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.



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)
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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.