Category: Director General

Dr. Salim Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for giving greater importance to benefiting from space technology to open new horizons for development and prosperity and achieve sustainable development around the world by overcoming the challenges impeding economic growth, and finding solutions to climate, food security, energy and social justice issues.

This was part of a speech he delivered on Tuesday, 18 April 2023 at the 38th session of the Global Space Symposium, organized by the US Space Foundation in Colorado, USA. The Symposium gathered high-level officials from space agencies and bodies around the world, about 14 thousand participants, and more than 250 international companies operating in the field to discuss the latest development in space science and its applications.

At the beginning of his speech, Dr. AlMalik commended the efforts of the Space Foundation and its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Thomas E. Zelibor to advance space science to higher levels and to organize the Space Symposium which provides a platform for sharing ideas, knowledge and experiences between countries, organizations and space agencies, in order to anticipate the future of the field and overcome its challenges.

ICESCO Director General also praised the remarkable development witnessed by the space industry, where fanciful dreams have become a reality through our exploration of space with manned and unmanned space flights, pointing out that the increased funding of the technological development of space science, and the growing interest in it, made it possible to explore new horizons in space. After having been the privilege of the rivaling superpowers, ninety countries are now operating and innovating in the field.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that ICESCO pays special attention to space sciences given its key role in achieving sustainable development in the Islamic world, commending the fruitful partnership between ICESCO and the Space Foundation, which resulted in holding a series of activities that fall within the Organization’s action plan and strategic vision aimed at encouraging its Member States to increase investment in space technology to keep up with the developments occurring in the world and be prepared for future challenges.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and his accompanying delegation held a series of meetings with several American institutions operating in the field of space sciences and applications, to discuss cooperation between ICESCO and these institutions in the field of space sciences development in the countries of the Islamic world, and training opportunities in this field for the benefit of the youth of the Organization’s Member States.

ICESCO’s delegation started the series of meetings on Monday, 17 April 2023 in Colorado, USA, in parallel with the participation in the 38th session of the World Space Symposium. This included a visit to the US National Center for Cybersecurity (NCC), where Dr. AlMalik discussed with Lieutenant General Harry Roduege, President and CEO of the Center, the possibility of cooperation between ICESCO and the Center to hold a major international conference on cybersecurity, and the implementation of training programs for youth in the Islamic world at the Center.

It was also agreed to continue coordination to strengthen cooperation between the two parties. At the end of the meeting, the ICESCO Director General and the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) exchanged commemorative medals from both institutions.

Afterward, ICESCO’s delegation took a tour of the Information Sharing and Analysis Center of the NCSC, whose mission is to facilitate access to and sharing of information between experts in space sciences to find solutions to the crises and challenges facing the world. On this occasion, the delegation listened to the explanations of the officials of the Center on its working mechanisms and the objectives it seeks to achieve.

In another meeting with Mr. Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the officials discussed the possibility of benefiting from the expertise of astronauts through their participation in ICESCO’s training workshops on the design of an educational satellite (CANSAT), and the holding of conferences within ICESCO’s Member States to encourage young people to take an interest in the field of space and artificial intelligence technologies. They also discussed ICESCO’s participation in the IAF annual conference, to be held in October 2023 in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat hosted, on Friday, April 14, 2023, for the 2nd consecutive year, a major ceremony organized by ICESCO in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and Morocco’s Mohammadia League of Scholars, as part of the celebration of the International Day of Mercy, which corresponds to April 21, each year.

The ceremony, which was attended by senior officials, ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, thinkers and university professors, began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a general presentation by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, in which he reviewed the most significant phases of launching International Day of Mercy initiative and indicated that this initiative was recommended in the declaration of the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah, held by ICESCO in May 2021, approved by the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad in March 2022, submitted by the Kingdom of Morocco to the General Assembly of the United Nations for adoption at the international level, and finally celebrated on this day for the 2nd consecutive year.

He pointed out that the purpose of proclaiming this day goes beyond the ceremonial dimensions to a human civilizational foundation of an ethic of mercy for all people without discrimination, adding that it is an embodiment of continuous human efforts towards the will of goodness and coexistence and highlighting the efforts to include the indicators of mercy in all fields of development.

