Category: News update

Participants in the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held on Thursday, May 27, 2021, sent a letter of thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco for his high patronage of the Conference. The international event was held in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.

In the letter, that Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, read out at the close of the Conference, participants stated that His Majesty’s high patronage had a great positive impact on the response of a number of international leaderships and academic figures who were eager to take part in the Conference, overseen by great leaderships and expertise from ICESCO and its partners, the MWL and the Mohammadia League of Scholars.

The letter noted that these three parties represent the Islamic world, states, nations and scholars’ institutions alike, in reaffirming the Ummah’ undying devotion and reverence for its noble Prophet, peace be upon him.

ICESCO’s major International Conference on the Civilizational Values of the Prophet’s Seerah, held under the theme: “Towards a Future Vision for the Prophet’s Seerah”, on Thursday, May, 27, 2021, in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and Mohammadia League of Scholars, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, concluded its proceedings by issuing the Conference’s declaration, outcomes and executive recommendations.

During the Conference’s addresses and discussions, which witnessed high-level participation of heads of State, princes, international prominent figures, scholars and religious leaders, the participants agreed upon the importance of reconsidering the studies and writings on the Prophet’s Seerah. The focus was on its civilizational dimension and the need to consider it as the perfect embodiment of divine mercy as stated in the following verse from the Holy Quran: “And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds.”

The international event concluded its agenda by issuing the Conference’s declaration, outcomes and executive recommendations, which read as follows:

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) paid tribute to Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, in recognition of his efforts in highlighting the role of religious scholars and enriching scientific research and Islamic studies.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), presented the Secretary-General with the Organization’s Gold Shield on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, during the International Conference on Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah.

Dr. AlMalik said that the tribute is paid to Dr. Abbadi and the Mohammadia League of Scholars in recognition for his efforts in deconstructing the discourse of extremism and immunizing the youth against it, and for his unfailing support for the causes of Muslims around the world. The DG of ICESCO announced the publication of the first volume of the Encyclopedia of Deconstructing the Extremist Discourse, the fruit of a cooperation between ICESCO and the Mohammadia League of Scholars intended to be a source of guidance for the

In recognition of his efforts in serving joint Islamic action and promoting the civilizational values in the Prophet’s Seerah, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) honored Dr. Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL).

During the International Conference on the Civilizational Values in the Prophet’s Seerah held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Thursday, 27 May 2021, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), handed Dr. Al-Issa the Organization’s Gold Shield.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the tribute is paid to Dr. Al-Issa and the MWL in recognition of their constant support for the causes of Muslims worldwide, both inside and outside the Islamic world, as well as for his efforts in establishing global peace and serving the Prophet’s Seerah.

ICESCO DG reaffirmed that the Organization will sustain its work with the MWL to serve the Ummah and showcase the real image of Islam.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) kicked off Thursday, May 27, 2021, its major event in love for the Prophet (PBUH), under the theme: “Towards a Future Vision for the Prophet’s Seerah,” held in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Mohammadia League of Scholars, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

After the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, the honorary session started with the address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), wherein he explained that the conference is a demonstration of our duty towards the Prophet (PBUH) in response to the misunderstandings of the various aspects of his Seerah.

Dr. AlMalik announced a set of key initiatives, including the organization of the Conference on the Prophet’s Seerah on an annual basis, the proclamation of an international day of the Prophet’s Seerah named “Day of Mercy,” and the launch of a major prize for the best initiatives and research works on highlighting and promoting the civilizational values in the Prophet’s Seerah.

In a video address, the guest of honor, Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, underscored that the Prophet (PBUH) ran the Medina community, at the beginning of Islam, with the most civilized methods and rules the world has ever known in terms of the equal application of law to everyone and taking care of the poor and needy for the first time in history.

In a video address, the guest of honor, H.R.H. Prince Hassan bin Talal, President of the Arab Thought Forum, stressed the importance of studying the Prophet’s Seerah as an embodiment of the universal mercy established in the Holy Quran “We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.”

The guest of honor, H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, in his address, delivered on his behalf at ICESCO headquarters by Mr. Simon Martin, UK Ambassador to Morocco, highlighted that the spiritual dimension must be the basis of our efforts to solve all social problems and face all global challenges such as the current pandemic.

The address of the guest of honor, H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria, that Mr. Baba Garba, Ambassador of Nigeria to Morocco, delivered on his behalf, focused on the need to adopt a vision based on mutual understanding and coexistence, which constitute the essence of Islam. He also underlined the need to deconstruct and address the hostile messages posted on social media as they exacerbate misunderstanding and spread extremism among their recipients.

In his address, Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL, highlighted the crucial civilizational values in the Prophet’s Seerah that link common sense with reason, which both constitute the moral basis of the ideal human existence, paving the way for the seekers of the right path, and leave non-Muslims in a state of astonishment and admiration.

Moreover, Dr. Al-Issa added that the MWL has prepared many extensive studies, which concluded that more than 50 percent of the causes of Islamophobia are rooted in some Muslim societies, either due to lacking awareness or exploitation of religion for material interests, along with other causes from outside the Islamic world, while indicating that Islam can overcome such crisis just like it did with many other obstacles throughout history.

Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammadia League of Scholars, spoke about the problems facing Islam, namely the damage that our corruption caused to planet Earth; the extreme armament for fighting each other; the hidden threats of the outbreak of major wars; 80 million studies are conducted each year worldwide with no clear impact; and the human need for more wisdom.

Dr. Abbadi also highlighted the studies and centers of the League, pointing out that the daily presence of young people in the digital space requires our presence as well in this space to provide guidance for them.

