Egypt s Dar Al-Ifta holds its first international conference of Salam Centre for Studies of Extremism under the theme Religious Extremism: Intellectual Premises and Counter Strategies . Press photo
The first international conference of the Salam Centre for Studies of Extremism, a research unit affiliated with Dar Al-Ifta, is being held held under the theme “Religious Extremism: Intellectual Premises and Counter Strategies.”
Participants in the conference called for the formation of an alliance for cooperation to develop specific strategies for confronting terrorist ideology, which is mainly represented in the phenomenon of “takfir” (branding a Muslim as apostate).
This came during a symposium held on Wednesday as part of the second-day activities of the conference, which was inaugurated by Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam.
They also urged defining and renewing moderate religious discourse against extremism, as well as combating misinterpretation of religious texts which is used by terrorist groups to achieve their ideological objectives.
The conference is being held under the auspices of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly from 7-9 June.
Director of the UN Counterterrorism Centre (UNCCT) and the Office of Counterterrorism Jehangir Khan has commended the Salam Center’s vision and efforts to foster international cooperation on combating violent extremism, Dar Al-Ifta reported.
In a speech at the opening session of the conference on Tuesday, Khan hailed Egypt’s vital role in mobilising international attention and action toward proactive countering terrorism in all its forms.
“Religious leaders play a critical role in grounding peaceful and humanitarian values that are inherent in their theologies,” Khan said.
Egypt's Minister of Religious Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa said during the opening session that Egypt will continue to send messages of peace to the whole world.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Prime Minister, Gomaa said that defending culture of peace emanates from the tolerant teachings of the Islamic religion and its great human values.
Gomaa noted that peace can never be made from one side, but all wise people should extend their hands to curb evil powers of religious extremism.
There is no doubt that the only way to counter extremism is to stick to intercultural dialogue, peace and coexistence, Gomaa noted, adding that all efforts must be taken to continue defending the culture of peace, understanding and dialogue and throw away differences, fighting and disputes.
He urged all participants to join hands to work on spreading the culture of peace and counter extremist thoughts and ideologies.
Officials from more than 45 countries are attending the international conference, according to Dar Al-Ifta, with the presence of a host of public figures, researchers and experts representing several Islamic and international institutions and organisations.
The conference presents the Egyptian experience in confronting terrorism and extremism as well as that of other countries’ including the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and a number of European countries.
The conference's message also calls for introducing scientific initiatives to combat extremism as well as enhancing cooperation and coordination among research institutions and experts in this respect.
The conference responds to extremist-related concepts and ideologies used to justify crimes. It also discusses the value of peace, coexistence and understanding among peoples and civilisations.
Moreover, the event seeks to enhance international cooperation, exchange experiences in combating extremism, and widen horizons for research and academic cooperation.
The conference also includes several workshops with the participation of several figures representing international, Arab, and Islamic organisations and institutions.
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