In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, reaffirmed that humanity has never known a merciful person among people like our Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), pointing out that great writers and thinkers always try to pinpoint the scenes of Mohammedan mercy, which is a divine mercy dedicated to humanity.

He added that humanity today is in dire need of pages of merciful human perfection while it fluctuates in the turmoil of its conflicts and the hell of its differences, pointing out that global behavior amid confusion and anxiety has nothing but to follow the example of the Mohammedan glow of mercy.

ICESCO Director-General pointed out that the Organization has taken the initiative to propose the proclamation of April 21 as the International Day of Mercy with the support of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary General of Morocco’s Mohammadia League of Scholars, said that the Prophet (PBUH) revived the concept of global mercy which was manifested in its qualities.

He highlighted the dimensions of the concept of mercy and its manifestations, represented in monotheism, communication, acclamation, insight and benevolence, reviewing the specifics of each quality, stating that all these manifestations lead to happiness and mercy in its broadest sense.

At the close of the ceremony, Mr. Najib Rhiati, Cultural Advisor to ICESCO Director General, expressed his gratitude to the participants in the celebration of the International Day of Mercy.

A delegation of religious and intellectual figures and scholars from different countries visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently held at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat on April 14, 2023.

Received by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), the delegation comprised of religious figures and intellectuals, including Sheikh Mohamed Al Hafiz Al Nahawi, President of the African Scholars Forum, President of the Islamic Cultural Coalition in Mauritania and West Africa, Dr. Boubacar Doukouri, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Burkina Faso for Islamic Affairs, Ms. Zahra Najia Zahraoui, member of the Supreme Scientific Council in the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. Ismail Lutfi Javakia, President of the Pattani University in the Kingdom of Thailand, and Sheikh Mahmoud El Sayed Atta, a reciter from the Arab Republic of Egypt.

ICESCO DG reviewed the Organization’s vision and strategic directions, aimed at serving member states and Muslim societies worldwide, and highlighted the significance of the exhibition and museum, which is the first edition of Exhibitions and Museums of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of ICESCO, then gave the delegation a tour of the museum, where detailed explanations were provided about the contents of its various pavilions and section and the numerous treasures and valuables from the cultural heritage, showcasing the Muslims community’s love and admiration for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his noble family and companions.

At the end of the visit, the delegation lauded the scientific exhibition which is the fruit of the strategic partnership initiative between ICESCO, the Muslim World League (MWL) and Morocco’s Mohammedia League of Scholars, commending the initiative for spreading knowledge about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), attended a ceremony honoring the late scholar, Dr. Mohamed El Mokhtar Ould Bah, held by the Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs, in cooperation with Morocco’s Dar El Hadith El Hassania Institute on April 13, 2023, at the Institute’s headquarters in Rabat. Themed “Dr. Mohamed El Mokhtar Ould Bah: Sheikh of Sciences and Role Model for Generations,” the ceremony saw the participation of high-level officials and prominent personalities in thought and culture.

The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an opening session where Dr. Ahmed El Khamlichi, Director of the Dar El Hadith El Hassania Institute, emphasized that Dr. Mohamed El Mokhtar left an indelible mark on the minds of professors, employees and students at the Institute, noting that the late scholar dedicated his life to serving his faith by writing, modernizing, and serving his country.

Dr. Ahmed Said, son of the late Rector of the Modern University of Chinguetti, Advisor to ICESCO DG for Partnerships and International Cooperation, delivered an address titled “A Journey’s Destination and a Life’s Orientation,” where he thanked the Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs and Minister Dr. Ahmed Toufiq, as well as Dar El Hadith El Hassania Institute and its Director Dr. El Khamlichi, for organizing the ceremony in honor of the late scholar who passed on January 22, 2023. He then reviewed the most significant stages of Dr. Mohamed El Mokhtar’s life journey.

Dr. Chbihna Hamdati Maa El Aïnine who was formerly assigned a mission in the Moroccan Royal Court, presented his testimony about the late scholar in his intervention entitled “Sheikh Mohamed El Mokhtar as I knew him.” He highlighted that Dr. Mohamed El Mokhtar had remarkable contributions in every work he took on and every responsibility he assumed. The scientific session followed, which included a reading of the late scholar’s books “Fi Khulassat Al-Adillah Min Kitabay Al-Tajrid Wa’Khtissaru Al-Tamhid” and “Fi Mawkib Al Sirah Al Nabawiyah.”

