Egypt's Mufti, Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad, has emphasized that shared human values represent a unifying umbrella for human commonalities between religions. Speaking at the First International Conference on Religious Studies, Dr. Ayad highlighted that human commonality is based on two complementary aspects: a religious aspect connected to texts and teachings that establish values of communication, recognition, and cooperation among humans, and a philosophical aspect that deals with the relationship between the self and others.
The conference, organized by the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Human Sciences in collaboration with the University of Padua and the University of East Piedmont, brought together academics, researchers, and specialists in religious studies from around the world. Dr. Ayad pointed out that human commonality is not a new concept, but rather a fundamental aspect that has been emphasized by religions throughout history.
Dr. Ayad stressed that values of mercy, love, and peace represent the unifying umbrella for human commonalities between religions. He emphasized that mercy is a fundamental value in the teachings of divine religions, serving as a moral and ethical foundation for relationships between humans.
The Mufti also highlighted the importance of promoting human commonality, which does not require abandoning cultural specificity or assimilating into others. He emphasized that awareness and mutual understanding of one's own identity and that of others allow for interaction, cooperation, and collaboration without compromising one's values and principles.
Dr. Ayad warned against calls for a break with heritage or the adoption of Western approaches that are imposed on texts and reality. He emphasized that modernity does not mean abandoning one's identity, but rather the ability to understand and interpret heritage in a rational and effective way.
The Mufti also discussed the issue of historical religious texts and their interpretation, warning against approaches that seek to read the Quranic text in light of historical and social contexts. He emphasized that understanding the context of the text does not mean making it relative or subjecting it to external approaches.
Finally, Dr. Ayad expressed his hope that the conference would produce practical visions and initiatives that promote tolerance, coexistence, and human dignity. He emphasized that addressing current crises requires the restoration of values of mercy, peace, and cooperation.
Key points
- The Mufti of Egypt emphasizes shared human values across religions
- Dr. Ayad stresses the importance of promoting human commonality
- The conference aims to promote tolerance, coexistence, and human dignity
