Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Utilizing Technology for Islamic Authorities’ Coordination

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL
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Saudi Grand Mufti Urges Utilizing Technology for Islamic Authorities’ Coordination

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti presided over the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: MWL

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, has highlighted the adaptability of Islamic law in addressing contemporary issues and stressed the increasing responsibility of Islamic scholars amid technological advancements.

Speaking at the twenty-third assembly of the Islamic Fiqh Council and the Muslim World League (MWL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Al-Sheikh stressed the importance of Islamic scholars tackling modern challenges.

The Grand Mufti emphasized the need for rigorous research, encouraging the use of technology to enhance collaboration among religious authorities.

The gathering, led by Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, included scholars from across the Muslim world.

The assembly aimed to address contemporary issues faced by Muslims and minorities and issue rulings on them.

These rulings will be translated into various languages and shared through media channels to clarify Islamic principles and showcase the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence.

The opening session emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among scholars and religious bodies to tackle emerging challenges and promote societal stability and happiness.

Secretary-General of the MWL Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa highlighted the assembly’s focus on contemporary legal issues and the preceding research conducted by distinguished scholars.

Al-Issa stressed that it’s crucial for top Islamic scholars to tackle new challenges as part of their scholarly duties.

He emphasized the need for thorough research and interpretation to clarify the legal rulings, aligning with religious responsibilities.

Al-Issa also highlighted the importance of showing that Islamic jurisprudence can handle any emerging issues.

He noted that the Islamic Fiqh Council is the oldest of its kind in Islamic history, and membership is based on academic merit.

The MWL chief reiterated that the assembly has gained trust over its long history and its contributions are highly regarded and discussed in academic and research circles.

Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighted the importance of Saudi Arabia hosting this significant meeting of top religious figures and scholars from the Islamic world.

He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting positive trends and safeguarding the Muslim community from various challenges.

Taha stressed the need for contemporary scholarship to keep the Islamic world aligned with global developments. He praised the unity among Islamic scholars from different countries, emphasizing their collective service to their faith.



Saudi FM, Iranian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi FM, Iranian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.

During the call, they discussed the latest regional developments and the efforts to maintain the region's security and stability, SPA said.


US-Gulf Draft UN Resolution to Hold Iran Accountable over Hormuz Closure

A UN Security Council session held on March 12 (Reuters)
A UN Security Council session held on March 12 (Reuters)
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US-Gulf Draft UN Resolution to Hold Iran Accountable over Hormuz Closure

A UN Security Council session held on March 12 (Reuters)
A UN Security Council session held on March 12 (Reuters)

The United States and Bahrain have begun drafting a UN Security Council resolution aimed at holding Iran accountable for closing the Strait of Hormuz and advancing international efforts to reopen it to commercial shipping.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, speaking during a phone press conference on Monday, said the draft states that the Security Council strongly condemns repeated attacks and threats by Iran against commercial vessels, as well as actions aimed at obstructing lawful transit through the Strait of Hormuz. These include the laying of naval mines and the imposition of illegal fees on ships.

The proposal determines that such actions constitute a threat to international peace and security, opening the possibility of placing the resolution under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and, consequently, the potential adoption of enforcement measures at a later stage.

It affirms the right of all ships and aircraft to transit the Strait of Hormuz without unlawful interference, in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It further calls on Iran to immediately cease all attacks or threats directed against commercial shipping, as well as any attempts to obstruct or impede freedom of navigation.

A key provision stipulates that Iran must disclose the number of mines it has laid and their precise locations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and work toward their removal. The draft also calls on Tehran to refrain from interfering in international demining efforts.

Humanitarian corridor

Another clause asks Iran to cooperate with the United Nations in establishing a humanitarian corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at facilitating the flow of essential goods, including food and fertilizers, which the text says have been disrupted by recent developments in the region.

It also includes a prohibition on any UN member state assisting Iran in closing the strait or restricting transit through it. At the same time, it affirms the right of states to defend their vessels against attacks, in accordance with international law.

This is the latest diplomatic effort by Washington and Manama after China and Russia vetoed a similar resolution hours before a temporary ceasefire was announced in early April.

Waltz said negotiations on the draft would take place this week, adding that it remains unclear whether the resolution will include an enforcement mechanism to secure navigation in the strait.

He revealed that Bahrain is contributing to drafting the text, with input from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, in a way that would require Iran to halt attacks on commercial vessels and attempts to impose transit fees, as well as to stop laying naval mines and disclose their locations.

Waltz underlined that the draft is narrower in scope than the previous unsuccessful proposal and comes amid a ceasefire with Iran.

The United States and Gulf countries are continuing negotiations this week and are seeking swift adoption of the resolution, provided consensus among the countries concerned is maintained.

Waltz framed the issue not only as part of a confrontation with Iran but also as a matter related to international law and the freedom of global trade, stressing that no country has the right to blackmail global trade.

A previous draft resolution blocked by Russia and China had sought authorization for the use of defensive force to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and free it from Iranian attacks. It also would have allowed states, individually or through voluntary multinational maritime partnerships, to use all necessary and proportionate defensive means, applying to the strait and adjacent waters to secure passage and deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere in any way with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.


Saudi Arabia Provides New Contribution of $2 Million to Support UNRWA

Saudi Prince Mansour bin Khaled bin Farhan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Jordan, hands UNRWA’s Acting Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders a cheque of $ 2 million as the Kingdom’s annual contribution to UNRWA (Saudi Embassy in Jordan)
Saudi Prince Mansour bin Khaled bin Farhan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Jordan, hands UNRWA’s Acting Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders a cheque of $ 2 million as the Kingdom’s annual contribution to UNRWA (Saudi Embassy in Jordan)
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Saudi Arabia Provides New Contribution of $2 Million to Support UNRWA

Saudi Prince Mansour bin Khaled bin Farhan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Jordan, hands UNRWA’s Acting Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders a cheque of $ 2 million as the Kingdom’s annual contribution to UNRWA (Saudi Embassy in Jordan)
Saudi Prince Mansour bin Khaled bin Farhan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Jordan, hands UNRWA’s Acting Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders a cheque of $ 2 million as the Kingdom’s annual contribution to UNRWA (Saudi Embassy in Jordan)

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday delivered on Tuesday a check worth $2 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), representing the Kingdom's annual support for the agency’s budget, programs, and operations in the region.

Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan delivered the check at the embassy to UNRWA’s Acting Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders.

He stressed the Saudi commitment, under the directives of the leadership, to support the Palestinian cause and assist the brotherly Palestinian people.

The Ambassador then highlighted the importance of supporting UNRWA's budget to enable it to fulfill its social, humanitarian, educational, and health responsibilities toward Palestinian refugees, particularly under current conditions.

Prince Mansour noted the agency’s vital role in providing humanitarian services and alleviating suffering.

For his part, Saunders expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom for its continued and steadfast support, which enables UNRWA to implement its programs in service of Palestinian refugees.