Makkah to Host 9th Conference of Islamic Affairs Ministers on Moderation

Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa and Guidance will host the ninth conference of ministers of awqaf and Islamic affairs from Muslim-majority countries in Makkah, commencing August 3, 2024. The event, preceded by an Executive Council meeting on July 27, 2024, in Riyadh, brings together senior Islamic leaders to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Context and Background

The conference convenes ministers, muftis, and heads of Islamic councils and associations from more than 60 countries to discuss the central theme of promoting moderation within Islamic discourse. This gathering underscores Saudi Arabia’s longstanding role as a global center for Islamic affairs and its commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. The meeting builds on previous conferences, reflecting a sustained effort by the Kingdom to lead initiatives that counter extremism and promote peaceful coexistence.

Key Details

Participants will engage in 10 working sessions covering critical topics. These include the role of a renewed concept of religious address in promoting the principles and consolidating the values of moderation; strategies to confront extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism; immunizing societies against hate speech and extremism; spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence; and combating Islamophobia. Additionally, the conference will examine how awqaf (endowments) can contribute to economic development and increase the gross domestic product, highlighting the intersection of faith and sustainable growth. The Executive Council meeting in Riyadh prepared the agenda and logistics for the main conference.

Implications and Impact

The conference’s outcomes are expected to influence religious discourse and policy across the Islamic world, reinforcing a unified stance against extremism and hate speech. By focusing on the economic potential of awqaf, the discussions align with broader efforts to integrate religious institutions into national development frameworks. The high-level participation from over 60 countries signals a collective commitment to shared values of moderation and tolerance, strengthening cooperation among Muslim nations and offering a model for global interfaith dialogue.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the ninth conference of ministers of awqaf and Islamic affairs?

A1. It is a high-level meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia in Makkah, bringing together ministers, muftis, and Islamic leaders from more than 60 countries to discuss moderation, counter extremism, and the role of awqaf in development.

Q2. Who is the patron of this conference?

A2. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is the patron, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading Islamic affairs.

Q3. When and where will the conference take place?

A3. The conference will be held in Makkah on August 3, 2024, following an Executive Council meeting in Riyadh on July 27, 2024.

Q4. Who organized the conference?

A4. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa and Guidance of Saudi Arabia organized the event, as part of its role in promoting Islamic values globally.

Q5. What is the main theme of the conference?

A5. The main theme is promoting the principles and consolidating the values of moderation within Islamic discourse.

Q6. Which countries are participating?

A6. Participants include ministers, muftis, and heads of Islamic councils and associations from over 60 Muslim-majority countries.

Q7. How many working sessions are scheduled?

A7. The conference includes 10 working sessions covering topics such as religious address, extremism, hate speech, tolerance, and awqaf economics.

Q8. What topics will be discussed regarding extremism?

A8. Sessions will address how to confront extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism, as well as strategies to immunize societies against hate speech.

Q9. How does the conference address Islamophobia?

A9. One session is dedicated to fighting Islamophobia, aiming to promote interfaith understanding and counter negative stereotypes.

Q10. What is the role of awqaf in the conference?

A10. The conference discusses how awqaf can increase the gross domestic product and support development and investment, linking religious endowments to economic growth.

Q11. Who expressed gratitude for the conference’s patronage?

A11. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawa and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support.

Q12. What was the purpose of the Executive Council meeting?

A12. The Executive Council meeting in Riyadh prepared the agenda and logistics for the main conference in Makkah, ensuring smooth organization.

Q13. Why is Saudi Arabia hosting this conference?

A13. Saudi Arabia, home to the two holy mosques, plays a leading role in Islamic affairs and promotes moderation, peace, and cooperation among Muslim nations.

Q14. How does this conference support Vision 2030?

A14. By fostering religious moderation, combating extremism, and highlighting awqaf’s economic potential, the conference aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of social harmony and economic diversification.

Q15. What is the significance of the conference’s location in Makkah?

A15. Makkah, as the holiest city in Islam, provides a spiritually significant setting that reinforces the conference’s focus on Islamic values and unity.

Q16. What is a renewed concept of religious address?

A16. It refers to updating Islamic discourse to emphasize moderation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, while countering extremist interpretations.

Q17. How will the conference’s outcomes be implemented?

A17. Participants are expected to share best practices and develop joint strategies for promoting moderation and countering extremism in their respective countries.

Q18. Are there any previous editions of this conference?

A18. Yes, this is the ninth edition, indicating an ongoing commitment by Saudi Arabia to facilitate dialogue among Islamic leaders on pressing issues.

Q19. What is the role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawa and Guidance?

A19. The ministry organizes the conference and oversees efforts to promote moderate Islamic values, manage religious affairs, and guide dawa (outreach) activities.

Q20. How does the conference address hate speech?

A20. The conference includes sessions on immunizing society against hate speech and extremism, promoting respectful dialogue and community harmony.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This conference directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a global leader in Islamic affairs and promoting a culture of moderation, tolerance, and coexistence. By linking awqaf to economic development, the discussions contribute to economic diversification and sustainable growth. The initiative strengthens international partnerships and showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering peaceful societies, aligning with the broader goals of enhancing quality of life and global engagement.

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