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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.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its fourth cultural seminar, titled “My Experience in Learning and Teaching.” The seminar featured contributions from Prof. Dr. Fathi Abdelrahman Hegazi, one of Al-Azhar’s esteemed scholars, and was moderated by media professional Mohamed Gomaa, presenter at the Quran Radio Network.

During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Fathi Hegazi shared insights from his journey in learning and teaching, recounting his academic and educational experiences. He explained that his quest for knowledge began at the age of five and a half, with the memorization of the Glorious Qur’an at traditional Qur’anic schools. His father and grandfather aimed to raise him as one of the scholars of Qur’anic sciences at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, dedicating all their efforts toward this goal.

Prof. Hegazi spoke of his deep attachment to his teachers and their profound influence on him. He highlighted how the katateeb (traditional Qur’anic schools) were instrumental in nurturing great scholars and theologians worldwide. He also reflected on his educational journey through various stages at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, where his teachers refined both his knowledge and character. He paid tribute to some of the most influential scholars in his life, such as Sheikh Najm Al-Din Al-Kurdi, Sheikh Mohamed Yousri, and the distinguished scholar Mohamed Mohieddin Abdelhamid.

He advised students to respect and revere their teachers, noting that his generation showed immense respect and joy in their connections with their mentors. He emphasized the pivotal role of scholars in supporting and defending their nations.

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 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.

Professor of Political Science at Cairo and Zayed Universities: Africa cannot be separated from its Arab and Islamic heritage.

Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research: Muslims hold a special appreciation for Africa, and Islam’s presence on the continent runs deep in history.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its third cultural seminar, titled “A Review of the Book ‘Peace in Africa’”, published by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research. The seminar featured contributions from Prof. Dr. Hamdy Abdelrahman, Professor of Political Science at Zayed and Cairo Universities, and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Hamdy Abdelrahman emphasized the complexity of studying Africa and the need for interdisciplinary research to gain a proper understanding. He noted that various conflicting frameworks have produced inaccurate readings of Africa. For example, Eurocentrism views Africa as having no history before its contact with Europe, while Afrocentrism, in turn, has dismissed others, offering a biased perspective on Arabs and Muslims. He added that the book under discussion reflects the cultural interconnection between the Arab-Islamic world and Africa.

Dr. Abdelrahman outlined a framework for studying Africa based on three key components. The first is the cultural component, which has shaped the mindset and emotions of Africans. The second is the civilizational component, representing the shared heritage and interaction between Arabs, Muslims, and Africans, highlighting their numerous human commonalities. He stressed that Africa cannot be detached from its Arab and Islamic heritage. The third is the Western component, marked by the impact of colonialism, which left institutions that significantly shaped modern Africa.

Dr. Abdelrahman praised the Muslim Council of Elders, in collaboration with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, for its efforts in sending peace convoys to Africa, which contribute to building cultural and intellectual frameworks for peace. He specifically highlighted the significant impact of the peace convoys sent to the Central African Republic.

For his part, Dr. Samir Boudinar noted that the book discussed in the seminar, which comprises multiple volumes, is the outcome of collaborative research as part of the African Studies Program at Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research. This program is a broader initiative by the Center, involving around thirty researchers and experts in African studies from across the globe. Their contributions include scholarly works in both Arabic and English.

Dr. Boudinar further elaborated that Islam’s presence in Africa dates back to the early days of the Prophetic mission, more than 1,400 years ago. He reminded attendees that the first migration of the Prophet’s companions, seeking safety from persecution, was to East Africa—historically known as the Migration to Abyssinia—well before the Prophet’s migration to Medina. This makes Africa the destination of Islam’s first migration, even before its spread to neighboring Asia (the Arabian Peninsula). He stressed that Muslims have always held a deep appreciation for the noble humanitarian stance of the African leadership of that era. Since its early entry into Africa, Islam has remained one of the most prominent and widely practiced religions across the continent.

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 various 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 the book  titled, “Islam and the West: An Inquiry into Causes of Discord and Prospects for Cultural Exchange” by Mohamed Al-Benyaydi, published by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.

