The stand of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its 17th cultural seminar, titled “The Ethics of Dialogue in the Quran.” The event featured Prof. Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi, Head of the Development Centre for International Students, and Prof. Dr. Abdel Fattah Khidr, Former Dean of the Faculty of Quranic Sciences at Al-Azhar University. The seminar was moderated by journalist Mr. Mohamed Gomaa, a presenter on the Quran Radio Network.
Opening the discussion, Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi highlighted that the essence of dialogue is to foster peace, spread goodwill, and encourage mutual understanding and persuasion. She emphasized that the Quran teaches the most effective approach to dialogue—engaging with wisdom and in the best manner possible—which serves as the ideal path for shaping human behavior and nurturing intellectual convictions. She further noted that for dialogue to be meaningful, it must be built on strong foundations, adding that the real challenge is not in the values themselves but in our inability to put them into practice.
She added that the Quran serves as a timeless constitution for humanity, offering guidance for all eras and circumstances. It teaches essential forms of dialogue that uphold harmony in life—between leaders and their people, children and their parents, and even with those who hold opposing views. She highlighted the dialogues of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) with his father and his son, which exemplify respect and humility.
Dr. Abdel Fattah Khidr emphasized that dialogue is the cornerstone of human interaction; without it, everything else is lost. It has been the foundation of understanding among people since the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). He noted that the Quran’s diverse examples of dialogue form the backbone of family and societal cohesion. Encouraging open communication within families, he warned that households begin to break down when silence replaces conversation. He also pointed out that a major reason for failed dialogue is the inability to truly listen, stressing that when communication within a family stops, its stability is at risk.
The former Dean of the Faculty of Quranic Studies urged those engaging in dialogue to adopt a gradual approach when addressing those with differing views, using appropriate evidence tailored to the audience and the nature of the discussion. He emphasized that the right kind of proof—particularly rational arguments—helps the mind accept dialogue and ensures that the conversation achieves its intended purpose.
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, 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 Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.