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    Category: News

    ICESCO Offers Condolences to the State of Qatar on the Passing of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) extends its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the Emir, Government, and people of the State of Qatar on the passing of the Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on the morning of Sunday 12 July 2026, at the age of 74.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, sent a cable of condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, expressing his heartfelt sympathies and sincere condolences. He prayed to Almighty Allah to bestow His abundant mercy upon the deceased, grant him the highest place in Paradise, and bless his family and the people of Qatar with patience and solace.

    Dr. AlMalik affirmed that the Father Emir will remain a role model for his dedication to his homeland, his people, and the Umma, and for his enduring contributions to humanity. He further prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to bless the State of Qatar with security and stability.

    ICESCO Calls for Accelerating Transition from Commitments to Impact in Education at the Transforming Education Summit in Paris

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Transforming Education Summit (TES+4), organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its headquarters in Paris, on Friday, 10 July 2026. The Summit, themed “System Transformation and Resilience for SDG 4,” brought together a distinguished group of ministers, officials, representatives of international and regional organizations, and education decision-makers.

    Speaking during the high-level panel discussion titled “Persisting Gaps and the Way Forward,” Dr. Ahmed Albanyan, Head of the Education Sector at ICESCO, called for accelerating the transition from international commitments to tangible impact in education. He noted that the next phase requires building education systems capable of preparing learners to address climate change challenges and strengthening their ability to contribute to sustainable development.

    Dr. Albanyan presented ICESCO’s vision of the key challenges facing efforts to accelerate the development of climate-ready education systems, drawing on the Organization’s regional expertise and its monitoring of progress in Member States.

    Additionally, Dr. Albanyan emphasized that the four years following the TES have seen notable progress in positioning climate education within policy priorities, strengthening international cooperation, and launching national initiatives to support education transformation. He noted that the main challenge is no longer securing political commitments, but translating them into concrete educational practices.

    Subsequently, Dr. Albanyan reviewed the Greening Education Partnership (GEP) Dashboard for Member States, developed jointly by ICESCO and UNESCO. He highlighted key findings of ICESCO’s regional report titled “Beyond the Transforming Education Summit: From Commitments to Action,” which monitors progress made by Member States in implementing their commitments and identifies areas of advancement, particularly in digital transformation, governance and financing, equity and inclusion, and teachers’ professional development.

    In closing, Dr. Albanyan called for focusing on integrating climate education within national education systems, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and enhancing the exchange of data and expertise.

    Uzbek President Commends ICESCO Achievements, Explores New Phase of Strategic Partnership

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan commended the achievements of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in implementing the joint action plan with Uzbekistan, reaffirming his country’s commitment to continuing this partnership.

    This came during a meeting held on Friday, 10 July 2026, at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, where the Uzbek President received Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, accompanied by his delegation.

    His Excellency the President expressed appreciation for ICESCO’s successful implementation of all the initiatives and programs included in the joint action plan signed more than two years ago, highlighting the tangible outcomes achieved in education, culture, science, and heritage preservation.

    Moreover, the President praised the programs and projects carried out by ICESCO in Uzbekistan over recent years, noting his country’s strong commitment to Islamic civilization, safeguarding heritage, disseminating knowledge, promoting a culture of peace, and supporting initiatives that showcase the civilizational contributions of the Islamic world.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the President, commending his civilizational vision, personal engagement in overseeing joint projects, and dedication to advancing this partnership to broader horizons.

    The ICESCO Director-General noted that the meeting addressed the development of a new action plan encompassing flagship initiatives in Islamic civilization, education, culture, science, heritage protection, and capacity building, with a view to strengthening Uzbekistan’s position and serving ICESCO Member States.

    Additionally, Dr. AlMalik expressed his appreciation for the strong support extended by the President to ICESCO, emphasizing that such support reflects his belief in the importance of joint action in advancing development efforts.

    Dr. AlMalik further conveyed to the President the admiration expressed by participants in the International Forum on Islamic Civilization, The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment, held at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent on 7–8 July 2026, as well as the International Conference on Imam Al-Bukhari, hosted at the Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand. He noted that both events brought together leading muftis, ministers, scholars, researchers, intellectuals, and business leaders from across the world.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. AlMalik renewed his thanks to the President, praising his vision, which has positioned the Republic of Uzbekistan as a global center for Islamic civilization, a hub for knowledge, and a platform for civilizational initiatives.

    The meeting was attended on behalf of ICESCO by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, and Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector. On the Uzbek side, attendees included Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; His Eminence Shaykh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and Mufti of the Republic; Mr. Khayriddin Sultanov, Advisor to the President; and a number of senior presidential officials.

    President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Awards ICESCO Director-General Order of Friendship

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    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.

    ICESCO Holds International Symposium on Art and Citizenship

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    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.

    Grand Mufti of Egypt at Imam Al-Bukhari Conference in Samarkand: Doubts Cast Upon Sahih Al-Bukhari Fundamentally Challenge the Prophetic Sunnah and Its Legislative Authority

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF


    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.

    Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah: Imam Al-Bukhari Presented His Sahih to the Ummah Through a Unique Methodology for Compiling the Prophet’s Hadiths

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    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.

    International Scientific Conference on Imam Al-Bukhari Kicks off in Samarkand with Participation of Leading Scholars and Researchers

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    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.

    ICESCO, Pakistan Discuss Expanding Cooperation in Food Security and Climate Action

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    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.

    ICESCO Signs Cooperation Agreement in Tashkent to Launch International Islamic Calligraphy Competition and Manuscript Quran Initiative

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    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.