The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural (ICESCO) hosted on Friday, December 20, 2024, the International Symposium, “Al-Akkad and the Islamic World”, in celebration of 60th anniversary of the passing of this great figure. The Symposium is held as part of the Series of Figures of Modern Civilizational Thought, in cooperation between ICESCO and Bibliotheca Alexandrina, amid high-level participation including officials, ambassadors, intellectuals, writers and academics from several countries.

Amb. Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, gave an introductory overview of the Symposium, in which he stressed that the Organization was celebrating one of the key figures of the Islamic civilization. He added that Al-Akkad brought together science and literature and enriched the world’s body of literature with his unique cultural and intellectual contributions.

Afterwards, Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, delivered an address on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General, where he emphasized that Al-Akkad was an encyclopedic thinker, well-versed in human history, philosophy, literature, psychology, and sociology, as evidenced by his more than 100 works exploring the highest spheres of science and knowledge.

Moreover, he stated that the Symposium is part of ICESCO’s celebration of the great thinkers and writers who have influenced the Islamic world with their great contributions and a rich legacy, in line with the Organization’s mission to become a beacon of civilizational outreach. He added that it is our responsibility to highlight the contributions of great thinkers and writers to all generations, commending ICESCO’s special partnership with Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the oldest library serving humanity in history, which culminated in holding this international Symposium.

In his address, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed, Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stressed that Al-Akkad was an intellectual school in his own right, having provided the Islamic world with a rich and diverse intellectual heritage, combining Islamic heritage with originality and modernity. He added that Al-Akkad opened to different cultures, and sought to build bridges of intellectual communication with the West by presenting Islam as a universal civilization that celebrates tolerance and rationality.

Moreover, the Library Director reaffirmed that Al-Akkad had an extensive understanding of the central figures of Islamic history, offering unique analysis of their characters in his unique “Geniuses” series. He further explained that this great scholar also dedicated his work to defend Islam against currents spreading misconceptions about this faith.

Afterwards, the Symposium’s scientific session was moderated by Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Director General’s Office, and saw rich discussions between a host of leading Egyptian, Saudi and Moroccan writers and thinkers on a set of themes. These included “Compassion and Justice in Islam in Al-Akkad’s writing”, “The Islamic World in Al-Akkad’s Poetry”, “Al-Akkad and the values of Islamic unity”, “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Al-Akkad’s works and poetry”, and “Al-Akkaad’s relationship with the Sudan”.

At the close of the Symposium, a cooperation agreement was signed between ICESCO and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for the joint implementation of several international programs, initiatives and symposia in the fields of civilizational dialogue, the dissemination and restoration of the heritage of the Islamic world, and the promotion of Arab and Islamic culture, enriching them with new contributions.