Muslim Council of Elders Discusses the Works of Scholar Muhammad Suad Jalal in a Cultural Seminar at the Cairo International Book Fair
The Muslim Council of Elders held its twelfth cultural seminar at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, titled: “A Reading in the Works of Dr. Muhammad Suad Jalal,” with the participation of Professor Dr. Fatima Al‑Zahraa Jalal, faculty member at the Faculty of Arts, Helwan University. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Hamada Abdel‑Tawwab, researcher at Al‑Azhar’s Office for the Revival of Islamic Heritage. The seminar examined the intellectual and scholarly contributions of Dr. Muhammad Suad Jalal, their role in enriching contemporary literary and cultural studies, and the most prominent themes of his work and their importance in the broader intellectual landscape.
In her remarks, Dr. Fatima Al‑Zahraa Jalal affirmed that Sheikh Muhammad Suad Jalal devoted much of his thought to the subject of ijtihad in Islamic law, emphasizing the movement of ijtihad and its significance. She explained that he offered precise analyses of the conditions and categories of ijtihad, clarifying the relationship between scriptural texts, independent reasoning, and lived reality. She noted his rejection of attempts to close the door of ijtihad, rooted in his belief in the universality of Islam, its ability to address contemporary developments, and his deep respect for the intellect and its central role across the sciences.
She added that, in addition to his works in several Islamic disciplines, Sheikh Jalal also had an outstanding intellectual and journalistic career. For twenty‑three years—from 1963 until his passing in 1983—he wrote his well‑known daily column “Qur’an and Sunnah” in Al‑Gomhuria newspaper. These writings reflected a clear methodological vision that returned religious discourse to its foundational principles: maqasid‑based understanding, practical application, and educational depth, expressed in a balanced style that combined clarity and simplicity, addressing the general reader without neglecting the needs of specialists.
She further noted that Sheikh Muhammad Suad Jalal was deeply engaged with societal issues, convinced of the community’s need for guidance grounded in a realistic understanding of religion, and committed to reform through a conscious, relevant religious discourse connected to people’s lived experiences. She emphasized that he dedicated himself entirely to this mission and to serving religion and the Ummah.
The seminar also highlighted the key intellectual influences that shaped Sheikh Jalal’s thought. He was deeply inspired by prominent classical scholars such as Al‑Ghazali, Al‑Amidi, Al‑Razi, and Al‑Shatibi. Among modern scholars, he was significantly influenced by Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltut, with whom he shared a relationship of friendship and mutual respect.
The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair is showcasing one of the latest 2026 releases by Al Hokama Publishing: the complete works of Sheikh Muhammad Suad Jalal, titled “The Collected Works, Articles, and Lectures of Scholar Muhammad Suad Jalal,” published in three volumes. The collection brings together the dispersed scholarly output of one of the leading figures in Islamic legal theory and jurisprudence, offering researchers and readers a comprehensive body of work that reflects a unique scholarly school characterized by methodological rigor, intellectual boldness, engagement with contemporary realities, and fidelity to the Islamic intellectual heritage.
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21 January to 3 February 2026. The pavilion features a wide range of the Council’s publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting the values of peace and peaceful coexistence among all people.
The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders is located next to the Al‑Azhar Pavilion in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.