To achieve intellectual convergence and promote knowledge integration between the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) and distinguished scientific institutions and centers in OIC Member States, H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of IIFA and H.E. Prof. Abdellatif Bouazizi, President of El-Zeytuna University, signed a memorandum of cooperation between the two institutions on Thursday 23 Rabi Al-Awal 1446, corresponding to 26 September 2024, at the headquarters of the Secretariat General of the Academy in Jeddah.

This new agreement seeks to enhance cooperation in research and scientific studies, and to foster excellence in the formation, development, dissemination, and application of knowledge. It also aims to enrich the lives of individuals and societies, address contemporary issues in clarifying their appropriate Sharia positions, organize joint scientific events (seminars, conferences, panel discussions), and assist in achieving scientific and knowledge programs between the two sides.

Following the signing of the agreement, the Secretary General of the Academy, expressed his great pleasure and honor in finalizing this important agreement with one of the Muslim world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. His Excellency praised the historical standing of the University of El-Zeytuna in all fields, particularly in scientific research and nurturing generations proficient in Sharia and Islamic sciences, while also promoting moderation and spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence. His Excellency expressed his hope that this agreement will be an opportunity for the Academy to benefit from the expertise and scientific capabilities of this ancient university, by involving male and female researchers from its various faculties and institutes to participate in the Academy’s sessions and conferences, in order to enhance scientific and research cooperation between the two institutions.

In response, the president of the university expressed his gratitude to the Secretary General for concluding this agreement and conveyed his deep appreciation and respect, outlining that the university, through its colleges, institutes, and scientific centers, will leverage all its resources to ensure the success of the agreement and the optimal implementation of its terms. He also commended the Academy’s prestigious scientific standing and intellectual reputation, both within and beyond the OIC member states, as a pioneering model for intellectual convergence among Ummah’s scholars and for promoting cooperation and integration among its scientific institutions.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohammed Mondher Chouk, Director of Cabinet and Protocols, Dr. Abdelfattah Abnauf, Director of Planning, Development, and External Relations, and Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of the International Cooperation and External Relations Division at the Academy.