9th Conference of Islamic Affairs Ministers Kicks off in Mecca

The Ninth Conference of Ministers of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in the Islamic world kicked off today in Mecca with the participation of ministers and muftis from more than 60 countries, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, the conference is tackling various topics under the theme of “the role of endowments and Islamic affairs ministries in promoting and consolidating the principles and the values of moderation.”

Saudi Arabia

In his opening speech, Al-Sheikh has expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering support to all the Ministry’s conferences and activities.

Furthermore, he explained that the conference will tackle the following topics:

Discussing the significance of renewing the religious discourse in promoting the principles of moderation
Confronting the developments of extremism, fanaticism and terrorism
Protecting religious platforms from hate speech and extremism
Spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence
Stressing the role of endowments in increasing the gross domestic product
Sharing the ministries’ experiences in the technical and architectural specifications for building and maintaining mosques
Reviewing the skills and programs provided to imams, preachers, muezzins, and preachers
Discussing the danger of issuing fatwas without knowledge or specialization and the impact of their deviation from the approach of moderation and balance
Boosting citizenship and moderns means of communication in the Islamic world

Morocco

Morocco’s Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Toufiq emphasized the ministry’s commitment to protecting the teachings of Islam by ensuring the neutrality of mosques towards various types of ideological, political and social trends.

Egypt

Egypt’s Minister of Endowments Osama Al-Azhari stressed the significance of combating extremism, fanaticism, and forms of violence and radicalism. Al-Azhari mentioned that the conference selected a fundamental title highlighting the issue of common human values and the importance of citizenship.

Gambia

Gambia’s Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs Hamat Bah commended the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims and promoting the values of moderation in the world.

Oman

Oman’s Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Dr. Mohammed Bin Said Al Mamari indicated that the world faces heavy challenges represented by the disturbance of value concepts and the imbalance of morality, in addition to conflicts, disputes, wars, and hate speech. Al Mamari underscored that “these challenges have portrayed a distorted image about our societies as if we are burdens on civilization and modernity”.

He also praised Saudi Arabia’s exceptional efforts to hold the conference which perfectly embodies the common interests of our governments and societies and emphasizes the value of humanity and the importance of achieving its present and future interests.