muslim Elders

At Its Second Seminar, the Muslim Council of Elders’ Stand at the Cairo International Book Fair Explores the Determinants of Human Behavior Between Religion and Medicine

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Rabie, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language, Al-Azhar University: Preachers and reformers play a key role in guiding human behavior toward goodness through kind words and exemplary conduct.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mahdi, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Al-Azhar University: The Glorious Quran has saved human souls from many psychological illnesses, guiding them to tranquility and answering their most troubling questions.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its second cultural seminar, titled “Determinants of Human Behavior: Religious and Medical Perspectives.” The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Rabie, Professor of Arabic Linguistics and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language at Al-Azhar University, and Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mahdi, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Al-Azhar University. The seminar was moderated by media expert Dr. Saad Al-Mataani.

During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Rabie emphasized that human behavior is intrinsically tied to the science of ethics, encompassing all actions that regulate a person’s life and lead them to happiness in the Hereafter. He highlighted the importance of being mindful of one’s behavior with God, oneself, and others to achieve success in both worlds.

Dr. Rabie also noted that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) embodied the highest model of upbringing and conduct in all his interactions, dealing with kindness and responding to wrongs with good. He stressed the crucial role of preachers and reformers in guiding human behavior toward goodness through kind words and exemplary actions.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mahdi explained that human behavior consists of all actions that respond to internal or external stimuli. He criticized the limitations of many schools of thought in analyzing human behavior, such as psychoanalytic, behavioral, and humanistic approaches, highlighting the Glorious Quran’s advanced understanding of the human soul and its guidance for virtuous behavior.

Dr. Al-Mahdi further stated that a person’s behavior and life can only be harmonious if they refine their conduct with God, themselves, and others. He noted that Islam disciplines human desires, shielding individuals from being overwhelmed by such worldly cravings. He also emphasized that the Glorious Quran has saved human souls from numerous psychological ailments, directing them toward peace of mind and providing answers to the most unsettling questions they face.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, held from January 23 to February 5, 2025, with a dedicated stand showcasing a wide range of distinguished publications. The stand also hosts various seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the 5th Settlement, Cairo.