150 Muslim Scholars, Muftis Emphasize Control of Fatwas, Confronting Islam Defamation

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh attended the international Islamic conference in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh attended the international Islamic conference in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

150 Muslim Scholars, Muftis Emphasize Control of Fatwas, Confronting Islam Defamation

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh attended the international Islamic conference in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh attended the international Islamic conference in Makkah. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The international Islamic conference, held over the course of two days in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, concluded with 13 recommendations that collectively emphasized the importance of aligning religious edicts with the tenets of Islamic Sharia law.

The conference, “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” highlighted the need to exercise caution against deviant fatwas, while addressing attempts to distort Islam and condemning heinous acts such as the burning of copies of the holy Quran.

Additionally, the conference called for enhanced communication, integration, and deepening partnerships in the realm of Islamic affairs among religious affairs administrations, jurisprudential bodies, and religious leaderships worldwide.

Attended by 150 scholars and muftis representing heads of Islamic centers and associations from 85 countries, the conference extended gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for approving the convening of the gathering.

Moreover, the conference commended the significant efforts undertaken by the Saudi leadership in serving Islam and Muslims, fostering communication with religious affairs administrations, jurisprudential bodies, and religious leaderships worldwide, and achieving integration among them.

Recommendations launched at the conference encompassed a reaffirmation of the responsibilities of religious affairs administrations, jurisprudential bodies, and religious leaderships worldwide in promoting the principles of moderation and temperance in preaching and educational methodologies.

This includes the qualification and training of imams and preachers, along with the intensification of related programs.

The conference emphasized the need to combat extremism, radicalism, and moral decay, while also stressing the importance of preserving family values, safeguarding youth, and reinforcing fundamental principles.

These efforts aim to protect societies from waves of atheism and moral degradation through quality preventive and corrective programs.

Participants at the conference also called for enhanced communication, integration, and deeper partnerships in the field of Islamic affairs among religious affairs administrations, jurisprudential bodies, and religious leaderships worldwide.

The ultimate objective is to achieve unity and consensus among Muslims, asserting that the foundation of Islamic unity lies in monotheism. Upholding the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic teachings) is the cornerstone of the faith, providing immunity against misguidance and deviation.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
TT

Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.