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The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair offers visitors a number of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing for 2025, including the prominent book “Commerce in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah,” authored by Dr. Abdel Ghani Awad Al-Rajhi, one of the prominent scholars of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

In this book, Dr. Awad Al-Rajhi clarifies the guidance of the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah—as a supreme perspective—on organizing commerce and commercial transactions, financial issues, and the ethics of commerce and traders from moral, psychological, social aspects, among other related issues. The book also explores various contemporary financial transactions and discusses the Islamic perspectives on them, all within the framework of the Quran and Sunnah.

The author explains in the Introduction section of the book that commerce is fundamentally a noble profession that plays a vital role in the life of a community. It stands as the cornerstone of trades that sustain the world’s systems and people’s livelihoods: agriculture, industry, and commerce. He emphasizes that if the merchant and the commercial system in any country are upright, in good standing, God-fearing in their dealings, uphold their honor, conscience, and responsibilities, and comply with the divine laws governing buying and selling, while considering national interests, public welfare, and promoting cooperation among people, they will be a source of goodness, mercy, and peace.

The author asserts that in line with the well-known saying, “religion is conduct,” upright conduct is most vividly displayed in commerce, buying, selling, and interacting with people to earn profit and increase capital. Consequently, commerce is deeply linked to the faith, ethics, conscience, and honor of the practitioner. Thus, the way one conducts their business dealings, manages their buying and selling, and grows their capital reflects on their religious observance, as well as their humanity and dignity.

The book is structured into the following sections: Introduction, Commerce: Its Definition, Commerce as an Innate Tendency and Social Necessity, Islam’s View of Commerce as an Innate Tendency, Commerce Among Arabs as a Dominant Phenomenon, How Commerce Fueled Religious Sentiments Among Arabs, The Impact of Commerce on Refining and Simplifying the Arabic Language, The Role of Commerce in Spreading Islam, Guidance from the Quran on Commercial Transactions and Financial Issues, Commercial Aspects in the Prophetic Sunnah, The Sunnah Praises Commerce at Times and Criticizes It at Others, The Ethics of Commerce and Traders, Various Types of Financial Transactions and Islam’s Stance on Them, and Conclusion.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand hosts a vast array of the Council’s distinguished publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting values of kindness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand in Hall 4 of the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

Dr. Hassan El-Shafei Addresses Theology Renewal at the Muslim Council of Elders’ Stand at the Cairo International Book Fair

 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair held its ninth cultural seminar, entitled “Theology and the Question of Renewal.” This session featured Prof. Dr. Hassan El-Shafei, a member of the Senior Scholars Authority at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Chairman of the Union of Arab Scientific Language Academies. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Meshal, a lecturer in creed and philosophy at Al-Azhar University.

At the start of the seminar, Dr El-Shafei explained that the Islamic creed encompasses three pillars: Tawhid (the monotheism of Allah Almighty), belief in His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his teachings, and faith in the afterlife. He emphasized the distinction between the creed itself and the science of creed or theology, noting that for the general Muslim populace, having correct belief and proper worship are sufficient. However, theology, which involves the methodologies for proving doctrinal knowledge, is considered Fard Kifaya (a collective duty or obligation) that rests upon specialized scholars.

The member of the Muslim Council of Elders highlighted that renewal does not apply to the creed itself, as the creed does not evolve. Instead, renewal lies in the science of creed or theology, focusing on the methodologies rather than the beliefs, because the methods of proof can vary from one era to another.

The Chairman of the Union of Arab Scientific Language Academies clarified that the science of creed, or theology, is the discipline that explains and substantiates the creed, refutes the opposition, clarifies their errors, and responds to those who deny prophecy. He noted that the early generations, who were well-grounded in knowledge, saw the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions. As time passed and circumstances changed, leading to the emergence of numerous doubts and misconceptions, it became necessary to discuss these issues, demonstrate their flaws, and affirm the truth brought by religion. Thus, figures like Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari in Baghdad, Abu Mansur al-Maturidi in Transoxiana, and Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi in Egypt emerged. They utilized rational evidence to establish doctrinal truths and counteract skeptics and deniers, thereby supporting the creed of the Companions with proofs derived from reason, tradition, and knowledge.

The member of Al-Azhar’s Senior Scholars Authority highlighted the consensus among Muslims that reason and revelation do not contradict each other; what is reached through reason aligns with what is verified by the texts. He emphasized that those involved in renewing theological studies must adhere faithfully to the principles of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and return to the Quran, the fundamental source of all knowledge.

