Muslim Council Of Elders Highlights Intra-Islamic Dialogue Challenges At Baghdad International Book Fair

The Muslim Council of Elders made its debut at the Baghdad International Book Fair, aiming to promote peace and dialogue. Their pavilion featured over 220 publications in five languages, including 24 new releases on important intellectual topics. The pavilion also hosted seminars and lectures with notable thinkers and academics, focusing on enhancing dialogue among Islamic sects to foster unity and cooperation within the Islamic community.

Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, moderated a seminar titled "Intra-Islamic Dialogue and Shared Challenges." This event was part of the council's efforts to encourage dialogue within Arab and Islamic societies. Dr. Boudinar highlighted the urgent need for such discussions due to global challenges Muslims face in scientific, moral, and identity-related areas.

Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud Abdulaziz Al-Ani, President of the Council of Iraqi Scholars, stressed the importance of agreeing on common definitions to ensure productive discussions. He noted that differences in interpreting religious texts should be addressed through shared understanding. The focus should be on cooperation for development and building Islamic societies.

Dr. Jawad Al-Khoei, President of Dar Al-Ilm for Imam Al-Khoei, emphasized that intra-Islamic dialogue is vital in combating extremism and unifying Muslims against existential threats. He pointed out that such dialogue preserves shared values across various Islamic sects and reinforces ties to religious heritage.

Dr. Boudinar explained that reviving intra-Islamic dialogue is crucial for Muslims to reclaim their historical legacy. This dialogue is essential for addressing significant challenges in securing a prosperous future for the Ummah’s children and future generations. It also helps in maintaining a collective sense of responsibility toward all Islamic countries.

The seminar attracted notable attendees like Dr. Hassan Nazim, former Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, along with other officials and scholars. These discussions aimed at finding ways to enhance cooperation among different Islamic schools of thought by fostering understanding and communication.

The Muslim Council of Elders' participation at the book fair aligns with its mission to build bridges among people of different races and beliefs through fostering tolerance and coexistence. By hosting these events, they aim to strengthen unity within the Islamic nation by promoting dialogue among its diverse components.

The council's initiatives at the fair reflect their commitment to addressing shared challenges through inclusive discussions that lead to unified stances. These efforts are seen as crucial steps toward achieving development and preserving Islamic values across various sects while ensuring a prosperous future for all Muslims globally.

With inputs from WAM