MWL Secretary General Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa led the effort, and Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony of Pakistan, and Mohammad Qasim Halimi, Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs of Afghanistan, signed the accord.
"This brotherly meeting was characterised by determination, love and harmony, and reflected the strong resolve of our brothers in the meeting to advance peace in Afghanistan," Dr Al-Issa said. "Brotherly peace which is characterised by strong faith, sincere determination and responsibility, and this agreement was reached in the most sacred place on earth by religious scholars. There can be no stronger declaration of peace, and it will prove successful, God willing."
Highlights of the declaration include:
- Condemns all acts of violence and extremism, regardless of the perpetrator or motivation, and judges all attacks against civilians as a violation of the fundamental principles of shari'ah.
- Rejects any attempt to justify violence on the basis of religion, nationality, civilisation or race.
- Recognises the unique role of religious scholars to ensure peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
- Leverages the influence of the religious scholar communities in Afghanistan and Pakistan to ensure compliance by all parties to the conflict.
- Reflects the status of reconciliation as the optimal resolution for conflicts and disputes as laid out in the Quran.
"Saudi Arabia has always been there for Afghanistan and is leading the effort to ensure we achieve peace," Qadri said. "Our religion teaches us how to be united and harmonious with one another, and advocates for international cooperation in all charitable work. Islam focuses on protecting the nation, encouraging development and progress, promoting peace and preventing subversive acts."
"We are truly fortunate for the unity and accomplishment of this declaration, and its potential for ending the bloodshed that has lasted for years," Halimi said. "The obstacles to reconciliation in Afghanistan have been removed completely and there are none now."
Pakistani and Afghan scholars, many of whom participated virtually from their home countries, thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Mohammad bin Salman for KSA's support for peace and stability in Afghanistan. They also commended the kingdom's efforts to bring together scholars from both countries and build bridges that unite Afghans.