Sheikh El-Shafei stressed the importance of intra-Islamic dialogue, noting that although Islamic sects may differ on various issues, with some being right and others wrong, they are all still Muslims and remain part of the Ummah’s body. He warned against declaring other Muslims as non-believers or morally corrupt, referencing the stance of Imam Al-Ash’ari. As Imam Al-Ash’ari neared the end of his life, he summoned one of his companions and said: “Bear witness that I do not label anyone of the people of Qibla (Muslims) as a disbeliever, for all worship one God, and their differences are merely in their naming and associations.” 

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

Dr. Adel Fahmy from Cairo University’s Faculty of Media Praises the Role of the Muslim Council of Elders in Promoting Awareness and Disseminating Ethical Values Through Various Communication Channels

Dr. Reda Amin, Dean of Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Media, Warns of Digital Media’s Dominance and Calls for Media Education to Protect the Public and Increase Their Awareness

Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al Hokama Center for Peace Research: New Generations Must Be Protected in an Era Dominated by Visual Content Across All Communication Means and Their Internal Immunity Developed

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its eighth cultural seminar titled “Media and Fostering Community Awareness”. The event featured Prof. Dr. Reda Abdel Wajid Amin, Dean of the Faculty of Media at Al-Azhar University; Dr. Adel Fahmy, Professor of Broadcasting and Television at Cairo University’s Faculty of Media; and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research; and was moderated by media personality Dr. Saad Al-Mat’ani. 
Dr. Adel Fahmy opened the seminar by discussing the role of digital media, also known as new media or citizen media, representing the latest evolution in communication sciences. He highlighted that this media shift places the focus squarely on the audience and the citizen. He warned that without a profound vision and professional handling, the identities of societies could face threats and fragmentation. He emphasized the critical need to cultivate a religious conscience, which he described as the ‘last stronghold’ in defending humanity.

The Professor of Media at Cairo University emphasized the importance of developing media awareness and strengthening our identities through the triad of faith, heritage, and language. He called on key actors to secure a stake in digital media to preserve nations, cultures, identities, and ethical values. He warned of the risks associated with some digital generations becoming detached from their past and present. Simultaneously, he praised the role of religious institutions like Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders in enhancing awareness and promoting ethical values through various communication means.

Dr. Reda Abdel Wajid Amin stressed the vital importance of purpose and message in both traditional and new media, underscoring the responsibility linked to verbal and visual content because of their significant impact on individuals and societies. He pointed out that this is crucial for maintaining intellectual and social security.

The Dean of the Faculty of Media at Al-Azhar University also warned about the dominance of digital media over children and young people, which could lead to the erosion of the ethical values system. He pointed out that solutions lie in education based on awareness and dialogue. Simultaneously, he advocated for an increase in substantive content over trivial content. He also called for the inclusion of a media education course in curricula to enable the public to verify information.

In this context, Dr. Samir Boudinar highlighted the importance of protecting new generations in an era where visual content dominates all forms of communication. This protection can be achieved by developing internal defenses that shield them from risks, encompassing three types of immunity: spiritual and faith-based, intellectual, and behavioral. He called for an increase in positive content to counterbalance the negative.

The Director of Al Hokama Center for Peace Research further noted that responsible verbal and visual content are powerful tools for promoting coexistence values. He mentioned that the Muslim Council of Elders has prioritized human coexistence, actively disseminating this commitment through various channels, including publishing books in multiple languages and utilizing new media to enhance awareness of these vital human values.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its seventh cultural seminar, titled “My Experience in Pursuing Knowledge.” The event featured Sheikh Ali Saleh, one of the senior scholars of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and was moderated by Shehata Al-Arabi, a broadcaster from the Quran Radio Network.

The seminar explored Sheikh Ali Saleh’s personal journey in seeking knowledge, including his upbringing, the pivotal role his parents played in his education, his early studies at the kuttab (traditional Quranic school), the influence of his teachers, and his scholarly endeavors in mastering Islamic texts. He also discussed the vibrant academic environment that shaped his educational development and shared invaluable advice for aspiring students of knowledge.

Sheikh Saleh spoke in detail about the profound influence of his parents, particularly his mother, on his academic path. She actively supported his pursuit of knowledge, accompanying him to lessons, listening alongside him to lectures, and even helping him refine his understanding of ‘Ilm Al-‘Arud (the science of Arabic prosody). She even bought him fifty books to read when he was a child, which, by fate, were all on Arabic literature. This collection profoundly impacted his academic focus, leading him to specialize in this field.

Sheikh Saleh also shared anecdotes about the distinguished scholars and teachers who deeply influenced his intellectual development. During the seminar, Sheikh Saleh recited selections from his poetic compositions, which spanned topics such as prosody, grammar, and praise of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. These verses were met with great admiration from the audience. The event drew a significant crowd of visitors to the fair, as Sheikh Saleh urged students of knowledge to dedicate themselves to learning, spend time reading, and master the Arabic language.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, held from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a diverse collection of the Council’s distinguished publications and hosts a range of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting the values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located near Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is showcasing a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the featured releases is the book, titled “Imam Al-Haramayn and His Influence on the Formation of the Ash’ari School” by Ali Mohamed Jabr, a distinguished scholar of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

The book delves into three key issues in the thought of Imam Al-Juwayni: the theory of knowledge, the creation of the world, and divine attributes. The author begins by introducing Imam Al-Haramayn, providing readers with an in-depth account of his life, scholarly formation, teachers, students, and the praise he received from other scholars.

