The first preliminary session of proximity of Islamic schools of thought was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a number of distinguished Muslim scholars and thinkers attending.

According to Alsharq Alawsat, the forum is aimed at strengthening understanding and unity among various Islamic schools of thought as well as promotion of dialogue based on the common principles of the noble religion of Islam.

The forum is also pushing for creation of an atmosphere free of violence, prejudice and excommunicative tendencies.

Salih bin Hamid , chairman of Saudi Arabia's consultative body, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Taskhiri ,secretary general of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khalili, Grand Mufti of Oman, Mohammad Salim Al-Ava , secretary general of the international union of Muslim scholars, Abdolsalim Al-Ebadi, secretary general of the international council of Islamic jurisprudence and Akmal-ol-din Ehsanoglou, secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) are attending the forum.

The forum features presenting scientific and jurisprudential initiatives for examining common criteria and principles of Islamic schools of thought with the aim of realization of peaceful coexistence.

Mahdi Fathollah , political advisor to the secretary general of the OIC, commenting on the forum said, "Ideas and opinions of various Muslim scholars are examined in the area of the proximity of Islamic sects and Muslim thinkers and scholars have been required to put forward a comprehensive plan to promote dialogue among scholars of various Islamic sects."

It is worthy of mentioning that at the beginning of the session secretary general of the organization of Islamic conference (OIC) lectured on the necessity of fighting excommunicative tendencies and prevention of issuance of unwise fatwas(religious edicts).

Source: http://www.iqna.ir