cooperation.

For a Muslim world confronting internal divisions and growing external challenges, the proposed charter represents an attempt to move from the rhetoric of unity towards a more organized and practical framework for collective action.