The first chapter of the book focuses on the theory of knowledge. The second chapter addresses the concept of the creation of the world, emphasizing its significance as one of the key tenets upheld by Ahl Al-Sunnah. The third chapter explores texts that may imply anthropomorphism and analyzes their meanings.

In the conclusion, the author discusses Imam Al-Haramayn’s logical and theological methodology. He emphasizes that while several factors contributed to Al-Juwayni’s adoption of Ash’ari thought, his choice was not driven by blind imitation of his father or other prominent Ash’ari scholars. Instead, it was the result of careful deliberation, critical study, and examination of the views of different schools of thought. Imam Al-Haramayn embraced Ash’ari theology with conviction, considering it the closest interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah. He passionately defended the Ash’ari school against its critics, demonstrating the depth of his understanding rather than the rigidity of blind prejudice.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, taking place from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide range of the Council’s distinguished publications and hosts a variety of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Council’s 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.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair presents visitors with a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the featured releases is a book titled, “International Peace: Shared Values and Foundational Concepts”, a collective work by the team behind the project “What Contributions Can Muslims in Europe and the West Make to Building International Peace?”, edited and coordinated by Tijani Boulaouali. The book is published by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.

The book highlights that peace is a universal and comprehensive goal, as emphasized in the Qur’anic verse: “O you who have believed, enter into peace completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy” [The Quran, 2:208]. Peace is presented as a universal human and cosmic objective, embodying an innate human inclination. Accordingly, the book focuses on the subject of international peace, exploring it through the lens of values, concepts, and contexts. It represents the culmination of efforts by a group of specialized researchers engaged in a project examining the contributions of Muslims in Europe and the West to fostering international peace, as part of a European Studies program within Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.

The book is divided into three volumes, each addressing a distinct theme. The first volume, titled “Shared Values and Concepts for Building International Peace”, includes an introduction and seven research papers. The second volume, titled “Drawing on Shared Contexts to Foster International Peace”, contains eight research papers. The third volume, “Universal Shared Values and International Peacebuilding”, features six research papers written in English.

The volume presented at the stand, “Shared Values and Concepts for Building International Peace”, includes seven academic papers addressing topics such as “Islamic Jurisprudential Heritage and the Value of Peace”, “Muslims in the West and the Jurisprudence of Citizenship”, “People of the Book and Islamic Tolerance”, “The Medina Charter and the Project of Coexistence in a Pluralistic Society”, “The Non-Religious Other in Qur’anic and Jurisprudential Perspectives”, “The Dichotomy of Dar Al-Islam and Dar Al-Kufr: Prospects for Coexistence in the West”, and “The Transition from Theological Debate to Interfaith Dialogue.”

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, taking place from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide range of the Council’s featured publications and hosts a variety of events, seminars, and activities aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Council’s 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.

The stand of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its sixth cultural seminar, titled “Islamic Studies and the Movement of Translation: Principles and Prospects.” The seminar featured Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Awad, Professor of Literary Criticism at the Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University, and was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Gamal, a researcher at the Office for the Revival of Islamic Heritage at Al-Azhar Headquarters.

At the beginning of the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Awad pointed out that following the advent of Islam, Arabs became leaders in thought and culture during an era when other nations were engulfed in ignorance and darkness. He noted that, at certain points in history, other nations sought knowledge and culture from Muslims, which positively influenced the movement of translation. He urged Muslims to reclaim this intellectual and cultural leadership once again.

The professor of literary criticism at Ain Shams University also highlighted the challenges facing the translation of Islamic sciences into other languages, emphasizing two key points. First, he urged governments to adopt and support academic translation initiatives, given their profound impact on the thoughts and cultures of other societies. Second, he encouraged private companies and institutions to contribute to the development of translation as part of their intellectual and social responsibility.

Prof. Awad further encouraged skilled Muslim translators, proficient in both Arabic (as the source language) and the target languages, to invest significant efforts in translating the Glorious Quran into other languages. He emphasized the importance of such work in conveying messages of justice, mercy, peace, and coexistence to non-Muslims.

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 organizes a series of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting the values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located near Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement.

