Cairo: Professor Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, initiated the International Islamic Thought Forum at the Imam Hussein Mosque. The event started at 7:00 AM on Sunday, the 4th of Ramadan 1447 AH (February 22, 2026), attracting a distinguished assembly of scholars, religious leaders, and intellectuals, alongside international participants via video conference from fifteen countries.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the forum was graced by notable figures including His Eminence Sayyid Sharif Sayyid Mahmoud Sharif, His Eminence Dr. Abdel-Hadi Al-Qasabi, and His Eminence Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Mustafa Al-Yaqouti, among others. The Ministry of Religious Endowments was well represented by officials such as Professor Dr. Ahmed Nabawi and Dr. Osama Raslan. The event also saw a substantial student presence from various countries, underscoring Egypt's pivotal role in Islamic education.

The opening session, led by Professor Dr. Ahmed Nabawi, featured a Quranic recitation by Ahmed Ali, setting a spiritually rich tone. Dr. Osama Al-Azhari addressed the gathering, highlighting the forum's mission to revive scholarly excellence and moral integrity. Citing a hadith from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, he emphasized the importance of a balanced relationship with God, family, and community.

The forum included contributions from scholars within Egypt and abroad, with Professor Dr. Muhammad Muhanna and Judge Dr. Ibrahim Rashid Al-Marikhi delivering insightful speeches. Dr. Al-Azhari called upon Muslims worldwide to adhere to noble practices, aspiring for a future marked by stability and progress.

Sheikh Ahmed Turk commended the Ministry's initiatives like the "State of Recitation" program, reinforcing Egypt's leadership in global enlightenment. Dr. Mohamed El-Mahdi Mansour from Morocco praised the forum's topic selection, affirming the value of cultivating knowledgeable and ethical leaders.