The International Union of Muslim Scholars recently held a virtual meeting via Zoom, attended by its President, Sheikh Dr. Ali Mohiuddin Al-Qaradaghi, and Secretary-General Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi, and moderated by Assistant Secretary Dr. Fadl Abdullah Murad. The meeting included participation from scholars across various countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Australia, and New Zealand.
This gathering is part of a series of virtual meetings organized by the Union to foster communication and exchange ideas with its members worldwide.
The meeting opened with a recitation of the Holy Qur'an by Sheikh Fahmi Islam, followed by welcoming remarks that highlighted key issues the Union seeks to address in service of Islam and Muslims.
President’s Address:
In his speech, Sheikh Dr. Ali Mohiuddin Al-Qaradaghi emphasized the importance of collaboration among scholars, stating, "We in the Union believe that scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, and it is our duty to strengthen their role in guiding the Ummah." He stressed the need to modernize work mechanisms to adapt to global changes, adding, "We need a dynamic mindset that grows and innovates; our message is boundless, encompassing religion, civilization, and all that elevates the life of the Muslim individual."
Secretary-General’s Address:
Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi highlighted the Union’s cultural and civilizational mission, underscoring the importance of scholars in addressing the intellectual and cultural challenges facing the Islamic world. He said, "The Union must be a supporting force for issues like Islamic economics and Islamic political vision, ensuring a sustainable presence in countering doubts about our values and heritage." Dr. Al-Sallabi also noted the Union’s commitment to fostering cooperation among scholars from various fields to promote these values globally.
Key Proposals and Contributions:
Developing Artificial Intelligence Tools:
A proposal was made to create AI tools addressing Muslim issues based on reliable sources from the Qur'an and Sunnah. The Union welcomed the initiative, with its President expressing support: "AI can play an essential role in enhancing access to objective and accessible religious information."
Establishing Regional Offices:
Some participants suggested setting up regional offices to address the unique needs of various geographical areas, especially regions facing significant challenges in spreading Islamic teachings, such as East Asia. They also emphasized the importance of translating books and launching courses in local languages to ensure the Islamic message reaches broader audiences.
Enhancing Intellectual and Scientific Projects:
Scholars underscored the need to focus on intellectual projects supported by the Union, including "Fiqh of Balance" and "Fiqh of the Age." Some members highlighted the importance of activating these projects across the Union's branches and reviving the ideas of influential scholars on media platforms.
Union’s Objectives and Strategies:
The meeting concluded with a presentation of the Union's strategic objectives, which include strengthening its position as an Islamic reference, defending the Ummah's causes, improving member performance, establishing an effective institutional system, and advancing media efforts through technology and artificial intelligence. Secretary-General Dr. Al-Sallabi noted that these goals are part of a five-year roadmap extending to 2029.
Participants expressed gratitude for the Union's leadership efforts and reaffirmed the importance of these virtual meetings for strengthening communication and addressing current issues.