As part of the objectives and aims of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy strengthen its relationships the Muslim communities around the world with the view to clarifying misconceptions and misrepresentations about Islam and organising join programmes with them at the academic, intellectual and cultural levels, its Secretary General HE Professor Moustapha Sano received on 15 Rabiu’l Awal 1444 corresponding to 11 October 2022, Professor Muhammad Shafiq, executive director for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue Nazareth College in US, Mr. El Sayed Rizk Political Specialist and Ms. Sabah Jama Cultural Affairs Specialist from US consulate general in Jeddah.

The Secretary General welcomed the guests and expressed his delight with their visit and also highlighted the importance of engagement and coordination between the Academy and Muslim education and cultural centers within Muslim communities in the United States of America, emphasizing that Muslims should not be seeing themselves as migrants. rather they should be able to integrate and exercise their full citizenship rights like others. he paid attention to the paramount importance of education at all levels and respect for the rule of law.

On his part Professor Shafiq thanked He Professor Sano for the opportunity to meet him despite his busy schedule noting the pivotal role of the Academy in enhancing the educational capacity of the Muslim educations institutions in USA particularly he pointed out that the community faced challenges of identity and the discourse in terms of a simplified approach to Fiqh to embrace the youth.

Professor Sano reiterated the inescapable fact of integration based on citizenships and opportunities provided for all by also exceptionally excelling in education and all other field of knowledge. he added that the Academy is hoping to sign an MOU with the Fiqh Council of Noth America and that could be an avenue for further collaboration and joint efforts o help other educational institutions in USA. he added: “ discourse based on fear should be shunned and replaced with love, compassion and inclusivity”.

Both the delegation and the Academy concluded that more engagement would be needed in other to further enhance collaboration and coordination in joint programmes and research.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mohammed Al-Mondher El-Chouk, Director of the Cabinet and legal Affairs Department, Ms. Sarah Badewi, Director of the Department of Family, Women, Childhood and the Elderly Affairs, Dr. Ismail Cebeci head of research and Encyclopedia Division and Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of the International Cooperation and External Relations Division at the Academy