His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan awarded Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Order of Friendship of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Doʻstlik) on Friday, 10 July 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and ICESCO and elevating this partnership to new horizons.
The decoration was awarded in appreciation of Dr. AlMalik’s efforts in supporting the civilizational and cultural initiatives implemented by ICESCO in cooperation with the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as his contributions to promoting the values of friendship, solidarity, and trust among peoples, fostering intercultural dialogue, and advancing shared human values.
This honor reflects the culmination of the distinguished strategic partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and ICESCO, which has, in recent years, witnessed the implementation of numerous pioneering initiatives and programs in education, culture, science, heritage preservation, and capacity building, in addition to cooperation on several major civilizational projects that highlight Uzbekistan’s historical role in advancing Islamic civilization.
Dr. AlMalik expressed his deep pride in receiving the decoration, affirming that it represents recognition of the role played by ICESCO and the efforts of its staff and partners across the Member States. He noted that it also reflects the depth of the close relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Organization.
The Director-General of ICESCO extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for this prestigious honor, commending his civilizational vision, which has made Uzbekistan a global center of Islamic civilization, a beacon of knowledge, and a hub for cultural and scientific cooperation. He also reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to continuing joint efforts in support of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic world.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a cultural symposium titled “Artists and Civic Engagement” as part of the seventh session of the “Artists of the World, Guests at ICESCO” program. The event featured the participation of the Moroccan composer Dr. Nabil Benabdeljalil, the Tunisian playwright Raouf Ben Yaghlane, and the Moroccan academics Dr. Bouazza Benachir and Dr. Abdelillah Krim.
The hybrid symposium, held on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, opened with remarks by Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector. He explained that the event focuses on the role of intellectuals and the commitment of artists in the Islamic World, in light of the role of authentic cultures that seek to promote the mission of art as a driver of aesthetic and creative societies in Member States.
Dr. Bouazza Benachir, professor at Mohammed V University in Morocco, emphasized the importance of the artist’s connection to reality and society as an agent and producer of knowledge and thought, conscious of their society’s realities, aspirations, history, and concerns.
For his part, Dr. Nabil Benabdeljalil noted the sensitivity surrounding artists and art throughout Islamic history, highlighting contemporary issues in the arts, including conceptual challenges resulting from the disconnect between art and thought, as artists—even when they are intellectuals and scholars—are not invited to intellectual and social forums to share their views.
In his presentation, Dr. Abdelillah Krim, professor at Ibn Tufail University in Morocco, highlighted the rise of public square theater and its role in representing communities. He also drew attention to theater’s social role in confronting racism, citing the example of California Theater. He added that other schools employ art and culture in different ways, such as the Frankfurt School, which discusses culture and art as means of controlling the masses.
For his part, Raouf Ben Yaghlane called on artists to constantly strive to cultivate aesthetic, intellectual, and civic values that raise individuals’ awareness of culture and its essential creative and societal role as an inherent foundation of human existence. He added that culture shapes citizenship, consciousness, and human presence.
Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Chairman of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, participated in the international scientific conference, “Imam Al-Bukhari’s Al-Jami‘ As-Sahih: The Book of the Ummah,” organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent and the Imam Bukhari International Scientific-Research Center, under the patronage of His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
In a speech delivered on Thursday, 9 July 2026, during a scientific session on Imam Al-Bukhari, the Grand Mufti affirmed that revisiting the Imam’s legacy in his homeland holds profound scholarly and civilizational significance, reflecting a deep connection to the scholars who dedicated their lives to upholding the noble Prophetic Sunnah. He emphasised that Sahih Al-Bukhari is not just a book studied in academic circles, but a universal heritage and a comprehensive intellectual framework.
Dr. Ayyad explained that “Al-Jami‘ Al-Musnad As-Sahih” was not simply a compilation of hadiths, but a practical manifestation of the civilization of isnad (chain of transmission) and documentation that distinguished the Islamic world, which built knowledge on verification, critique, and rigorous scholarship rather than the mere transmission of reports. He added that celebrating Sahih Al-Bukhari is a celebration of a scientific methodology that has contributed to consolidating a culture of documentation, preserving knowledge, and safeguarding the sources of Islamic law throughout the centuries.
Regarding the doubts raised about Sahih Al-Bukhari, the Grand Mufti emphasized that they fundamentally challenge the Prophetic Sunnah and its legislative authority, calling on scholars and institutions across the Muslim world to present this heritage in a contemporary language and clarify its methodological foundations through argument and evidence.
