IUMS Secretary-General Prof. Dr. Ali Qaradaghi Meets with Members at the Kurdistan Branch

On Saturday morning, May 13, 2023 (corresponding to 23 Shawwal 1444), the Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), Professor Dr. Ali Qaradaghi, visited the Kurdistan Region branch of the Union.

His Eminence was warmly welcomed by Dr. Sayyid Ahmed Penjweni and a large number of the Union's members.

The Secretary-General delivered a scholarly lecture in which he discussed the authority and status of knowledge and scholars, describing it as an independent scientific authority. He explained that Islam has granted scholars the role of leadership and the responsibility of carrying the divine message in intellectual, political, and social spheres.

Furthermore, Dr. Qaradaghi emphasized that scholars and those in power are the greatest catalysts for either public reform or, conversely, for public corruption.

He concluded his address with a call for reform in morals, actions, and knowledge, and for the rejection of extremism, conflict, and fanaticism. He also stressed the necessity of communication and cooperation among all Islamic schools of thought in the region.

At the same time, he affirmed that religious scholars have always been a source of good in service to Islam and Muslims and called for intensified efforts and collaboration among religious institutions worldwide in order to eradicate extremism and terrorism.

The gathering was characterized by a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere, with a significant attendance of scholars and members. It was organized as part of the IUMS Kurdistan branch's efforts to advance cultural awareness on religious and intellectual issues.

The esteemed Secretary-General's visit to the Kurdistan Region was aimed at closely monitoring, delivering lectures, and following up on the progress of the academic, charitable, and scientific institutions he has founded in Kurdistan. These include the IUMS Kurdistan Branch, the Humanitarian League, the University of Human Development, and the "Iqra" Organization for the Memorization of the Holy Quran.