MCE Releases "Addressing Issues of Division in Ummah: Sunni, Shia" Book

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair presents a selection of its 2025 publications, including the book “The Issues of Division in the Ummah: Sunni and Shia – Causes and Solutions” by Professor Elias Belka. This release is timely, coinciding with the Council’s preparations for the forthcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference set to be hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February.

The book explores the historical divisions within the Muslim Ummah, particularly between Sunni and Shia, asserting that these divisions are not predetermined fate but can be transcended. It stresses that the vision for the Ummah’s unity is deeply rooted in the divine revelations of the Noble Quran and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family. Based on these fundamental and original sources, the scholarly endeavors of imams, jurists, and scholars were established, giving rise to a rich heritage of diverse jurisprudential and theological schools whose insights continue to benefit the Ummah across generations, despite doctrinal differences. The book advocates for a comprehensive and profound study of these origins to foster a unified future where conflicts are resolved.

Committed to fostering unity and peace, the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research presents this important work by Dr. Elias Belka, a professor at the Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences in Fez and a noted researcher in futures studies. He also serves as the Coordinator of the Pioneering Studies Program at Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. Dr. Belka's study, through education and dialogue, addresses the divisions within the Muslim Ummah, emphasizing that differences should not impede the quest for mutual understanding and unity among Muslims.

Analyzing the historical roots of the Sunni-Shia split, the book examines the social and political factors perpetuating these divisions, highlighting how contemporary conflicts often mirror historical injustices. The media’s role in emphasizing these divisions further entrenches the cycle of conflict. Dr. Belka proposes viable solutions to foster unity among all Muslims.

This study and other similar works underscore the urgent need for unity as both a cultural imperative and a religious duty to mitigate the impacts of division within the Muslim Ummah. These are among the essential endeavors that scientific and religious institutions should prioritize in their production and scholarly efforts. This approach was highlighted by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in his historic call for intra-Islamic dialogue at the Bahrain Dialogue Forum. This vision represents the aspirations of all segments of the Muslim Ummah today: Sunni, Shia, Ibadi, and Zaidi, reflecting the Ummah’s collective voice.

The Muslim Council of Elders will feature a prominent pavilion at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2024. The pavilion will showcase a vast array of the Council's distinguished publications and host a series of seminars and activities dedicated to promoting values of goodness, peace, and harmonious coexistence among all people.

Located at the Cairo International Book Fair next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif pavilion, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion can be found in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center, in the Fifth Settlement.