With the continuation of the activities of the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital Rabat, the Muslim Council of Elders organized an important seminar on Monday titled ‘Religion and Challenges of the Era’which took place in the Al-Odaya Hall and featured the participation of Dr. Samir Boudinar, Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, and Dr. Youssef Al-Kalam, Professor of Higher Education at Al-Qarawiyyin University and the Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania Institution in Rabat.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar emphasized that religion and the challenges of the era require deep thinking and fruitful discussions to reach comprehensive solutions. He highlighted the importance of seeking guidance in every era, as this religious relationship is fundamental in guiding individuals. He also explained the significance of research and exploration in the world and contemplation of Allah's creation.

The Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research posed the question of how guidance can be achieved in this era. He pointed out that the current era no longer relies on "parental tradition" to answer current challenges, which have surpassed the dominance of post-rationality, but instead is heading towards an era of imagination, dreams, and the virtual world. Likewise, he emphasized that the relationship between religion and scripture should remain alive and that peace is one of the present objectives of religion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Youssef Al-Kalam praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading and enhancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He commended the efforts of the Council under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for strengthening the role of religious leaders in confronting global challenges. He also affirmed the responsibility of scholars and jurists in responding to these challenges.

The professor at Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez highlighted the importance of cumulative thinking and the need to review and update previous ideas, examining and measuring them against the developments of the current era. He cited the Prophetic hadith: "Allah sends at the beginning of every century someone who renews the religious affairs of this Ummah." 

He further explained that Muslims in the past benefited from other cultures, and in the present time, with the expansion of communications and social interactions, Muslims need to provide solutions to various problems faced by the world, even if they are not directly related to the Islamic world. Islam, he noted, is a religion for all of humanity, and it is necessary for it to play a role in offering appropriate solutions to all the challenges and problems faced.

The Muslim Council of Elders' stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council's message, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.