Mahlab inaugurates 24th conference of Supreme Council

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Al Azhar undersecretary Dr Abbas Shuman and Awqaf Minister Dr Mokhtar Gomaa Saturday inaugurated the 24th conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Held under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the two-day conference focuses on the greatness of Islam and mistakes of some followers.
Attending the inaugural session were Egypt's Mufti Dr Shawqi Allam, a number of ministers and governors and a number of Arab and Muslim ambassadors in Cairo.
Public and partisan figures were also present.
The conference will shed light on mistakes of groups that are falsely acting under the cover of Islam.
Participants will tackle reasons behind the takfiri ideology and how to counter it.
They are seeking to correct the image of Islam and Muslims.
Addressing the conference, Awqaf Minister Dr Mokhtar Gomaa, who is also chairman of the council, said Islam is a religion of civilization that seeks to build a moral society.
It is the religion of justice, mercy, honesty and faithfulness, Gomaa said.
Islam tolerates the Other and recognizes cultural diversity, he added.
Gomaa condemned groups that are unfairly linked to Islam and are blamed for bloodshed and sabotage acts.
Unfortunately, they carry out their operations under the name of Islam and Quran, Gomaa regretted, stressing Islam is innocent of such acts.
Gomaa assured president Sisi that his call to renew the religious discourse will not go unheeded.
The conference will make it clear it is against violence and extremism, Gomaa said, rejecting attempts to link terrorism to religion.
Undersecretary of Al Azhar Dr Abbas Shuman addressed the conference on behalf of Grand Imam Dr Ahmed el Tayyeb.
He called for unifying efforts to counter terrorist and extremist groups.
Recommendations of the conference should be translated into plans of action, Shuman said.
Al Azhar is willing to cooperate with all parties to achieve security, he noted.
Shuman stressed the importance of moderate ideology to correct mistakes of Muslims.
Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese underlined the human values of diversity, beauty, tolerance and respect of the other.
Addressing the 24th conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Pope Tawadros II reviewed the Church's vision on developing the country in light of the ongoing developments in the region and the world.
He said a special focus should be given to the role of the national media and addressing all youth segments through their language on social networking websites.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab called on Egyptians to unite and adhere to the true values of Islam.
He blasted at the terrorism ideology misinterpreting Quran verses.
Source: MENA