35th Islamic Affairs Conference Highlights Women’s Role

The 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, held in Cairo from August 26, 2024, affirmed that women are the cornerstone of a successful life and homeland stability, emphasizing Islam’s pivotal role in supporting them. The conference, themed “Role of Women in Building Awareness,” convened under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and brought together religious leaders and scholars to discuss women’s contributions to cultural and religious awareness, coexistence, and societal development.

Context and Background

The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, a body dedicated to promoting Islamic thought and dialogue, organizes this annual conference to address contemporary issues facing the Muslim world. This year’s focus on women aligns with global efforts to empower women and recognize their integral role in fostering stable families and communities. The event underscores the importance of women in transmitting religious and cultural values, a principle that resonates with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes women’s empowerment and societal participation.

Key Details

Egyptian Minister of Awqaf Osama Al-Azhari opened the session by highlighting the conference’s exploration of women’s roles in raising cultural and religious awareness, promoting coexistence, and building families. He praised Palestinian women for their resilience and ability to raise generations aware of the Palestinian cause. Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Duwaini reiterated women’s crucial role in family and society. Palestinian Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Mohammad Najm stressed the need to qualify female scholars in fatwa sciences. Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr. Nazir Ayyad emphasized that Islam views women as responsible guardians and called on women preachers to diligently disseminate religious discourse and raise awareness.

Implications and Impact

The conference’s outcomes are expected to influence Islamic discourse globally, encouraging greater inclusion of women in religious and educational leadership. By acknowledging women’s contributions, it sets a precedent for other nations to follow, fostering gender-inclusive policies that align with moderate Islamic values. This initiative also strengthens interfaith and intercultural dialogue, promoting peace and understanding across communities.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 actively supports women’s empowerment through education, employment, and leadership opportunities. The conference’s emphasis on women’s roles in building awareness mirrors the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing women’s participation in all sectors. As Saudi Arabia continues to advance women’s rights within Islamic frameworks, such international gatherings reinforce shared goals of stability, prosperity, and cultural enrichment.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main theme of the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs?

A1. The conference focused on the “Role of Women in Building Awareness,” highlighting women’s contributions to cultural and religious awareness, coexistence, and societal development.

Q2. Who patronized the conference?

A2. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi patronized the event, underscoring high-level support for women’s empowerment in Islamic contexts.

Q3. Where and when did the conference take place?

A3. It was held in Cairo, Egypt, on August 26, 2024, bringing together religious leaders and scholars from various countries.

Q4. What role did Egyptian Minister of Awqaf Osama Al-Azhari highlight?

A4. He emphasized women’s role in raising cultural and religious awareness, promoting coexistence, making peace, serving society, and raising children.

Q5. How did Al-Azhari describe Palestinian women?

A5. He praised their patience, endurance, steadfastness, and ability to raise generations aware of the Palestinian cause under occupation.

Q6. What did Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Duwaini stress?

A6. He reiterated the important role women play in building families and serving society, aligning with Islamic teachings.

Q7. What did Palestinian Minister Mohammad Najm emphasize?

A7. He highlighted Palestinian women’s role in spreading religious awareness and stressed the need to qualify female scholars in fatwa sciences.

Q8. What did Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr. Nazir Ayyad say about women in Islam?

A8. He stated that Islam views women as responsible guardians and assigned them major roles in dawah, advice, guidance, and counseling.

Q9. How does the conference reflect on women’s empowerment?

A9. It demonstrates religious institutions’ keenness to empower women for their role in building civilization and social construction.

Q10. What does Shariah support according to Dr. Ayyad?

A10. Shariah supports liberating women and restoring their dignity, and religious institutions educate female preachers based on rational religious awareness.

Q11. What call did Dr. Ayyad make to women preachers?

A11. He urged them to be serious and diligent in religious and national affairs, raise cultural and religious awareness, and disseminate religious discourse.

Q12. How does the conference promote coexistence?

A12. By discussing women’s roles in promoting coexistence and making peace, the conference fosters interfaith and intercultural understanding.

Q13. What is the significance of focusing on women’s roles in awareness?

A13. It recognizes women’s foundational influence in shaping values, educating future generations, and strengthening societal stability.

Q14. How does this align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A14. Vision 2030 prioritizes women’s empowerment in education, employment, and leadership, mirroring the conference’s goals.

Q15. What international impact might this conference have?

A15. It sets a precedent for gender-inclusive policies in Islamic nations and strengthens global dialogue on women’s contributions.

Q16. Who else spoke at the conference?

A16. Speakers included Osama Al-Azhari, Mohammad Al-Duwaini, Mohammad Najm, and Dr. Nazir Ayyad, among other religious leaders.

Q17. What is the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs?

A17. It is a body dedicated to promoting Islamic thought and dialogue, organizing conferences to address contemporary issues in the Muslim world.

Q18. How does the conference view women’s role in family building?

A18. It emphasizes women as central to family stability, child-rearing, and the transmission of cultural and religious values.

Q19. What did the conference say about female scholars?

A19. It stressed the need to qualify female scholars to teach fatwa sciences, acknowledging their rational religious awareness and potential.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the conference?

A20. It aims to influence Islamic discourse globally, encouraging greater inclusion of women in religious and educational leadership for societal prosperity.

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