In conclusion, Dr. Ayyad commended the efforts of ICESCO and Uzbekistan in reviving the legacy of Imam Al-Bukhari and promoting the study of his work through conferences, research, verification, and publication.
Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor at the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, stated that Imam Al-Bukhari charted a unique methodology in the field of hadith scholarship, characterized by meticulous investigation, verification, and scrutiny, enabling him to present his Sahih collection to the Muslim Ummah. He stressed that no matter how hard detractors may try to undermine it or cast doubt on its authenticity, they will never attain their aim.
He made these remarks during his address at the opening session of the International Conference, “Al-Jami’ al-Musnad As-Sahih by Imam al-Bukhari: The Book of an Ummah,” held on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The conference is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Samarkand, in partnership with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the Imam Al-Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid added that the great imam recognized at an early stage the significance of the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He devoted himself diligently until he produced the most authentic book after the Holy Quran, thereby demonstrating that success is neither accidental nor a matter of chance but, after the grace of Allah, the result of awareness, perseverance, and unwavering determination.
He called for following Imam Al-Bukhari’s model in education and upbringing to nurture new generations capable of confronting the challenges of today’s world. Moreover, he noted that the esteemed imam is among the leading figures of the Islamic world whose knowledge left a lasting impact and whose efforts were dedicated to preserving, safeguarding, and promoting the Prophet’s Sunnah.
The Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque also commended Uzbekistan’s efforts, under the leadership of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in reviving, preserving, studying, and widely promoting Islamic heritage. He noted that this is clearly reflected in the establishment of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and the Imam Al-Bukhari Complex in Samarkand, affirming Uzbekistan’s pride in its identity and its commitment to drawing upon the values of Islamic civilization not merely as a source of pride, but as a repository of ever-renewing knowledge and scholarship.
He further affirmed that the objectives of the conference are aligned with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commendable efforts in defending and promoting the Holy Quran, the Prophet’s Sunnah, and the eminent figures of Islam, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He concluded his address by praising ICESCO’s efforts in this regard.
Dr. AlMalik: The Conference Addresses Attempts to Cast Doubt on the Spiritual and Civilizational Foundations of the Islamic World
The International Scientific Conference “Al-Jami’ al-Musnad al-Sahih by Imam al-Bukhari: The Book of an Ummah” kicked off on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan. The conference is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with the participation of prominent scholars, researchers, and representatives of religious and academic institutions from several countries across the Islamic world.
The conference commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Muzaffar Kamilov, Head of the Department for Religious and Educational Affairs within the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, who emphasized that the legacy of Imam Al-Bukhari is no longer a symbolic heritage belonging solely to Uzbekistan, but has become a shared legacy of the Islamic Ummah and humanity at large, requiring strengthened international cooperation in its study, preservation, and transmission to future generations.
Following this, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor at the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars of Saudi Arabia, and Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, stated that Imam Al-Bukhari represents a distinguished model in the service of the Prophetic Sunnah. Honoring him, he noted, lies in preserving his scholarly legacy and educating future generations to follow his scientific and ethical approach. He also commended Uzbekistan’s efforts, under the leadership of H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in safeguarding and promoting this heritage in a manner befitting its status.
For his part, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, affirmed that the conference embodies scholarly fidelity to an imam who devoted 16 years of his life to compiling a single work, traveling extensively and selecting from among 600,000 hadiths to produce a refined body of knowledge that has become a guiding beacon for the Ummah. He stressed that the life of Imam Al-Bukhari is not merely a luminous chapter in the history of hadith sciences, but a unique model of dedication to knowledge and the pursuit of truth.
Dr. AlMalik added that convening the event reflects the need to address attempts to cast doubt on the spiritual and civilizational foundations of the Ummah by reviving the legacy of great scholars. He noted that ICESCO is honored to undertake the scientific coordination of the conference, proposing the organization of an annual conference on the Prophetic Hadith, along with the establishment of an annual award dedicated to hadith studies and the preservation of its legacy.
The conference also featured the screening of a video titled “The Story of Al-Bukhari: A Prodigy in the Science of Hadith,” prepared by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of ICESCO, and produced by the Organization’s Media and Communication Sector using advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
For his part, Mr. Sodiq Donaqulovich Toshboyev, Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of Uzbekistan, highlighted that the comprehensive study of the intellectual heritage of the Ummah’s predecessors is among his country’s key priorities. He shed light on efforts to publish and translate Imam Al-Bukhari’s works and adopt modern scholarly methodologies for their study.
