Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: Upholding the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah and the legacy of its great scholars throughout the ages is the key to countering extremist and takfiri discourse
Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: The legacy of our distinguished scholars requires ongoing, insightful reflection and comprehensive research that draws on both inherited knowledge and the tools of our time to serve Muslims and the wider world
Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: The scholarly institutions of Al-Azhar have embraced the Islamic heritage worldwide, serving it with sincerity, honoring its sciences, and preserving the legacy of its noble scholars
His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, took part in the international conference titled “Maturidism – A Doctrine of Tolerance, Moderation, and Enlightenment,” held in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from April 29–30. The event brought together a distinguished group of scholars and religious leaders from around the world. It aimed to explore the intellectual legacy of Imam Al-Maturidi and his followers, while highlighting the contemporary relevance of Maturidi principles.
Speaking during the opening session, His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that adherence to the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah—which represents the mainstream of the Muslim Ummah, including Ash‘aris, Maturidis, and scholars of hadith from the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools, along with the imams of spiritual refinement and discipline, and the enduring legacy of their great scholars throughout the ages—is the key to confronting extremist and takfiri rhetoric. This school of thought does not excommunicate anyone among the People of Qiblah, nor does it expel Muslims from the fold of Islam on the basis of sin, error, or doubt. Rather, it establishes the principles of moderation, balance, and coexistence—both within the Muslim community and with all of humanity.
The Secretary-General noted that in a world facing growing challenges, it is essential to recognize the noble attributes of the Maturidi tradition and the broader heritage of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah. These enduring schools prevailed not because they favored reason over revelation, or vice versa, but because they upheld the balanced path of the Prophet’s Companions—one rooted in sound belief, intellectual clarity, and harmony between scripture and reasoned reflection. This rich legacy must be continually revisited with insight, and studied comprehensively using both inherited knowledge and modern methodologies to serve Muslims—and indeed all people.
His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted Imam Al-Maturidi’s distinguished status in the history of Islamic theology (‘ilm al-tawḥīd) and scholastic theology (‘ilm al-kalām), not only in his birthplace and homeland but throughout the regions of Transoxiana and the wider Muslim world. He quoted His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who described Imam Al-Maturidi as “Imam al-Huda (the Imam of Guidance), may Allah be pleased with him,” a title recognized by scholars past and present. He further emphasized that the centers of Al-Azhar have long embraced Islamic scholarship from every corner of the Muslim world, serving it with sincerity, preserving its sciences, and honoring the memory of its righteous imams. In this spirit, the Muslim Council of Elders has published several works on the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, encompassing its diverse traditions and contributions to theology and foundational Islamic thought.
The Secretary-General concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Republic of Uzbekistan and its President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for their continued commitment to reviving the legacy of Islamic scholars. He expressed his hope that this conference would serve as a blessed step toward restoring the Muslim Ummah to its rightful place—as a just and balanced nation, a witness over humanity, and a bearer of goodness to the world.