The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair hosted its first cultural seminar, titled “Isnad as a Pillar of Religion: An Analysis of Its Concept and Guidelines.” The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mabed Abdelkarim, a member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, and was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Mabed, Head of the Central Administration for Technical Affairs at Al-Azhar.
At the outset of the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mabed emphasized that the Prophetic Sunnah is preserved by Allah Almighty. He highlighted the continuous efforts of scholars throughout generations to authenticate the chains of transmission (Isnad) of the Prophetic traditions. He explained that any gaps left by earlier scholars were addressed by later scholars, with books on narrators, transmission defects, and Hadith collection methodologies serving as a testament to these efforts.
He further explained that all matters of religion are rooted in divine revelation, which is either recited revelation (in the form of the Quran) or reported revelation (meaning the Prophetic Sunnah). He noted that just as Allah has preserved the Quran, He has also preserved the Prophetic explanations of the Quran. He cited the Quranic verse: “Nor does he speak out of (his own) desire. It is not but a revelation that is revealed” [The Quran, 53:3-4], emphasizing that the Prophet (peace be upon him) based the entirety of religion on what was divinely revealed to him.
His Eminence Prof. Dr. Abdelkarim also elaborated on how the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) upheld the responsibility of preserving the Sunnah with the utmost integrity. He noted that their integrity and trustworthiness are divinely affirmed in the Quran, leaving no room for doubt about their credibility. He further explained that the generations following the Companions continued to uphold this sacred trust, ensuring the preservation of the Sunnah for future generations.
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide range of the Council’s distinguished publications and hosts various seminars, activities, and events focused on 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.