Moreover, Mufti Nuriddin Khaliqnazarov, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, underlined that the significance of Sahih al-Bukhari extends beyond its religious and scholarly value to its role in reinforcing the unity of the Ummah and preserving its heritage. Meanwhile, Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslim Board, noted that greater global awareness of Imam Al-Bukhari would further enhance the standing of Samarkand and its scholarly environment.
The opening session concluded with the honoring of researchers and specialists who presented outstanding papers on the conference themes. These contributions were published in a book supervised by ICESCO under the title “Al-Jami’ al-Musnad al-Sahih by Imam al-Bukhari: The Book of an Ummah,” as part of efforts to document the conference’s scientific discussions and extend the benefit of its outcomes.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have explored ways to expand bilateral cooperation in food security, climate action, education, and youth capacity building, with the aim of strengthening their partnership in the coming phase.
This took place during a visit by Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, and Dr. Shezra Ali Khan, Minister of State for Climate Change of Pakistan, to ICESCO headquarters in Rabat on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. They were received by Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector and Director of the Translation and Publishing Center, on behalf of Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Organization.
During the discussions, Dr. Albanyan delivered a presentation on ICESCO’s flagship initiatives and projects in education, technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and youth training, particularly programs implemented in Pakistan. The discussions also addressed the growing importance of national food security and the need to strengthen cooperation among ICESCO Member States in knowledge exchange, research, innovation, and technology transfer.
For his part, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain commended ICESCO’s role in serving the Islamic world and proposed that Pakistan host the Organization’s first conference on food security in Islamabad in 2027.
Dr. Shezra Ali Khan also expressed her country’s interest in organizing joint activities with ICESCO during the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Türkiye and proposed hosting the ICESCO Conference of Environment Ministers in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Kuanysh Yergaliyev, Head of the Science and Environment Sector; Dr. Sohail Qureshi, Advisor to the Director-General for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW); and Dr. Waqas Afridi, Expert at the Education Sector.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the Turkic Academy, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (TCHF), and Al-Furqaan Foundation signed a cooperation agreement to launch the International Islamic Calligraphy Competition and the Manuscript Quran Initiative.
The Agreement was signed on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, on the sidelines of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization. It aims to join efforts to preserve, study, develop, and promote Islamic calligraphy, as well as to support the production of a manuscript Quran, reflecting the high status of this art in the history of the Islamic world and its scientific, aesthetic, and spiritual dimensions.
Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, affirmed that the Organization attaches particular importance to Islamic calligraphy and heritage manuscripts due to their significance in the civilizational memory of the Islamic world. He noted that this cooperation embodies a collective commitment to preserving this human heritage and strengthening its presence on the international cultural scene.
The Agreement provides for the launch of the International Islamic Calligraphy Competition, targeting calligraphers, scholars, experts, and masters of manuscript arts from across the Islamic world, as well as the organization of exhibitions showcasing participating works and promoting them widely within international cultural and academic circles.
The Agreement also includes the launch of the Manuscript Quran Initiative as a cultural and spiritual project embodying the highest traditions of Islamic calligraphy, alongside the organization of exhibitions, conferences, practical workshops, and educational programs. It further seeks to expand cooperation with museums, libraries, research centers, and cultural organizations, thereby contributing to the preservation of this heritage and highlighting its civilizational value for future generations.
Participants in the First International Forum, themed “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” held in Uzbekistan from 7 to 11 July 2026, issued the Forum Declaration, which includes a set of pioneering international recommendations and initiatives aimed at promoting global peace, mutual respect, and the revival and preservation of the rich heritage of Islamic civilization.
The Declaration was delivered by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). It commended the historic initiative of His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, presented in 2017 at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, which aims to revive, study, and promote the human heritage of Islamic civilization. This vision has materialized through the establishment of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and the convening of this inaugural forum.
The Declaration emphasized the significant contributions of Islamic civilization to the development of the humanities and ethical and spiritual thought, highlighting the importance of scientifically grounded studies of religious and cultural heritage in strengthening international trust and countering misconceptions about Islam.
It also announced the establishment of the Global Forum on Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, aimed at unifying the efforts of international organizations, academic and scientific institutions, and relevant entities to safeguard and valorize the civilizational heritage of the Islamic world.
