International Union of Muslim Scholars Calls for Comprehensive Reconciliation, Release of Detainees, Protection of Freedoms

International Union of Muslim Scholars Calls for Comprehensive Reconciliation, Release of Detainees, Protection of Freedoms
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The International Union of Muslim Scholars has endorsed an initiative by Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb to halt wars and conflicts across the Arab and Muslim world, calling for a broader process of political reconciliation and reform based on restoring freedoms, ending arbitrary detention, addressing injustices, and resolving the root causes of division.

In a statement, the union said Al-Tayeb’s initiative carried both religious and humanitarian significance, reflecting the responsibility of scholars and religious institutions to protect lives and help bring conflicts to an end. It stressed, however, that reconciliation must go beyond ceasefires to include justice, human dignity, and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

The union urged governments to engage in serious dialogue with political opposition groups and individuals expressing dissenting views. It called for particular attention to the situation of detained scholars, preachers, intellectuals, and cultural figures, emphasizing the need to end arbitrary detention, guarantee fair trials, and allow broader participation in public life.

The statement specifically called on Egypt to launch a national reconciliation process amid what it described as continuing political division. It referred to reports indicating that large numbers of people remain detained or imprisoned on political grounds.

The union called for fair and transparent legal reviews and the release of individuals whose guilt has not been established through fair judicial proceedings. It argued that rebuilding national trust requires ending political exclusion and restrictions on freedoms, while establishing safeguards to prevent future abuses.

It also stressed that genuine reconciliation cannot mean overlooking past violations without providing justice for those affected. Instead, it must be grounded in justice, compassion, and the rule of law to protect citizens’ rights and promote social stability.

Addressing the situation in Yemen, the union called for comprehensive national dialogue involving the country’s political and social forces. It urged all parties to place the interests of the Yemeni people above partisan and sectarian considerations, with the aim of reaching a settlement that ends the war and division while preserving the country’s unity and sovereignty.

Regarding Sudan, the union called for an end to the war and coordinated regional and international efforts to resolve the conflict. It also urged measures to prevent weapons from reaching forces it described as rebel groups and called for a political process that would allow Sudanese people to determine their country’s future while safeguarding state institutions and national unity.

On the Palestinian issue, the union emphasized that calls for peace and reconciliation cannot be separated from confronting occupation, aggression, forced displacement, and blockade.

It reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to freedom, self-determination, and an independent state.

The union also called for stronger coordination between Al-Azhar, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, and other religious and humanitarian institutions to mobilize public and official support for Palestinians. It urged efforts to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid, lift the blockade, and support legal and diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the occupation.

On October 18, Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb issued an appeal urging Arab and Muslim countries to bring an immediate and comprehensive end to wars and fighting and prioritize dialogue.

His proposal included forming an urgent committee of respected figures and mediators from different countries to help defuse crises, mediate between conflicting parties, and narrow differences. Al-Azhar also expressed its readiness to support the committee’s efforts.