9th int’l Ifta conference to commence in Cairo on Monday with President Sisi's patronage

CAIRO – 28 July 2024: The Muslim community’s attention is shifted to Cairo as the governorate gears up to host the ninth international fatwa (Islamic opinion) conference of Dar Al-Ifta, spanning Monday and Tuesday and welcoming representatives from over 104 countries.

Themed "Fatwa and The Ethical Foundation in an Accelerating World," the conference will delve into critical issues surrounding fatwa, its implications on human rights, and its pivotal role in addressing double standards.

Participants will engage in workshops aimed at crafting an ethical fatwa charter tailored to the advancements in experimental, natural, and social sciences.

Discussions will also explore the integration of artificial intelligence in fatwa processes and the religious content across digital platforms.

The venue for this insightful gathering will be the Al Massa Hotel in Cairo's Nasr City, drawing Islamic scholars, Muftis, and ministers from various nations, alongside a United Nations representation.

Egyptian Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) Osama Al-Azhari will attend the event, representing Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli. Mohamed Al-Dawini, Deputy of Al-Azhar, will also attend on behalf of Ahmed El-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs, said the conference confirms Egypt's pioneering role in promoting international peace and security.

In remarks reported by the state’s news agency MENA on Sunday, Abu Zeid said the conference is part of Egypt’s efforts to spread the values ​​of coexistence and moral reform and combat extremism and hate speech.

Throughout the conference, global initiatives will be unveiled, including the launch of a charter for fatwa and religious leaders to establish peace, counter hate speech and resolve conflicts.

The conference will also launch guides to combat Islamophobia, foster religious dialogue, engage in digital diplomacy, and combat atheism.

Notably, a comprehensive scientific encyclopedia on authentic religious practices will also be introduced.

A significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

Moreover, the prestigious Imam Al-Qarafi Award will be conferred upon Sheikh Husein Kavazovic, the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, recognizing his contributions to the advancement of insightful fatwa practices and the dissemination of Islamic principles.

This award, named after distinguished Fiqh scholar Shihab Al-Din Al-Qarafi, commemorates endeavors that uphold wise fatwa issuance and the propagation of Islamic values.