As part of the preparations for the 26th session of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, set to take place in Qatar next May, H.E. Mr. Ghanem bin Shaheen Al-Ghanem, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Qatar, received H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, and his accompanying delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters on Monday morning, 28 Jumada Al-Akhira 1446, corresponding to 29 December 2024.

During the meeting, the Minister commended the ongoing preparations to ensure the success of the session after reviewing a detailed report on the latest arrangements. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to providing all necessary support, facilities, and services to assist the Academy during the event in Doha.

For his part, the Secretary General of the Academy expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Minister for his warm reception and hospitality, and he extended his sincere thanks to the Qatari government, represented by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, for hosting the upcoming session and for its unwavering support of the Academy since its inception. His Excellency highlighted that the session will address several critical contemporary issues affecting Muslims, including childcare and protection, focusing on safeguarding children from neglect and harm; artificial intelligence, its legal rulings, ethical considerations, and governance; electronic gaming, its rulings, and societal impact; the effect of mental illness on legal capacity; the presumption of continuity and its contemporary applications; Shariah governance in modern Islamic financial institutions; Halal industry-related issues, such as the legitimacy of cultured meat, the consumption of insects as food, breastfeeding of premature babies by unknown mothers, and the regulation of genetically modified foods of animal origin. His Excellency also informed the minister that the Secretariat General has reviewed 186 research papers submitted for discussion, making this session the largest in the Academy’s history in terms of research volume and awaited resolutions.

At the end of the meeting, the Secretary General of the Academy conveyed the greetings of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, President of the Academy, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Imam-Khatib of the Grand Mosque, along with the greetings of all members and experts of the Academy, praying for the Minister’s continued success in his duties.

Following the meeting, the Secretary General and his delegation, accompanied by representatives from the both ministries of Foreign Affairs and Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, visited the hotel where the session will be held. The meeting was attended by directors of key ministry departments, including human resources, financial affairs, Islamic affairs, advocacy, and media. Also present were Mrs. Sarah bint Amjad Bedewi, Supervisor of the Secretary General’s office, M. Hassan Kamit, Director of Seminars and Conferences, Mr. Khaled Hamed Al-Ahmadi, Head of Administrative and Financial Affairs, and Mr. Amjad Ibrahim Al-Mansi, Head of Protocol.