Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture

International Conference on the Unity of the Ummah 2026

International Conference on the Unity of the Ummah 2026

October 28–30, 2026 | Democracy and Freedom Island, Istanbul, Turkey

Nature and Purpose of the Conference

Organized under the title “From Fundamental Principles to a Covenant of Unity,” the conference aims to strengthen the unity of the Islamic ummah, bring people together around shared religious and intellectual principles, and foster cooperation among Islamic institutions, scholars, movements, and civil society organizations.

The conference’s primary goal is to move beyond theoretical discussions on the unity of the ummah to formulate a common “Pact for the Unity of the Ummah” and to solidify this through a final declaration.

Main Topics of the Program

- The necessity of Ummah unity and contemporary conditions.

- The responsibilities of states, politicians, scholars, Islamic movements, and the media.

- The role of education, teaching, and reform activities in the unity process.

- Collaborative efforts among Islamic groups and civil society organizations.

- Political unity, a common economic market, and the unifying role of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

- Negotiation and adoption of the Pact for the Unity of the Ummah.

The first two days of the program are dedicated to opening remarks, academic presentations, and workshops. The third day will conclude with Friday prayers at the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the reading of the final declaration in Arabic and Turkish.

Notable Speakers

- Prof. Dr. Ali Muhyiddin al-Karadâğî: President of the World Union of Muslim Scholars.

- Dr. Muhammad Abu’l-Hayr Shukri: Minister of Endowments of Syria.

- Prof. Dr. Muhammed Görmez: President of the International University of Science and Technology.

- Sheikh Abdulvehhab Ekinci: Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee.

- Sheikh Nusretullah Müftüoğlu: President of the Islamic Scholars Foundation.

- Prof. Dr. Ahmed Hasan et-Tâhâ: President of the Iraqi Academy of Fiqh.

- Sheikh Mufti Muniburrahman: President of the Pakistan Religious Madrasas Organization.

- Dr. Azzam al-Eyyubi: Secretary-General of the Forum for Justice and Democracy.

- Dr. Mervan Abu Ras: Chairman of the Jerusalem and Palestine Commission of the World Union of Muslim Scholars.

- A representative of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkey.

In addition, representatives from Islamic educational institutions in India, international invitation organizations, and the European Islamic Council will also participate in the opening session.

The Importance of the Conference

The conference is significant in that it brings together scholars, representatives of religious institutions, and thought leaders from various regions of the Islamic world on common ground. In particular, its focus on addressing the responsibilities of Muslim unity among various actors and its aim to draft a common covenant lend the meeting the potential to produce concrete results.

General Assessment: The conference is an international gathering that aims to develop the unity of the Islamic ummah—not merely as an ideal—but on the basis of shared principles, institutional cooperation, and mutual responsibilities. Its most significant outcome is expected to be a consensus-based Pact for the Unity of the Ummah and a final declaration.

News

Habib Ömer bin Hafiz Emphasizes Faith and Brotherhood During His Visit to the IIKV

Yemeni Islamic scholar Habib Ömer bin Hafiz, who visited the Istanbul Science and Culture Foundation, shared his insights on strengthening faith, the spiritual education of children, and brotherhood among Muslims. Following the gathering, during which excerpts from the Risale-i Nur were read, the participants visited the Department of Sacred Relics at Topkapı Palace.

Video archive

Every session of the symposium is on YouTube

Recordings of the opening, sessions, forums and gala of the 13th International Bediüzzaman Symposium are on our YouTube channel. Transcripts and subtitles are in preparation.