The Muslim Council of Elders hosted its first seminar at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, titled “From My Experience with Imam Al‑Amidi,” featuring Professor Dr. Hassan Al‑Shafie, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al‑Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders. The session was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Mashal, a faculty member at Al‑Azhar University, and was held within the Council’s broader effort to revive Islamic scholarly and intellectual heritage and to examine its themes from a contemporary perspective.
During the seminar, which explored the impact of Imam Al‑Amidi in establishing a rational methodology and his role in strengthening intellectual dialogue and openness within the Islamic tradition, Dr. Hassan Al‑Shafie reflected on his academic and intellectual engagement with Al‑Amidi’s legacy. He highlighted the enduring scholarly significance of Imam Al‑Amidi in the fields of theology and Islamic philosophy, describing him as the greatest thinker and jurist after Imam Al‑Ghazali, whom he characterized as a landmark figure in Arab and Islamic intellectual history.
Al‑Shafie also elaborated on the profound intellectual contributions of Imam Al‑Amidi and his influential body of works, which have shaped the thought of generations of scholars. Among his most prominent writings are “Abkar al‑Afkar,” considered a comprehensive encyclopedic work in Islamic theology; “Ghayat al‑Maram,” which presents a concise synthesis of his theological views; and “Al‑Ihkam fi Usul al‑Ahkam,” regarded as the most significant work in the science of Islamic legal theory after Imam Al‑Ghazali’s “Al‑Mustasfa.”
Concluding the seminar, Dr. Al‑Shafie offered guiding advice to the younger generation of researchers, stressing the vital importance of mastering the Arabic language as an indispensable tool for scholarly investigation. He stated, “Mastery of the language is my weapon and the weapon of every serious researcher,” and urged students of knowledge to pursue learning with sincerity and diligence.
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21 January to 3 February 2026. The pavilion features a wide range of the Council’s publications, alongside a series of seminars, activities, and events that promote the values of peace and coexistence among all people.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located next to the Al‑Azhar Pavilion in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.