Forum Explores Role of Quranic Diplomacy in Uniting Muslim Countries
The forum “Role of Quranic Diplomacy in Facilitating Muslim World Cultural Ties” was organized in the international section of the expo on Friday evening.
Speakers included Hossein Shihab, the head of the Al-Hadi Quran Network, Mostafa Zolfaghartalab, international affairs advisor of the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Knowledge at the University of Tehran, Montadhar Al-Mansouri, head of the Quran and Propagation Center of the Astan (custodianship) of the Hussein (AS) holy shrine in Iraq, and Mohsen Karami, director of international affairs at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran province.
Speaking as the secretary of the forum, Seyed Hassan Esmati, a Quran researcher and former Iranian cultural attaché in Tunisia and Senegal, emphasized the importance of Quranic diplomacy in relation to Islamic countries, stating that whether in Tunisia or Senegal, when the discussion turned to the Quran, both the government and the people showed great interest.
The Quranic center of Iran was the only institution that managed to hold a Tajweed and Quran teaching class in one of Senegal’s most important cities, Touba, he noted.
He added that other countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are also active in Senegal, but it was Iran that successfully organized these courses.
Esmati said that the Senegalese government asked him to conduct a course for the Friday prayer leaders, but unfortunately, his mission concluded before this could take place.
Hussein Shihab said in his address that forty years ago, the theory of the clash of civilizations was introduced, and today we are witnessing its implications.
“Today, Islamic societies are more familiar with Western culture, and the topic of globalization is rapidly gaining dominance.
Shihab added, “This raises the question of whether Islamic civilization can prevail. Theoretically, the answer is yes, as it is rooted in the Quran. However, practically, can Quranic diplomacy respond to this challenge? Again, the answer is yes, because we have experiences in Quranic diplomacy that support this notion. The answer to how Islamic societies can engage with Western culture is found in the Quran, which is rich in moral and humanitarian principles.”
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Another speaker, Zolfaghartalab, examined the academic dimensions of Quranic diplomacy and its impact on public opinion.
He referenced the historical background of Quranic diplomacy, highlighting the book “The Holy Quran and the Art of Diplomacy” by an Omani author, and emphasized that this topic has also garnered the attention of other thinkers in the Islamic world.
He stated that the source of Quranic diplomacy could be a return to the Quran and suggested that a conference on Quranic diplomacy be held with the participation of diplomats from the Islamic world, where strategies for expanding cooperation could be discussed.
Karami, the last speaker at the forum, said the profound and significant idea presented under the title of “Quranic Diplomacy” is a remarkable discussion that both inspires awe and brings hope.
“The Islamic Azad University can fully engage and contribute to this effort,” he stated.
He stressed that in Quranic Diplomacy, we must reach a common understanding with the Islamic community.
“We need to have an accurate understanding of the Quran, and it should be conveyed to the world in the correct language. This great idea that has been established is truly commendable.”
The 32nd edition of the Tehran International Holy Quran Exhibition was launched at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla on March 5.
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The exhibition, which will run until March 16, features a variety of programs, including specialized forum, educational workshops, Quranic gatherings, and special activities for children and teenagers.
The expo takes place in the Iranian capital every year during the holy month of Ramadan.
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