The Declaration further outlined several international initiatives:
Establishing a unified global digital register of Islamic civilization heritage through a dedicated platform for manuscripts, archival materials, archaeological monuments, intangible cultural heritage, and scientific research outputs; Cooperating in the implementation of an international program titled “Islamic Civilization: Heritage of All Humanity,” including the organization of international exhibitions, conferences, educational projects, and cultural events highlighting the contributions of Islamic civilization to science, culture, and education; Launching an International Prize for Islamic Civilization to recognize outstanding contributions to the study, preservation, and promotion of its heritage; Establishing an international foundation for research on Islamic civilization to support scientific research, the restoration of monuments, and the training of researchers; Creating a digital library of Islamic civilization encompassing manuscripts, scholarly works, archival documents, and educational resources; Publishing the International Encyclopedia of Islamic Civilization, covering biographies of prominent scholars, intellectual schools, cultural landmarks, and major achievements of the Islamic world; Preparing an annual international report on the state of Islamic civilization heritage, including assessments of heritage sites, research findings, and current challenges; Establishing a permanent platform for young researchers, scholars, students, and cultural heritage specialists in the Islamic world titled “International Youth Forum on Islamic Civilization”; Founding the International Union of Museums of Islamic Culture, Arts, and Civilization to strengthen cooperation among leading museums and exhibitions, organize joint exhibitions, and implement research, restoration, educational, and digital projects.
The Declaration concluded by emphasizing the importance of developing an action plan to implement these initiatives by 2030 and urging all participating countries, international organizations, and scientific institutions to cooperate in their implementation.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the International Imam Al-Bukhari Award, with the aim of celebrating outstanding contributions to the study and preservation of Islamic civilization, highlighting Imam Al-Bukhari’s scholarly role in the development of Islamic sciences and Hadith studies, and showcasing Uzbekistan’s historical role in the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as part of the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization. The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center, in the presence of several ICESCO leaders and officials from the Center.
The Award seeks to honor scholars, researchers, international institutions, universities, and cultural organizations whose work contributes to advancing knowledge across the Islamic world, preserving scientific and manuscript heritage, promoting the values of peace and enlightenment, and strengthening dialogue among cultures and civilizations. It also aims to support academic and knowledge-based initiatives that present Islamic heritage through its humanistic and civilizational dimensions.
The terms of the agreement stipulate that the Award be divided into five main categories: outstanding contributions to the study of Imam Al-Bukhari’s legacy; specialized research in Hadith sciences and Islamic studies; preservation and promotion of Islamic manuscript heritage; contributions to Islamic civilization, education, and enlightenment; and contributions to peace, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue, as well as a special award for young researchers.
The Islamic civilisation stands out among other civilisations for its unique continuity and development.
Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor at the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, affirmed that the Islamic civilisation stands out among other civilisations for its unique continuity and development. It has never been merely a historical legacy; rather, it has consistently preserved knowledge and sciences while adapting to evolving circumstances across different eras. This has established a humanistic and civilizational approach that has contributed to strengthening the values of knowledge, ethics, and development, while underscoring the importance of safeguarding this civilizational and spiritual heritage.
He made these remarks during his address, on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, as part of the International Forum “Islamic Civilization: Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.
Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid explained that the forum serves as an international platform to highlight the rich scientific, intellectual, and cultural legacy of the Islamic civilization, which has contributed over centuries to serving humanity and promoting the values of moderation, tolerance, and openness. He added that preserving and transmitting the Islamic heritage to future generations is a shared responsibility that requires strengthening cooperation among religious, scientific, and cultural institutions.
He noted that the Islamic civilization is a civilization of knowledge and intellectual endeavor; it has never embraced stagnation that hinders the understanding of texts. It is founded on interpreting the Quran and Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of the early generations of Islam, while taking into account contemporary realities and fulfilling the objectives of Sharia.
He emphasized that the Islamic civilization does not fear beneficial progress nor oppose modern means, but rather evaluates them through the framework and objectives of Sharia. The Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and to the participants in the forum. He also highlighted the depth of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, as well as their ongoing cooperation in advancing shared cultural and civilizational causes.
Earlier, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, accompanied Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid on a tour of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent to explore its sections, pavilions, and collection of manuscripts, documents, and rare historical artifacts, as well as its distinctive architectural design and modern display technologies, which present the Islamic civilization in a way that blends authenticity with modernity.
