Religious Conference in Cairo Warns of Extremist Groups' Comeback

The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat
The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Religious Conference in Cairo Warns of Extremist Groups' Comeback

The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat
The religious conference in Cairo “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence." Asharq Al-Awsat

Representatives of 50 states have warned at a religious conference in Cairo that extremist groups are seeking to reorganize in more than 55 countries

The conference was organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf in Cairo under the theme “Nation-building in Islamic Jurisprudence” and under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the presence of 500 personalities including 50 muftis, scholars and ministers from across the world.

Participants at the 30th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs said that its aim is to combat extremism.

Representing Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Endowments Mohammed Mokhtar Jomaa said in his inaugural speech that the state’s power also means the power of the people, the country, and the nation.

Jomaa stressed that extremist groups rise from the ruins of the state, and their personal interest tops that of the country.

Dr. Nazeer Mohamed Ayyad, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Institute, said in his speech as a representative of Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb that coexistence is based on justice, safety and equality among society’s individuals regardless of their sects and beliefs.

Ayyad added that Islamic history is rich in events and incidents that prove equality and respect for everyone.

Further, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh said that the conference’s theme comes at a delicate time in the nation’s history due to the fabricated information and misconceptions promoted by extremist terrorist groups.

Al-Sheikh extended thanks to Sisi for his sincere defense of the country against terrorists.

Egyptian Grand Mufti Shawki Allam affirmed that the Prophet Mohammed set the 'Charter of Medina' to reinforce coextensive and tolerance. He then started building the state economically and militarily. Then enemies started to spread rumors against the state, similar to terrorist extremist groups nowadays.

Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Darian said: “Our mission is to back security and stability and the only way to achieve this is through the state.”

Mauritanian Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education Dah Ould Sidi Ould Amar Taleb asserted that state building hinges on education, work, morals and love for nations.



Lebanon to Increase Army Personnel Ahead of Possible Deployment South of Litani

Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)
Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)
TT

Lebanon to Increase Army Personnel Ahead of Possible Deployment South of Litani

Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)
Prime Minister Najib Mikati chairing the cabinet meeting (Photo: The Prime Minister’s office)

The Lebanese government has approved funding to recruit 1,500 new military personnel in the Lebanese Army as part of an initiative to increase military presence along the southern border, amid Israel’s ongoing hostilities.
The funds will be provided to the Ministry of Defense as an advance, a decision highlighted by the Minister of Information for its political and international significance, particularly in relation to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati in the caretaker government emphasized that continued and escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon amount to crimes against humanity. He stated that a primary pathway to a resolution involves halting hostilities against the country, fully implementing Resolution 1701, and electing a new president to restore institutional order, stability, and initiate reconstruction.

Mikati condemned what he described as an international failure to stop Israel’s actions against Lebanon, which include attacks on towns and villages, civilian deaths, and strikes against medical and relief personnel.
“We condemn and hold the international community responsible for the continuation of Israel’s genocidal war on Lebanon, its destruction of towns and villages, killing of civilians, assassination of army personnel, and targeting of medical teams, civil defense, relief teams, and journalists.
“Additionally, the attacks on UNIFIL, which represents international legitimacy, make targeting UNIFIL an assault on the international community and the Security Council. This destruction continues to affect hospitals, schools, and educational centers,” stated Mikati.
On the international front, Mikati highlighted the solidarity shown by world figures, referring to his discussions with leaders like Jordan’s King Abdullah, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Britain’s Prime Minister. This was further demonstrated during the Paris Conference in Support of Lebanon -late on October- he underlined, specifically thanking France for its humanitarian efforts and military support.
But he added: “But unfortunately, Israel is blatantly disregarding all international efforts to achieve a ceasefire.”
The prime minister reiterated Lebanon’s stance on safeguarding its dignity and sovereignty across air, sea, and land, pledging to confront any Israeli violations.
Following the cabinet meeting, Minister of Information Ziad Makari assured that funds to recruit 1,500 additional soldiers are available and that the government encountered no issues regarding this allocation.
Nasser Yassin, the government’s Emergency Committee coordinator, announced that the cabinet approved fuel allocations for 541 shelters in mountainous regions over 300 meters in altitude to ensure winter heating. Yassin also detailed efforts concerning the people displaced as the result of the Israeli hostilities in Lebanon.
He highlighted that there are 44,000 families in 1,138 shelters and an additional 147,000 families housed within communities.