The ceremony ended with the presentation of a shield of honor to the representative of the late scholar’s family, followed by prayers for mercy and forgiveness for him.

The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) saw the organization of a scientific and cultural event to explore the biography of the Mothers of the Believers, draw lessons from the Prophet Muhammad’s wives (PBUH) virtues and evoke the greatness of their roles in supporting the Prophet and conveying his message.

The Symposium, which witnessed distinguished attendance, started on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), in which he mentioned the virtues of the Mothers of the Believers, notably the role of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, in calming the fear of the Prophet, (PBUH), the generosity and altruism of Sawda bint Zama, the love of the Prophet for Aisha bint Al-Siddiq, the fluency of Hafsa bint Omar, the kindness of the mother of the needy, Zaynab bint Khuzayma, Umm Salama, the first woman who migrates for the sake of Allah, Zaynab bint Jahsh, whom Allah married His Messenger from above the seven heavens, Juwayriya bint Al-Harith, who is rich in praises, and Maria Al-Qibtiyya, the mother of Ibrahim.

He stressed that ICESCO honors women and takes pride in their roles through several initiatives and that the Symposium draws lessons from the biography of the Mothers of the Believers as a reminder of transcendence, sacrifice and redemption, considering the Mothers of the Believers as models for us and examples of civilizational virtues for educating younger generations.

After that, Dr. Hanan Benchekroun, Preacher at the Scientific Council of the city of Rabat, delivered an address entitled: “In Hospitality of the Mothers of the Believers,” where she introduced the Prophet’s wives’ virtues and reviewed their biography, noting that they were married to the Prophet (PBUH) for social, legislative or political reasons.

In her address on “The Best of Her Women, Khadija Bint Khuwaylid,” Dr. Karima Bouamri, Director of the Khadija Center for the Support of the Prophet (PBUH), in the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighted that mother Khadija, may God be pleased with her, was called the pure before Islam, and that she was distinguished by the precision of opinion, noting that she was the first believer in the Prophet’s message and supporter of Islam.

Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi, Advisor to the Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Head of Education Development Center for Al-Azhar International students in the Arab Republic of Egypt, confirmed in a recorded address on mother Aisha, that the daughter of Al-Siddiq, peace be upon them both, is a model of femininity and humanity and an eternal school distinguished by delicacy, beauty, knowledge, intelligence and eloquence.

For her part, Dr. Fadwa Sadiq Benkirane, Member of the Nour Foundation for Scientific Research and Studies in the Kingdom of Morocco, gave an address entitled: Our Mother Aisha, the Civilized Female Model, where she indicated that she is a narrator of many hadiths and a woman of faith with principles, who had a great position among the Prophet’s companions.

Dr. Nadia El Sharqawi, General Coordinator of Jusoor Foundation for Studies, Scientific Research and Training in the Kingdom of Morocco, discussed the biography of Umm Salama, the sixth wife of the Prophet (PBUH), who was one of the female fighters, and the first of the Muslims to migrate from Abyssinia to Medina. Being an example of a leading Muslim woman, she had great wisdom and intellect.

At the close of the Symposium, the floor was given to participants to present their comments and raise questions about the virtue of the Mothers of the Believers and their great roles during the Prophet’s life (PBUH) and after his death.

On Sunday (9 April 2023), Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Al-Quds and the Palestinian territories, Imam and Preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and his delegation, who visited ICESCO Headquarters, in Rabat, and the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Civilization Islamic.

Dr. AlMalik started the meeting, which saw the presence of Mr. Jamal Choubaki, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Kingdom of Morocco, by welcoming His Eminence Sheikh Hussein and his delegation, highlighting the strong partnership and great cooperation between ICESCO and Palestine in the fields of education, science and culture, in coordination with the Palestinian National Commission.

He explained that ICESCO’s initiative to host the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Civilization Islamic is in partnership with the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars, in line with the Organization’s vision and strategic orientations to highlight the civilizational aspects of the Prophet’s biography and the moderation of Islam using the latest technologies.

After the meeting, Dr. AlMalik took Sheikh Hussein and his delegation on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Civilization Islamic, during which they received detailed explanations about its various pavilions and sections and the modern display means, which exhibit the biography of our Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.