This book sheds light on the importance of understanding the experience of Islam and its interaction with the West. It delves into the historical and cultural exchanges that have unfolded since the advent of Islam and explores the evolution of this relationship in modern times. The book examines the concept of “the other,” its philosophical roots, societal structures, and cultural practices, while also addressing the potential for cultural exchange as an alternative to conflict. It calls for new intellectual narratives that challenge existing stereotypes and strive for a balanced perspective in mutual understanding—one that recognizes the unique contributions of Islamic and Western civilizations as part of a shared human experience.

The book emphasizes that both sides have developed exaggerated and distorted perceptions of each other over time. The West has failed to form a genuine understanding of Islam, while many Muslims have not critically reexamined their views of Western civilization. In response, Muslim intellectuals have raised the critical question of the “Islam-West relationship” with the aim of fostering a new paradigm for peaceful coexistence and global stability. Central to this effort is the need to reexamine the essence of “the West” as a foundational step toward achieving global harmony and stability.

The book provides a comprehensive perspective on the historical context needed to better understand the nature of the relationship between Islam and the West. It advocates moving beyond the entrenched misunderstandings that have fueled ongoing animosities, offering a forward-looking approach to contemporary debates on this subject. It paves the way for enlightened dialogue that incorporates historical contexts, promotes mutual respect, and, most importantly, establishes a collaborative future to address humanity’s shared challenges—irrespective of identity or background.

As part of this exploration, the book engages with the discipline of “Occidentalism” or “Western Studies,” positioning the West itself as a subject of academic inquiry. By doing so, it aims to provide a robust understanding of Western civilization, which could serve as a foundation for building constructive future relationships and presenting an informed critique. This effort aligns with the foresight studies pursued by Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, under the Muslim Council of Elders.

To achieve its goals, the book starts with theoretical frameworks, including an analysis of the concept of “the other” within Islamic thought as reflected in the Qur’an, Prophetic traditions, and historical experiences. It further examines the concepts of Occidentalism and Westernization, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between the two, and underscores the need for renewed exploration of Western philosophical and cultural structures. Additionally, it discusses trends in modern and contemporary Islamic Occidentalism and seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field.

The book then delves into the historical conflicts between the Islamic and Western worlds and explores the possibilities of cultural exchange. It highlights the potential for communicative and civilizational engagement between the two civilizations in today’s globalized world. The conclusion stresses the necessity of reinvigorating theoretical research on dialogue among civilizations and rescuing it from the pitfalls of persistent mutual misunderstanding.

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 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.

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.

On the Official Opening Day: Al-Azhar Leaders Visit the Muslim Council of Elders’ Stand at the Cairo International Book Fair

Today, the activities of the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 56th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair 2025 were officially launched in Cairo, Egypt. Running from January 23 to February 5, 2025, the Council’s participation in the book fair highlights its mission to promote peace, foster tolerance, and build bridges of communication and coexistence.

On its opening day, the stand welcomed several distinguished officials and leaders of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, including His Eminence Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt; His Eminence Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman El-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif; His Eminence Prof. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University; His Eminence Prof. Dr. Muhammad Al-Jundi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy; and His Eminence Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Head of Al-Azhar Institutes Sector. The delegation toured the stand’s various sections and commended the Council’s diverse intellectual and cultural publications, which aim to promote peace, coexistence, and the re-publication of treasures of Islamic heritage. These efforts contribute to raising awareness and disseminating enlightened, moderate thought.

This year, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand showcases more than 250 publications, including the latest releases from Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research for 2025. These works address critical intellectual and cultural issues, promote tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, and counter all forms of extremism, hatred, and discrimination. The stand also hosts a rich cultural and intellectual program featuring more than 14 seminars. These seminars, led by a distinguished group of scholars, intellectuals, and academics, explore crucial themes such as peace and development in Africa, the foundations of human behavior, renewal in Islamic theology, the role of media in fostering societal awareness, the relationship between Islamic philosophy and modern challenges, and the impact of translation movements on Islamic studies.

It is worth noting that the Cairo International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world, attracting nearly 5 million visitors annually. The fair plays a pivotal role in preserving and fostering cultural identity by providing readers with access to their cultural heritage and the latest literary and intellectual works. It also reflects the diversity of the Arab and global cultural landscape, showcasing literary contributions that shed light on societal and human issues.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located at Booth B43, Hall 4, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.

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.