IIFA Conference Returns To M’sia After 19 Years, To Gather 250 Islamic Scholars In Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- After 19 years, Malaysia has once again been entrusted with hosting the 27th session of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), which will bring together about 250 prominent Islamic scholars from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from Nov 30 to Dec 3.

Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the conference, to be held at a hotel here, would serve as a platform for scholarly discussions on various contemporary issues affecting the Muslim community.

He said Malaysia last hosted the conference in 2007, making this year's event an opportunity for the country to play a greater role in international discourse on fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).

He said 139 papers would be discussed across seven scientific sessions covering seven key areas, with experts' findings and views to be consolidated into joint resolutions.

"The IIFA organises discussions by subject area, with each group first presenting its findings before the proposed resolutions and expert conclusions are presented to the conference," he said at a press conference here today.

Sirajuddin said the discussions would cover several issues, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) from a Syariah perspective, advances in medical technology, family matters and Fiqh Ta’ayush, or the jurisprudence of coexistence, which promotes harmony among people of different religions, races and ethnic backgrounds.

He said Malaysia's selection as host also reflected IIFA's confidence in the country's ability to serve as a model of harmony among its diverse communities.

"Malaysia is home to people of different races and religions, yet its communities live together in harmony. This is an example we want to showcase to the world, demonstrating how people can live peacefully under one roof," he said.

Sirajuddin said the conference's findings and resolutions would be deliberated by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) before being presented to the Conference of Rulers for their consent.

Among the international figures expected to attend are IIFA chairman Sheikh Dr Saleh Abdullah Humaid, also an imam at Masjidil Haram (the Grand Mosque) in Makkah, and its secretary-general, Professor Datuk Dr Koutoub Moustapha Sano.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan are scheduled to attend the closing ceremony and the reading of the Putrajaya Resolution on Dec 3.

State muftis, academics and former muftis will also represent Malaysia at the conference.

-- BERNAMA