The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the second session of the third Ramadan Gathering, “Excellence in Vicegerency (Istikhlaf),” organized in cooperation with the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco. Dr. Khadija Abouzid, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, delivered a lecture titled: “Marriage is the Nursery of Excellence for Humans,” in the presence of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, together with several ambassadors accredited to Morocco and members of the Group.

The gathering, held on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, opened with remarks by Dr. Yousra Aljazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group. She affirmed that the gathering seeks to deepen understanding of the concept of Vicegerency, not only in the realms of public life, economics, or development, but in its most particular and profoundly impactful sphere: the family.

Dr. Aljazairy noted that the choice of topic stems from the view that marriage refines two wills, purifies two souls, and cultivates two hearts upon excellence. She explained that marriage is the first arena in which a person’s awareness of responsibility is formed; within it, one learns to live in closeness without erasure, to lead without oppression, and to differ without discord, thereby attaining true maturity and preparing to bear the trust of vicegerency.

She added that the lecture poses fundamental questions that require the courage to address: are homes arenas of rivalry or spaces of complementarity? Do those who share our lives feel safe, or do they experience fear and caution? She further stressed that raising generations worthy of vicegerency obliges the application of Excellence in our marital roles.

Dr. Abouzid affirmed that the lecture presents practical approaches to shaping Allah’s vicegerent on earth. She explained that the first manifestation of this divine design appeared in Allah’s creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and his spouse. Allah Almighty established the system of marital pairing as a universal order through which repose and tranquility are granted for the soul before the body. She further indicated that marriage preserves lineage and contributes to the cultivation of the earth, in order to fulfill the purpose of vicegerency and reform therein.

She clarified that Islam grounds the marital system in seven principles rooted in piety, which is the way out of all hardship and is affirmed through the highest values and virtues in choosing a partner based on religion and manners. It is sustained by upholding the principle of guardianship for men and righteousness for women, and it flourishes through “living together in kindness,” which perfects companionship. This system is brought to completion by the spirit that animates the family, embodied in tranquility, affection, and compassion.

The gathering concluded with an open discussion, during which Dr. AlMalik emphasized the close interconnection between excellence in worship and its practical application within the family, as well as the means of transforming a bilateral relationship into a home of hope founded upon the concept of Excellence.