The Grand Mufti of Egypt: Islamic Legislative Principles Foster Human Fraternity and Advance the Nation’s Civilizational Leadership

Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research: Fatwas Safeguard Intellectual Security for Individuals and Communities

The stand of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its fifth cultural seminar, titled “Fatwas and Their Role in Achieving Islamic Unity,” with the participation of Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Gamal, a researcher at the Office for the Revival of Islamic Heritage at Al-Azhar Headquarters.

At the beginning of the seminar, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad emphasized that the principles of Islamic legislation—such as fraternity, mercy, and harmony—play a significant role in fostering human fraternity and advancing civilizational leadership in societies. He explained that the philosophy of Islamic legislation, similar to other divine religions, is built on creed, jurisprudence, and ethical behavior, aiming to unite the nation through shared worship, goals, and timeframes. He further highlighted that this unity is the ultimate salvation and the central objective of Islamic law, as emphasized in the Prophetic statement: “A believer to another believer is like a building whose parts support one another.”

The Grand Mufti added that sound fatwas serve as an effective remedy and a safe fortress for society, emphasizing that the sustainability of nations and the preservation of communities can only be achieved through well-founded fatwas that uphold the principles and fundamentals of religion while taking into account contemporary realities and societal needs. He noted that fatwas foster the principle of human fraternity—both among Muslims and between Muslims and non-Muslims.

For his part, Dr. Samir Boudinar remarked that the Muslim world today suffers under the weight of divisions and conflicts that threaten the unity and social fabric of the Muslim nation. He underscored the pivotal role of sound fatwas in protecting the social fabric, promoting unity, and fostering cohesion within the Muslim nation. Throughout history, fatwas have addressed challenges and overcome obstacles facing the nation in every era, particularly those related to the unprecedented issues and needs of society.

Dr. Boudinar also stressed the importance of religious institutions working in harmony with other societal institutions and interdisciplinary sciences to safeguard the intellectual security of individuals and communities and to unify the Muslim nation, which is constantly threatened by division and discord. He highlighted the role of research centers in supporting the issuance of fatwas by contributing to the training of muftis and providing them with necessary interdisciplinary knowledge.

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 featured publications and hosts various seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located near Al-Azhar’s stand in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Muslim nations on the occasion of the blessed night of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj. The Council prays to Almighty Allah to bestow this auspicious occasion upon the Arab and Islamic nations and all humanity with goodness, blessings, and peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders affirms that commemorating this blessed occasion, which exemplifies the divine support, reassurance, and honor bestowed upon the Prophet of Humanity, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and his gathering with other Prophets (peace be upon them all), serves as a reminder for all humanity to draw inspiration from their shared bonds of humanitarian brotherhood and to uphold the universal values of goodness, justice, love, and peace.

The Council calls upon the Arab and Muslim nations to reflect on the lessons and wisdom derived from this divine miracle, embracing patience, hope, and trust in Allah while taking practical steps and following the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). For indeed, adhering to his teachings brings the best of both worlds—this life and the hereafter.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair showcases a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the featured releases is a book, titled “Lectures on Islamic Theology and Research Methodologies” by Ali Mohamed Jabr, a renowned scholar of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

This book combines two distinct works authored by the esteemed Azhar scholar, Professor Dr. Ali Mohamed Jabr (d. 1395 AH/1975 CE), originally written for students of the Faculty of Islamic Theology at Al-Azhar University. These works differ from the traditional Azhar curriculum, as the author sought to expose students to diverse fields of knowledge and various interpretations of Islamic, intellectual, and scientific heritage.

The first book, titled “Lectures on Islamic Theology”, aims to cultivate intellectual skills, sharpen minds, and equip students with the tools to refute misconceptions about Islamic beliefs. It begins with an exploration of the history and fundamentals of Islamic theology, discussing various schools of thought and their differing opinions. The book then delves into key theological topics, such as the divisions of knowledge, reasoning, causality, and evidence. It provides an in-depth analysis of arguments for the existence and oneness of God and concludes with a discussion on the attributes of God and the Ash‘ari school’s stance on these issues.

The second book, titled “Lectures on Research Methodologies”, examines methodologies in mathematics, natural sciences, and Islamic theology. It offers comparisons between the approaches of early and modern scholars. The book begins by defining the concept of methodology, its role in acquiring knowledge, and the distinction between scientific and non-scientific methods. It then explores the methodology of mathematical sciences, their origins, their relationship with logic, and the differences between mathematical and logical reasoning. The book also covers research methods in the natural sciences, principles of induction, and the role of theories. The final section discusses research methodologies in Islamic theology, contrasting them with philosophy, and examines the approaches of theologians toward philosophy and logic. It also explores the Qur’anic method of establishing beliefs and the differences in theological methodologies before and after Al-Ghazali’s contributions, including their stance on Aristotelian logic.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, taking place from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide range of the Council’s featured publications and hosts a variety of events, seminars, and activities aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Council’s 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.