The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), affiliated with the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC). The MoU aims to enhance co-operation in common areas and strengthen ties to address contemporary issues.

HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani, explained that the MoU represents an important and practical step within the ministry's efforts to achieve its lofty mission of spreading Islamic culture, preserving heritage, and instilling religious awareness in society.

He emphasized that IIFA is a strategic partner with a deep knowledge and jurisprudence, which is part of the ministry's strategic plan for international co-operation. He added that this co-operation will have a positive impact on spreading Islamic knowledge and culture, especially with regard to the exchange of expertise and publications and the organization of joint scientific events, which will benefit Qatari society and the entire Islamic nation.

For his part, IIFA Secretary-General Dr Qutb Mustafa Sano said that the primary goal of the academy is to achieve intellectual convergence and cognitive integration among the nation's jurists and specialists in Sharia sciences. He noted that this co-operation will deepen joint efforts to monitor intellectual challenges and provide sound Sharia opinions, serving the stability and prosperity of Islamic societies.

The three-year MoU seeks to achieve a number of shared strategic objectives, most notably: disseminating Islamic knowledge and culture and preserving Islamic heritage by monitoring the most important intellectual, social, economic, and scientific challenges, providing Sharia opinions on them, and offering appropriate solutions.

He also explained that joint scholarly activities (seminars, conferences, and discussion groups) are intended to study contemporary issues and developments. (QNA)
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The MoU also stipulates achieving intellectual convergence and cognitive integration between scholars of respected Islamic schools of thought and specialists in the fields of knowledge, humanities, and natural sciences. It also calls for the exchange of knowledge and educational resources, as well as publications and leaflets issued by both parties.

The MoU also emphasizes expanding the representation of participants in conferences and seminars held in areas of common interest.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is an extension of the existing cooperation between the two sides and reinforces the outcomes of the 26th session of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy Council Conference, hosted by Doha last May which witnessed broad participation from scholars and experts.

This reflects both parties' commitment to consolidating their scientific and jurisprudential partnership and developing areas of joint work. (QNA)