OIC Secretary General Calls for Immediate Release of Niger's President

Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum attends a meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (not seen) at the presidential palace in Niamey on May 2, 2022. (AFP)
Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum attends a meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (not seen) at the presidential palace in Niamey on May 2, 2022. (AFP)
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OIC Secretary General Calls for Immediate Release of Niger's President

Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum attends a meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (not seen) at the presidential palace in Niamey on May 2, 2022. (AFP)
Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum attends a meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (not seen) at the presidential palace in Niamey on May 2, 2022. (AFP)

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha called on Saturday for the immediate release of Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

He said he was following with deep concern the developments in Niger, an OIC member.

He strongly condemned any attempt to seize power by force, stressing Bazoum’s safety and need to restore the rule of law in the country.

Taha stressed that the OIC attaches great importance to peace, security and stability in Niger, as well as the entire Sahel region.

He expressed support for regional efforts towards that end and his full solidarity with the people of Niger.



Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.