In his video address, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), reaffirmed that the monotheistic religions share the call for mutual understanding and coexistence, adding that the Messenger of Islam (PBUH) called for dialogue and benevolence as he is deemed the high representative of civilizational dialogue, who promoted tolerance and countered extremism and all forms of violent discourse.

At the close of the honorary session, Dr. AlMalik, ICESCO DG, handed ICESCO Honorary Shields to Dr. Al-Issa and Dr. Abbadi in appreciation of their efforts in serving Islam.

With the participation of prominent international figures, thinkers and scholars from inside and outside the Islamic world, the International Conference on the Civilizational Values ​​in the Prophet’s Seerah will start tomorrow, May 27, 2021, under the theme “Towards a future vision for the Prophet’s Seerah,” that the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) will hold, in partnership with the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Mohammedia League of Religious Scholars, in Morocco, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco

The Conference, which will be held both at ICESCO headquarters, in Rabat, and through videoconference, will start at 09:00 GMT (10:00 Rabat time) with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the honorary session, which features the addresses by the guests of honor, namely Mr. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan; H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, United Kingdom; H.R.H. Prince Hassan bin Talal, Chairman of Arab Thought Forum, Jordan; and Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

Afterward, two videos will be screened, one that ICESCO produced on the lineage of the Prophet (PBUH) and the other one on the most prominent testimonials about the Prophet (PBUH). Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG); Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, Secretary-General of the Mohammedia League of Religious Scholars; and Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, MWL Secretary-General, will then give their respective addresses. The next session will feature a video on the Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah in Al-Madina Al- Munawarah followed by a Madih break.

The representatives of the participating institutions will then deliver their respective addresses, namely Dr. ShawKi Allam, Grand Mufti of Egypt; Sheikh-ul-islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Mufti of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus; Dr. Mustapha Benhamza,President of Ulemas Council of Oujda, member of the Supreme Ulemas Council, Kingdom of Morocco; Dr. Farhan Nizami, Director of Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, London; Dr. Amer Al-Hafi, Academic Consultant of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies, Al al-Bayt University, Jordan;  Prof. James Patton, President of the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy, Washington D.C.; and Anba Philotheus Faraj, Global Peace Ambassador, Khartoum.

In a recorded video, Joram Van Klaveren will share with the participants his experience in converting to Islam and seeking guidance from the Prophet (PBUH).

The agenda also includes four working sessions on the following respective topics: Prophet’s Seerah and academic efforts, Prophet’s Seerah and functional dimensions, Prophet’s Seerah and contemporary issues, and world testimonials about the Prophet and his final message.

In conclusion, the Conference will issue its declaration and executive recommendations, which will be shared in many languages​​ with the international organizations, institutions and bodies specialized in culture and civilizational dialogue.

You can follow the Conference live on the official Facebook page of ICESCO via the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/ICESCO.En/live

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), reaffirmed that the Organization positions cooperation with its African Member States at the heart of its interests. He noted that a substantial number of ICESCO leaderships and experts are from Africa, a continent abounding with remarkable capacities and natural resources.

The DG made the statement in his address at the Africa Forum for Tolerance and Interfaith Dialogue, held in observance of World Africa Day. The Forum that the Moroccan Center for Tolerance and Interfaith Dialogue held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, via videoconference, saw the participation of religious leaderships, representatives of prominent organizations and bodies and several dialogue experts and specialists.

The DG stated that the celebration of World Africa Day reflects the growing human awareness about Africa’s ability to survive the environment and climate exhaustion and the squandering of abundant resources, as global statistics state that African enjoys the world’s largest agricultural areas and has a rich climate diversity, making it a significant source of food in the world. He added that the continent is the second globally in terms of natural resources while its tourism industry counts for 8% of its GDP.

Despite the continent’s potential, the DG stated, tribal affiliations and ethnic and sectarian conflicts caused instability in Africa and undermined its launch after independence. The situation jeopardized the development and prosperity of African societies, which enjoy glorious cultural and civilizational abundance.

“However, no one can deny the major strides the people of Africa made towards fighting corruption and the serious efforts made to anchor good governance, which led to concrete progress in achieving development,” Dr. AlMalik noted.

At the close of his address, the DG stated that during the COVID-19 outbreak, ICESCO committed to assisting African societies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic through providing sanitizers and setting up manufacturing units to locally produce them. He added that ICESCO also supported African educational systems and cooperated with global humanitarian initiatives such as Alwaleed Philanthropies, which provided financial support—through ICESCO—amounting to 2 million American dollars. The DG mentioned initiatives that the Organization launched such as “The Societies We Want,” noting that ICESCO intends to further its fruitful cooperation with its African Member States through launching several programs.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) appointed Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa as Deputy DG of ICESCO.

Since joining the Organization in 2003, Dr. Benarafa has held several positions, the last of which was the Cultural Advisor to the DG before his appointment as Deputy DG of ICESCO.

Dr. Benarafa obtained the General University Diploma in literary studies from Mohammed V University in Rabat, the B.A. degree in linguistics from the University of Paul-Valéry Montpellier, France, and the Advanced Diploma in general linguistics as well as the PhD degree in semantics from Sorbonne University, Paris.

Dr. Benarafa has many intellectual and literary works and academic reviews. He published a set of books, novels and studies, including: a study on concepts formation in French, and reviews of  “a’Shihab Maw’ida li Uli al-Albab” by Abu Ahmad Jaafar bin Sayedbona, “Limada Nafrah Bil-Mustafa,” “Biography of Abu al-Hassan a-Shashtarihis Biography, works and doctrine.” His novels include “Jabal Qaf,” “al-Junaid: Pain of Knowledge,” “Khnatha” and “Idris.”

Dr. Benarafa enjoys extensive relationships in the Islamic world.