The Muslim Council of Elders' booth at the Cairo International Book Fair held its first cultural seminar titled "In the Sanctuary of the Arabic Language - Why Should We Preserve It?" by Dr. Hassan El-Shafie, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar. The session was moderated by Mahmoud Abdulrahman.

Dr. Hassan El-Shafie highlighted during the seminar that the Arabic language has proven its dominance and ability for expression, thought, and articulation. He emphasized the importance of being proud of our language, considering Arabic as the essence of Arab existence. El-Shafie pointed out that the Arabic language is not only a religious language but a language of technical, experimental, intellectual, and poetic creativity.

Reflecting on the past century, Dr. El-Shafie noted that despite threats to the Arabic language, it has globally asserted its position, becoming one of the official languages at the United Nations. He anticipated a new era for Arabs and the Arabic language.

Dr. Hassan El-Shafie emphasized the cultural duty for nations to recognize the necessity of preserving their language. He stressed that preserving the Arabic language is the responsibility of the nation and Arab communities, not only the responsibility of language councils, as the language is on the lips of its people.

El-Shafie also commended the efforts of the United Arab Emirates, particularly the encyclopedic work by the Union of Linguistic Societies. He praised the historical dictionary, foreseeing its significant role in scientific and social life by tracing the evolution of word meanings in the Arabic language from its inception to the present day.

The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.