As part of its cultural activities at the Cairo International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand hosted a poetry evening. The event featured the poet Mohammed Barakat, a researcher at the Office for the Revival of Islamic Heritage at Al-Azhar, and was moderated by Yasmin Obeid, a participant in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum (EPF).
The evening showcased the poetic journey of the poet Mohammed Barakat, exploring the motivations that fueled his love for poetry and his composition process, as well as the sources of inspiration that inspire poets, and the prominent poets who influenced him. The event also featured Mohammed Barakat reciting several of his poems about heritage, praise, love, children’s poetry, books, and book fairs, including a special poem about His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.
At the beginning of the seminar, Mohammed Barakat mentioned that his study of the science of prosody and various types of poetry at Al-Azhar, including pre-Islamic, Abbasid, modern, and others, deepened his love for the Arabic language and his pride in it. This was a driving force in his passion for poetry and its composition. He highlighted the role of poetry in preserving the Arabic language, describing it as the greatest manifestation of the language and the jewel in its crown, maintaining the cultural identity of the nation.
Barakat pointed out that poetry is not a deliberate act that one can simply decide to engage in at any time; it has its own specific circumstances and rituals. He noted that there are several sources of inspiration for a poet, such as emotional factors that stir the poet’s feelings, compelling them to express their inner emotions and thoughts. Additionally, being influenced by previous poets and emulating great poets also serve as sources of inspiration.
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 large number of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to organizing 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 at the Cairo International Book Fair 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.