DID Press: A new survey conducted by DID Press Agency shows that more than half of respondents believe lack of meaningful and sustained dialogue among religious leaders is the main barrier to genuine unity in the Muslim world. Political disputes between Islamic countries and the exploitation of sectarian divides by extremist groups were also cited as significant obstacles.
According to the findings, 50 percent of participants identified lack of deep, constructive, and regular dialogue among clerics from different schools of thought as a primary factor behind ongoing mistrust and division. Respondents stressed that effective communication channels and forums for resolving theological and jurisprudential differences remain absent, perpetuating fragmentation.
In second place, 33 percent of participants pointed to political disputes between Muslim-majority governments. They argued that regional rivalries, conflicting interests, and geopolitical tensions have prevented even deep cultural, religious, and historical commonalities to be translated into practical unity.
Meanwhile, 17 percent of respondents said extremist groups’ exploitation of sectarian rifts is the biggest obstacle to solidarity. According to this group, extremists fuel sectarian prejudice, preventing the formation of a unified front to address shared challenges.
Notably, none of the respondents considered a lack of public awareness about common religious values as the main factor. Analysts say this suggests that, in the public’s view, the problem lies more with leadership and decision-making than with ordinary Muslims.