After the tour, His Eminence Sheikh Hussein commended the initiative of ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Mohammadia League of Scholars to organize this great exhibition, stressing that it constitutes a virtual journey to the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and mirrors the true image of Islam.

A delegation of religious personalities, including scholars, imams and specialists in Islamic jurisprudence from the Sultanate of Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Mauritania, Senegal, Maldives, Nigeria, France, Germany and Indonesia, visited the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, which is currently hosted at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat.

While receiving the delegation today, Wednesday (April 5, 2023), Dr. Salem Al-Malik, ICESCO Director, pointed out that the initiative to hold a branch of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization in Rabat is the fruit of a strategic partnership between ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Dr. AlMalik stated that the Exhibition has witnessed a high turnout of visitors since its inauguration, and Moroccan people from different age groups as well as residents and guests of Morocco from all parts of the Kingdom flock to it. Up to now, the number of its visitors has exceeded one million and three hundred thousand visitors since it opened to the public on November 28, 2022.

During the tour, the delegation listened to detailed explanations about the contents of the different pavilions and sections of the exhibition, and modern display technologies, which present and document in detail the biography of our Messenger, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, and accompany visitors virtually to the time of the Prophet.

After the visit, the members of the delegation praised this great scientific exhibition, and the initiative of ICESCO, the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars to establish it in Rabat.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) honored Ms. Amira El Fadil, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, at the end of her mandate at the Organization.

In his address during a ceremony held at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director General (DG), expressed his thanks and gratitude to Ms. Amira El Fadil for the efforts she exerted during her mandate at ICESCO and for her role in consolidating cooperation relations between the Organization and many regional and international partners, lauding her recognized devotion and sincerity at work.

For her part, Ms. Amira El Fadil thanked ICESCO DG, the Organization’s leaders and all members of her work team, for their great cooperation, stressing that her mandate at ICESCO constitutes a valuable phase in her career, wishing the Organization further development and prosperity.

In conclusion, Dr. AlMalik handed over ICESCO’s commemorative shield to Ms. Amira El Fadil and a certificate of thanks, in appreciation of her efforts during her mandate at the Organization.

Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director General, and the Organization’s Heads of Sectors, Departments and Centers attended the honoring ceremony.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received His Eminence, Dr. Shawki Allam, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, who visited ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat and the International Museum and Exhibition of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Yasser Mustafa Othman, Ambassador of Egypt to Morocco, Dr. Abdelilah Benarfa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, and several heads of the Organization’s departments and centers. At the outset, Dr. AlMalik welcomed Dr. Allam, praising the strong partnership and cooperation relations between the Organization and Egypt in its areas of competence, and the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of ICESCO’s General Conference, which was held in the New Administrative Capital in December 2021, in cooperation with the Egyptian National Commission.

The Director-General also commended the year-long programs and activities the Egyptian Ministry of Culture implemented, in cooperation with ICESCO, as part of the celebration of Cairo as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, which was concluded this month.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the axes of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations, and shed light on the initiatives, programs, and activities it implements in support of its Member States’ efforts to develop the fields of education, science and culture.

For his part, the Grand Mufti of Egypt expressed his delight at visiting ICESCO, commending the roles it plays in the fields of education, science and culture, and its endeavors to highlight the civilizational aspects of the Prophet’s Seerah and present the true image of Islam to the world.
The meeting discussed the prospects of cooperation between ICESCO and Egypt’s Dar al-Iftaa, through the organization of joint international conferences and activities, especially about family affairs, social cohesion in the Islamic world, and future challenges that may face the world.

Following the meeting, Dr. AlMalik accompanied Dr. Allam on a tour of the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO Headquarters, which is the fruit of a strategic partnership with the Muslim World League and the Muhammadia League of Scholars in the Kingdom of Morocco. Dr. Allam received a detailed presentation of the contents of the Exhibition’s various pavilions and sections, which all rely on modern display techniques.

At the end of the tour, the Grand Mufti of Egypt stressed the importance of the Exhibition and Museum in publicizing the details of the life of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, pointing out that it takes its visitors on a spiritual journey to the time of the Prophet, thanks to its simplified encyclopedic display using the latest technology and augmented reality techniques.