Muslim Council of Elders Promotes Intra-Islamic Dialogue at Baghdad International Book Fair

BAGHDAD, September 15, 2024 (WAM) — The Muslim Council of Elders Pavilion at the Baghdad International Book Fair organized its first seminar titled “The Role of Mutual Visits Between Al-Azhar Scholars and Najaf Seminary in Promoting Intra-Islamic Dialogue.”

The seminar was led by Dr. Ammar Aboudi Nassar, Professor of History and Islamic Thought at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Kufa, and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al-Hokama Peace Studies Center.

Dr. Samir Boudinar said that Iraq is a country rich in history and civilization, a model of unity and cooperation. He noted that this collective spirit has played a key role in building a deep and comprehensive civilization that has left its mark on the world and contributed to the development of Islamic civilization.

Dr. Boudinar further emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, attaches great importance to promoting intra-Islamic dialogue in order to establish a new era of understanding among all Islamic sects. This initiative follows the appeal of the Grand Imam during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in 2022, who emphasized the need to strengthen Islamic solidarity and unity, emphasizing that religious brotherhood is the foundation of human brotherhood. This appeal was widely welcomed by various sectors of the Islamic nation. The Council is currently preparing a number of initiatives and events, including the upcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference to be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain early next year.

Despite the challenges Iraq has faced over time, including divisions and conflicts, it still retains its historical and cultural significance as a symbol of civilization and human achievement. Therefore, the Muslim Council of Elders decided to focus its first participation in the Baghdad International Book Fair on promoting intra-Islamic dialogue. This goal is being pursued through a series of seminars and high-profile presentations under the theme of “National Unity and Intra-Islamic Dialogue,” along with various publications aimed at fostering dialogue and emphasizing the importance of unity among the various components of the Islamic nation.