Under the patronage of His Majesty the King of Morocco and in partnership between the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars in Morocco, Dr. Al-Issa inaugurates the International Conference "Faith in a Changing World"
Under the patronage of His Majesty the King of Morocco and in partnership between the Muslim World League and the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars in Morocco
Dr. Al-Issa inaugurates the International Conference "Faith in a Changing World"
The conference seeks to explore the enduring significance of faith and confront the challenges posed by atheism
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, has inaugurated the international conference "Faith in a Changing World." This event, organized by the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars in partnership with the MWL, features a diverse array of international religious and intellectual leaders. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogues on issues of faith and the challenges posed by contemporary atheism.
The two-day conference, held in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, aims to explore the enduring significance of faith, reinforce it within individuals, confront the challenges posed by atheism, assess its dangers, and outline strategies for addressing these issues. A key outcome of the conference is the anticipated creation of the "Document of Faith in a Changing World."
In his opening "framing" speech at the conference, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa emphasized that the event aims to explore the enduring significance of faith and strengthen it in the hearts of believers. He also highlighted the importance of empowering knowledgeable individuals to combat atheism effectively.
During his address, His Excellency addressed key issues related to atheism, including its conceptual definition and historical context. He discussed the false correlation between atheism, intelligence, and material sciences, and provided responses to various doubts and atheistic arguments that have emerged alongside these scientific disciplines.
His Excellency also addressed the order within this remarkable universe, which has led some material scientists, including Einstein, to the belief that the laws of the universe govern its workings. He noted that Einstein arrived at this conclusion in response to the unsettling realities posed by nihilistic thought. Although Einstein was not actively seeking evidence of the Creator, these facts compelled him and others to adopt this perspective.
At the end of his speech, Sheikh Al-Issa cautioned against several important considerations in addressing the challenges posed by atheism. He emphasized that only qualified specialists should engage in this discourse and that collaboration across multiple disciplines is essential, particularly where suspicions intersect with various fields of study. He also highlighted the necessity of presenting arguments in a manner that is clear and accessible to all, avoiding overly complex or dogmatic rhetoric. Sheikh Al-Issa warned that excessive zeal or an aggressive stance could lead to arrogance, emphasizing that advocates of faith should focus on guiding others rather than creating division or alienation.
This was followed by keynote speeches from the speakers in the conference's opening session, which was attended by
The opening session featured keynote speeches from a distinguished lineup of speakers, including His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Abbadi, the Secretary General of the Muhammadiyah League of Scholars in Morocco, His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Al-Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UNAE Council for Fatwa, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa, former Egyptian Minister of Awqaf and member of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League (MWL), His Excellency Dr. Qutb Mustafa Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy; His Eminence Dr. Shawky Allam, former Grand Mufti of Egypt and member of the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the MWL, His Excellency Dr. Salem Al-Malik, President of ISESCO, and His Excellency Professor Alberto Melloni, holder of the UNESCO Chair in Religious Pluralism and Peace at Sapienza University of Rome. Also present were His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Youssef, the Secretary General of the Supreme Ulema Council of Morocco, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, S.D.B., Archbishop of Rabat, as well as numerous other religious and intellectual figures renowned in relevant fields of study.
The first day of the conference featured two scientific sessions. The first session focused on the theme "Atheism in the Contemporary Context: Presentation and Critique," while the second explored "Faith in the Light of Contemporary Technology: Bets and Challenges".
Additionally, three workshops were held: the first addressed "Belief and Burning Issues in a Changing World," the second examined "Faith in Today's World and the Functionality of the Representational, Epistemological, and Intellectual Dimensions," and the third focused on "Faith in a Changing World: Relational Dimensions and Social Patterns".
The conference will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, with three scientific sessions. The first session will focus on "The Digital Boom and the Emergence of New Religious Influencers" the second will explore "The Role of Philosophical and Epistemological Theories in Shaping Concepts, History, and Civilization," and the third will address "Faith Building: Reality and Foresight".
At the conclusion of its activities, the conference will unveil the document "Faith in a Changing World." This important statement from international religious and intellectual leaders will address faith in the face of atheism. While acknowledging the differences in religious and intellectual beliefs regarding the meaning of faith in God, the document will emphasize the need for dialogue and collaborative efforts to confront atheistic nihilistic ideas.
