In its first seminar at the Baghdad International Book Fair -  Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion explores reciprocal visits between Al-Azhar scholars and the Najaf Seminary in promoting intra-Islamic dialogue

Dr. Ammar Nassar: The Iraqi people are eagerly anticipating the visit of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Iraq

Dr. Samir Boudinar: The Muslim Council of Elders places great importance on promoting intra-Islamic dialogue to establish a new era of understanding among all Islamic sects

The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the Baghdad International Book Fair held its first seminar, titled "The Role of Reciprocal Visits Between Al-Azhar Scholars and the Najaf Seminary in Promoting Intra-Islamic Dialogue." The seminar was presented by Dr. Ammar Aboudi Nassar, Professor of History and Islamic Thought at the College of Arts, University of Kufa, and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.

Dr. Samir Boudinar highlighted that Iraq is a land of rich history and civilization, serving as a model of unity and cooperation. He noted that this collective spirit has played a key role in building a profound and comprehensive civilization that has made its mark on the world and contributed to the growth of Islamic civilization. Despite the challenges Iraq has faced over time, such as division and conflict, it continues to hold its historical and cultural significance as a symbol of civilization and human achievement. For this reason, the Muslim Council of Elders chose to focus its first participation at the Baghdad International Book Fair on promoting intra-Islamic dialogue. This objective is being pursued through a series of seminars and notable presentations under the theme of "The Unity of the Nation and Intra-Islamic Dialogue," along with various publications aimed at fostering dialogue and emphasizing the importance of unity among the Islamic nation’s different components.

Dr. Boudinar further emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, places great importance on promoting intra-Islamic dialogue to establish a new era of understanding among all Islamic sects. This initiative stems from the Grand Imam's call during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in 2022, which stressed the need to enhance Islamic solidarity and unity, highlighting that religious fraternity is the foundation of human fraternity. The call was met with widespread acclaim from various sectors of the Islamic nation. The Council is currently preparing a range of initiatives and events, including the upcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain early next year.

Dr. Ammar Aboudi Nassar praised the pioneering efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders to enhance intra-Islamic dialogue and build bridges of understanding, cooperation, and dialogue between Islamic sects. He noted that many people in Iraq are eagerly anticipating a visit from His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Dr. Nassar also expressed his appreciation for Al-Azhar’s role in promoting moderation and balance, emphasizing that Al-Azhar has always played a central role in maintaining the nation’s cohesion, serving as a beacon of moderation and tolerance.

The professor of history and Islamic thought at the University of Kufa added that Al-Azhar’s scholars have historically applied a moderate and balanced approach based on fraternity and understanding between sects, which has contributed to bringing Islamic sects closer together. History has witnessed the exchange of visits and knowledge between scholars of Al-Azhar and Najaf, with Najaf’s scholars benefiting from Al-Azhar’s sciences. This relationship was further strengthened through the mutual granting of scholarly licenses and shared narratives. He noted that last year’s visit by a delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders to meet several Shiite authorities in Najaf reflects a commitment to bridging the gaps that extremists seek to widen. Dr. Nassar stressed the importance of scientific and intellectual dialogue between the various religious sects within the Islamic world.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the first time at the Baghdad International Book Fair, in line with its mission to promote peace, foster dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of coexistence among people of different races and beliefs. The pavilion, located in Baghdad Hall (Pavilion H2), showcases over 220 publications in five languages, including 24 new releases that address significant intellectual and cultural topics. Additionally, the pavilion is hosting a series of seminars and lectures featuring prominent thinkers, scholars, and academics to discuss ways to enhance dialogue and understanding among Islamic sects and to build bridges of communication, aiming for greater cooperation and unity among the various components of the Islamic nation.