Grand Mosque Rector Advances Religious, Scientific Cooperation
Algeria and Mauritania are progressing towards strengthening cooperation across religious and scientific domains, with an emphasis on expanding communication between scholars and religious institutions in both nations. This collaborative effort seeks to bolster religious principles, promote values of moderation, and effectively address contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges. The impetus for this strengthened partnership emerged during the participation of Sheikh Mohamed Maamoun Al Qasimi Al Hassani, Rector of the Grand Mosque of Algeria, in the 39th International Conference on the Prophet's Biography held in Mauritania. During his visit, Sheikh Al Qasimi Al Hassani received a warm reception from Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, an occasion that underscored the profound scientific and spiritual ties uniting Algeria and Mauritania, and their shared heritage in serving Islam and upholding moderation.
Furthering these ties, Algeria's Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Amine Essaid, hosted a dinner in honor of the Grand Mosque's Rector. The event saw the attendance of Mauritania's Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, alongside numerous scholars, sheikhs, and imams from scientific and behavioral academies. Sheikh Al Qasimi Al Hassani expressed his appreciation for the esteemed position of the Chinguetti school and its significant contributions to preserving and disseminating Sharia knowledge. He also highlighted the critical importance of integrating the experiences of both Algeria and Mauritania in managing religious affairs and reinforcing their respective scientific and religious institutions. He stressed the vital role played by scholars and sheikhs in safeguarding societies from extremism, radicalism, hate speech, and polarization, asserting that a strong scientific foundation, coupled with ethical conduct, is essential for cultivating a balanced religious awareness capable of protecting youth and preserving societal cohesion.
Discussions during the engagements explored potential avenues for developing cooperation between the Grand Mosque of Algeria and Mauritanian scientific and religious institutions. These included initiatives for exchanging expertise, encouraging direct communication between scholars and researchers, and solidifying the scientific and spiritual bridges between the two countries. The overarching goal is to serve the unity and stability of the Islamic nation and to extend the sphere of cooperation across the Maghreb and African regions. The meetings concluded with a mutual affirmation of the importance of continuing dialogue between scholars and religious institutions, opening broader opportunities for cooperation and mutual understanding, and establishing a unifying religious discourse founded on moderation, rejecting extremism, and utilizing knowledge, wisdom, and compassion as conduits for communication among peoples and societies.
