Held in collaboration with the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana), the seminar featured high-profile international figures, several ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, and experts in Islamic studies and interreligious dialogue. The event took place both in-person and via videoconference, commencing with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
Ambassador Khaled Fatah al rahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, opened the seminar with remarks emphasizing the significance of the theme for Muslims worldwide. He highlighted that the seminar would include diverse sessions with contributions from distinguished thinkers, experts, and scholars in Arabic and Islamic studies as well as interreligious dialogue.
ICESCO Director-General (DG) Salim M. AlMalik underscored the profound human impact of the Quran, describing it as a powerful influence on the characters and attitudes of its followers. He noted that the seminar aimed to promote humanity’s welfare and enhance security, peace, and coexistence. AlMalik emphasized the importance of a rational approach to counter defamation campaigns against the Quran, advocating respect for sacred values and balancing freedom of expression with the rights of others.
Additionally, AlMalik announced the launch of the initiative “Read It… to Understand It” at the seminar’s conclusion, following several proposals from National Commissions in Member States. He also discussed the West’s representation of the Quran and the intellectual perspectives from various orientalists on its eloquence, miraculous nature, and influence on the human psyche.
Robert Dolger, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighted the Quran’s significant position in Europe and its role in cultural exchange between civilizations.
The seminar featured a main lecture by Prof. Stefan Schreiner, Senior Professor of Religious and Jewish Studies at the University of Tübingen, Germany, titled “The Evolution of Quran Knowledge in Europe through Translation.” This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Abdelmalek Hibaoui, Head of the Interreligious Dialogue Department at the German Institute for Dialogue and Understanding (Mouatana).
A session themed “Visions and Ideas,” moderated by Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector, included participation from several experts worldwide.
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