Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE) organized a symposium at the British University in Egypt (BUE) entitled “The Impact of Renewing Religious Discourse in Combating Extremism”, as a part of the AOCE’s “Listen& Talk” initiative.
In the beginning, AOCE’s researchers highlighted the profound difference between “religious texts” and “religious discourse.” They emphasized that religious texts are the fixed and absolute sacred texts that constitute the creed and legislation. However, religious discourse is concerned with "addressing the public contemporary issues and application od Sharia rulings to modern contexts, while preserving the established religious principles."
Regarding the essence of renewal and its necessity, AOCE’s researchers explained that the concept of renewal is not a novelty, but rather an inevitable necessity derived from the hadith: “At the turn of every century Allah raises for this this ummah (pan-Muslim nation) someone who revives [the pure, correct understanding of] its religion.” Renewal helps to reintroduce that religion in its original purity and confronts the deviations that may have crept into it over time.
As for the characteristics of renewal discourse, they emphasized that moderation must be considered as a genuine Islamic methodology. This requires an open dialogue, a critical approach, and the use of modern communication tools such as social media platforms, podcasts, and reels to ensure that the moderate message reaches diverse audiences.
For their part, attendees were highly interactive and demonstrated eagerness to address this pivotal issue. The core of this meeting crystallizes the crucial collaboration between religious and educational institutions in establishing a correct understanding of Islam and confronting waves of extremism by promoting a religious discourse that addresses the challenges of our time while preserving the fundamental principles of the faith.