ICESCO Hosts Int’l Seminar on ‘Quran and West’
Organized in collaboration with the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana), the seminar was attended by high-profile international figures, several ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, and experts in Islamic studies and interreligious dialogue, according to the organization’s official website.
The seminar, held both in-person and via videoconference, began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of ICESCO Center for Civilizational Dialogue, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of the seminar's theme among Muslims worldwide.
He noted that the seminar's diverse sessions would feature contributions from a select group of thinkers, experts, and scholars in Arabic and Islamic studies as well as interreligious dialogue.
Read More:
Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General (DG), highlighted the profound human impact of the Quran, describing it as the most influential book in shaping the characters and attitudes of its followers toward others.
He underscored that the seminar aims to promote the welfare of humanity and enhance security, peace, and coexistence.
AlMalik stated that the West's representation of the Quran in the seminar encompasses the entirety of Western civilizational heritage and its manifestations in global human relations and geostrategic implications.
He presented intellectual perspectives from various orientalists on the eloquence, miraculous nature, and powerful influence of the Quran on the human psyche.
Furthermore, ICESCO DG stressed that a rational approach is the optimal way to counter Quran desecration events. He added that this approach requires strict adherence to respecting sacred values and upholding the principles of freedom of expression while balancing it with the rights of others.
AlMalik announced the launch of the initiative "Read It… to Understand It" at the seminar's closing, following several proposals from National Commissions in Member States.
In his remarks, Robert Dolger, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Morocco, affirmed the Quran's significant position in Europe and its highlight of the cultural exchange between different civilizations.
The seminar proceeded with the main lecture delivered by Prof. Stefan Schreiner, Senior Professor of Religious and Jewish Studies at the University of Tübingen, Germany, entitled "The Evolution of Quran Knowledge in Europe through Translation."
Read More:
This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Abdelmalek Hibaoui, Head of the Interreligious Dialogue Department at the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana).
Another session themed "Visions and Ideas," moderated by Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector, was held with the participation of several experts worldwide.
Source: Agencies
