H.E. Mr. Ghanem bin Shaheen Al-Ghanim, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar, received H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, on Monday morning, 10 Rajab 1445, corresponding to 22 January 2024, in his office at the Ministry’s headquarters in Doha.

The Qatari Minister of Awqaf welcomed the Secretary General and the accompanying delegation, expressing sincere thanks and deep gratitude for the prompt response and approval of Qatar’s desire to host the twenty-sixth session of the Council of the Academy in Doha in November 2024. This event would be under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. Minister Al-Ghanim also praised the Academy’s significant efforts in clarifying Shariah rulings on issues affecting Muslims, particularly contemporary challenges, and expressed hope that the upcoming Academy session, hosted by the Qatari Ministry, would address childcare issues, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from extremism. His Excellency stressed that the Qatari leadership and people look forward to hosting the next session of the Academy, and His Excellency concluded by stating that this session would mark the beginning of further activities and collaboration with the Academy.

On his part, the Secretary General of the Academy expressed his thanks for the warm welcome, kind reception, and generous hospitality extended by Minister Al-Ghanim. He expressed joy at Qatar hosting the twenty-sixth session and the Academy’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Qatar’s scientific and religious institutions. He confirmed that the next session would address issues concerning Muslims, including childcare and protection, balanced parenting, electronic games, Sharia governance in Islamic financial institutions, prayer and fasting provisions, and other contemporary challenges. The Secretary General also expressed the Academy’s willingness to sign a cooperation agreement with the Ministry.

Both parties agreed to commence organizational, administrative, and scientific preparations for the session, including proposed themes and logistical requirements. Souvenirs were exchanged, and Minister Al-Ghanim hosted a luncheon in honor of His Excellency and the delegation. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Dr. Thaqeel bin Sayer Zaid Al-Shammari, a member of the Academy, representative of Qatar on the Academy’s Council, and various directors from the Ministry, as well as Mrs. Sarah bint Amjad Bedewi, Director of Family, Women and Children’s Affairs, and Mr. Khaled Hamid Al-Ahmadi, Head of Administrative and Financial Affairs, and Mr. Amjad Ibrahim Al-Mansi, Head of the Protocols from the Academy.