Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and head of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, departed for Italy on Thursday, October 1, 2026, to participate in the International Conference on Religious Studies. The conference, titled "Religion and Human Commonalities: Contemporary Approaches in Theology and Religious Studies," is organized by the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, in collaboration with the University of Padua and the University of Eastern Piedmont.
The conference brings together a selection of academics, researchers, and specialists in religious studies from around the world. Dr. Ayad's participation reflects Egypt's Dar al-Ifta's commitment to promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue. By highlighting the commonalities between followers of different religions, the conference aims to foster greater understanding and mutual respect.
The Grand Mufti's attendance at the conference is part of a broader effort to enhance Egypt's presence in international scientific forums and contribute to contemporary intellectual discussions on the role of religion in building societies and promoting shared human values. This aligns with Al-Azhar's moderate approach, which emphasizes dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation as a means of promoting social peace and cultural exchange between nations.
The conference program features a range of sessions and discussions on various topics related to theology and religious studies. Dr. Ayad is expected to share his insights and expertise on the role of religion in promoting human commonalities and addressing the challenges facing contemporary societies.
Egypt's Dar al-Ifta has been actively engaged in promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation with various international institutions. By participating in conferences like this one, the organization aims to demonstrate its commitment to building bridges between different cultures and faith communities.
The International Conference on Religious Studies is a significant event that brings together scholars and experts from diverse backgrounds to share their research and ideas. By exploring the intersections between religion and human commonalities, the conference seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between faith, culture, and society.
Dr. Ayad's participation in the conference is seen as an important opportunity for Egypt to engage with the international community on issues related to interfaith dialogue and cooperation. The conference provides a platform for scholars and experts to exchange ideas and explore new avenues for collaboration and mutual understanding.
Key points
- The Grand Mufti's participation in the conference reflects Egypt's commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
- The conference aims to promote a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between faith, culture, and society.
- Dr. Ayad's attendance at the conference is part of a broader effort to enhance Egypt's presence in international scientific forums.
