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Awqaf ministries promote moderation and support Palestinian rights at int’l conference

9 months ago
The conference of Ministers of Awqafs and Islamic Affairs in the countries of the Islamic world, in Saudi Arabia, on 5 August 2024 [Saudi_MoiaEN/X]

The conference of Ministers of Awqafs and Islamic Affairs in the countries of the Islamic world, in Saudi Arabia, on 5 August 2024 [Saudi_MoiaEN/X]

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has organised this year’s conference of Muslim countries’ Awqaf (endowments) ministers themed “Role of Awqaf Ministries in the Promotion of Moderation Principles and Values.” The two-day event in Makkah brought together Awqaf ministers, muftis, and heads of Islamic institutions from 62 countries.

Panels addressed various subjects including confronting extremism and terrorism, preventing extremism in sermons, promoting coexistence and tolerance, combating hate against Muslims and Islam, understanding religious discourse and the dangers of issuing Fatwas without proper knowledge.

Leading Oman’s delegation, Dr Mohammed Said Al-Maamari emphasised the global challenges of value degradation, moral deprivation and the impact of polarisation and hatred on societies. He called for cooperation among Islamic officials to protect societies and uphold moral values.

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The conference also reiterated the Islamic world’s support for the Palestinian cause, highlighting the need for Palestinians to gain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. It urged the international community to support Palestinians against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Syria’s Dr Mohammad Abdul-Sattar Al-Sayyed spoke of the importance of religious institutions adapting to modernity and social media’s effects on youth and society. He called for the need for coordination among Islamic affairs ministers to combat extremism and consolidate moderation values.

The closing statement, which included eight recommendations, stressed the unity of Muslim countries, the importance of protecting moral and social values, and the need to safeguard Muslim societies from alien social concepts. The conference called for renewed understanding of religious objectives to address contemporary challenges, emphasising the role of religious institutions in the Arab and Islamic world.

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