Deputy Regional Mufti of Zlatograd hafiz Bayram Ushev participated in an international conference in Cairo

On January 27 and 28 (Monday and Tuesday), 2020, under the auspices of the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was held an “Al-Azhar International Conference on Renovation of Islamic Thought in the capital Cairo. The conference, organized by the Islamic university “Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif” is the first of its kind. Its main objective is to generate a debate on global events, leading to theological misunderstandings and misinterpretations among the Muslims, as well as falling in extremes of radicalization and free interpretation of the principles.

The conference was attended by leaders and representatives of the Muslim communities and scholars from 46 countries. Among the official guest were the Prime Minster of Egypt Dr. Mustafa Madbouli, the Minister of Awqaf of Egypt Prof. Dr. Mohammed Mukhtar Gomaa, the Minister of Islamic Affairs of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdullatif Ali Sheikh, Sheikh al-Azhar Prof. Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, the Rector of “Al-Azhar” Prof. Dr. Muhammad al – Mahrasawi, the grand muftis of more than 10 countries, researchers and academics from different countries. The Muslim Denomination in the Republic of Bulgaria was presented by hafiz Bayram Ushev – Deputy Regional Mufti of Zlatograd.

“The greatest responsibility for renewal of the Islamic discourse in a world scale bares “Al-Azhar Ash-Sherif”, said the Prime Minister of Egypt Dr. Mustafa Madbouli in his greeting address. “I do hope that this conference of world scholars, on the basis on the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), will provide the necessary accessible solutions on pressing religious issues related to the contemporary Muslim” – he also added.

 In his speech Sheikh al-Azhar Prof. Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb highlighted that “the renewal of the Islamic discourse is a topic which recently has a wide reflection through the mass media, but yet it does not find its correct interpretation and remains unclear. The reason for this is that this delicate topic is addressed by people who do not have the necessary academic qualification or thorough religious knowledge, however they find a widespread media coverage. Islamic principles cover two main sections: the first section, related to Ibadah (relation of the person with Allah), is not a subject to any commentary for renewal. These are the direct commandments of the Qur’an or the Sunnah. Today’s Muslims perform the prayer, give charity, preserve the fasting and perform Hajj according to the manner in which the first Muslims did it too. The second section Muamelqt (relations between people), related to family matters and relations, finances, business relations, social and lifestyle issues of the society and the daily issues, need to find their contemporary understandings and explanations, meeting the needs of the society.”

The conference ended with the adoption of a joint declaration of the participants who agreed on the idea that the renewal of the Islamic thought is necessary, but it should be not at any price, but based on the commandments and the principles of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, on the principles and the rules of fiqh. Only in this way the Islamic community will manage to preserve its moderate way and resist all attempts for falling in extremes, from radicalization to free interpretation.