H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), received H.E. Mr. Omar Dahab Fadl Mohammed, Ambassador-at-Large of US-based Family Watch International, on Sunday 25 Rabi Al-Awal 1446, corresponding to 29 September 2024, at IIFA’s headquarters in Jeddah.

At the outset of the meeting, the ambassador expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Secretary-General for the warm reception and generous hospitality, emphasizing the honor of visiting this prestigious scientific institution, recognized as the foremost jurisprudential authority for Muslims worldwide. He praised the commendable efforts of the IIFA in Muslim communities under its Secretary General’s wise and effective leadership, particularly in addressing family issues, which he noted as the foundation of human existence. He added that since it has been established in the late 1990s, Family Watch International has been committed to protecting and supporting the family institution in accordance with divine laws.

For his part, His Excellency welcomed his guest and expressed his gratitude for the visit, highlighting the appreciation that the ambassador holds for the Academy. He noted that the visit reflects a genuine desire to strengthen cooperation and communication between the Secretariat General of the Academy and Family Watch International, which plays important international role, particularly by working with United Nations institutions in promoting awareness of the importance of family preservation as essential for the survival of humanity. He emphasized that reproduction and the protection of offspring are key purposes of Sharia, interconnected with the preservation of soul, religion, intellect, and wealth. He further noted that the Academy has issued numerous resolutions and recommendations emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the family, protecting the rights of women, children, and the elderly, and opposing any efforts to undermine the family structure, especially marriage.

His Excellency concluded the visit by recording his sentiments in the golden book, stating: “I was honored today with a visit graciously hosted by H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy. I am pleased with this valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with His Excellency on our mutual commitment to safeguarding the international family in line with the teachings of our true religion and the principles that humanity has agreed upon in foundational international charters.”

It is worth mentioning that Family Watch is an international advocacy organization based in the United States, dedicated to protecting and promoting family values at global, national, and local levels. The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohamed Walid El Idrissi, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ms. Sarah Amjad Bedewi, Director of Family, Women, Children and Elderly Affairs, and Dr. Hajj Manta Drami, Head of International Cooperation and External Relations.