Makkah, August 14, 2023, The international Islamic conference titled "Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta, and Sheikhdoms in the World" has come to a close in the holy city of Makkah. The conference, which focused on the theme of "Communication and Integration," wrapped up its proceedings today. The conference, which was meticulously arranged by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, witnessed the active involvement of 150 esteemed scholars and muftis hailing from a staggering 85 nations. These erudite individuals showcased their profound expertise by delivering enlightening presentations on various scientific research topics, spanning an impressive seven sessions. The focus of the two-day conference revolved around seven key themes. In a notable development, the focus has shifted towards the commendable endeavors undertaken by global religious affairs, advisory, and sheikhdom departments. These entities have been diligently working towards the noble cause of serving Islam and Muslims while also striving to foster a sense of unity within the Islamic community. In addition, the conference placed a strong emphasis on bolstering communication and fostering seamless integration between the realms of reality and aspirations. In its comprehensive coverage, the third theme delved into the various endeavors that have been undertaken to promote the fundamental values of tolerance and coexistence among diverse groups of individuals. In the exploration of the fourth theme, the significance of upholding the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah was thoroughly examined. In the exploration of Islamic teachings, the fifth theme delves into the profound notion of moderation as emphasized in both the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. In a bid to tackle the rising threat of extremism and terrorism, the focus of the sixth theme of the conference was centered on bolstering the global endeavors of the religious affairs, ifta, and sheikhdom departments. As a final focus, the seventh theme revolved around the imperative to protect society from the perils of atheism and moral decline.
Following the conclusion of the conference, participants diligently formulated a comprehensive set of recommendations. In a bid to foster unity among Muslims, there has been a call for enhanced communication and partnership in the realm of Islamic affairs. This initiative seeks to bring together religious affairs, ifta, and sheikhdom departments from across the globe. The ultimate objective is to strengthen collaboration and achieve a sense of cohesion within the Muslim community. In a compelling discussion, participants emphasized the crucial need to ensure that fatwas are in complete harmony with the principles of Sharia teachings. They stressed the significance of seeking counsel from knowledgeable and qualified experts in order to maintain the integrity and accuracy of these religious rulings. Furthermore, there was a strong consensus on the necessity of preventing the issuance of abnormal or misguided fatwas, which could potentially lead to confusion and misinterpretation among the faithful. In their remarks, the importance of religious administrations, fatwa issuances, and sheikhdoms in fostering moderation and countering extremism was emphasized. The focus was on their efforts to train imams and preachers, highlighting their crucial role in promoting a balanced and tolerant approach. During the discussion, the participants placed great emphasis on the importance of safeguarding families, providing effective guidance to children, and promoting values and principles as a means to combat atheism and societal decline. They stressed the need for targeted awareness programs to address these issues.
In addition, the scholars present at the event emphasized the importance of combating efforts to misrepresent Islam by clarifying its fundamental principles of tolerance, mercy, justice, and opposition to injustice and aggression. In an effort to shed light on the misguided tactics employed by extremist groups, their detrimental effects in sowing discord, division, chaos, and insecurity within societies were brought to the forefront. In a resolute conclusion, the conference delivered a scathing condemnation of the abhorrent and persistent practice of burning copies of the Holy Quran. The recent actions have been widely regarded as provocative, stirring up feelings of hatred, exclusion, and racism. These actions stand in stark contrast to the fundamental principles of universal human values. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has received high praise for its commendable efforts in promoting effective communication and fostering integration with various global religious affairs, fatwas, and sheikhdom departments. The ministry's commitment to spreading values of moderation and tolerance has been acknowledged. During the conference, participants passionately voiced their desire to establish a recurring event, recognizing the significance of the discussions held and the imperative for collaborative endeavors within the realm of Islamic initiatives. Participants expressed their heartfelt appreciation towards the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their unwavering support and concern for the Muslim community. The Kingdom's leadership has been widely acknowledged for its exceptional service to Islam and Muslims, as well as its efforts to foster strong ties with religious affairs, fatwas, and sheikhdom departments across the globe. Moreover, it has played a crucial role in promoting integration within its own borders and beyond.
In a resounding show of gratitude, participants at the conference expressed their deep appreciation for the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance for their instrumental role in organizing the event. The commendable efforts of the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta', and Sheikhdoms in promoting Islam and advocating for the welfare of Muslims have been widely recognized. These departments have played a crucial role in upholding the principles of Islamic unity, firmly rejecting any form of division, and actively fostering values such as tolerance and peaceful coexistence among nations.
