Kuwait city: The 36th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs commenced in Cairo under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi. The event sees the participation of senior officials and religious scholars from around 50 countries, aiming to bolster enlightened religious discourse in the fight against extremist ideologies.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Egypt's Minister of Awqaf, Osama Al-Azhari, representing the Prime Minister at the opening session, emphasized the Prophet Mohammad's biography as a comprehensive model for life and work. He highlighted professional ethics as a core principle of Islamic teachings, stressing that combating terrorism requires a correct understanding of Islamic objectives, particularly in relation to poverty alleviation and achieving social sufficiency.
Al-Azhari also announced the launch of the Cairo document for construction and development during the conference's closing session. This document will be submitted to international institutions, including the United Nations, to promote a values-based religious discourse that upholds work ethics and human dignity.
Jordan's Minister of Awqaf, Mohammad Al-Khalaileh, highlighted the central role of work in Islam, noting that organized labor and productivity formed the foundation of Islamic civilization. Meanwhile, Bahrain's Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs President, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa, emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence, with religious and ethical principles.
The conference addresses the renewal of religious discourse, tackling contemporary intellectual challenges, and examining the effects of digital transformation and new media on religious messaging, with a particular focus on youth and women.