Tashkent, July 7 (Petra) -- Jordan's Grand Mufti, Ahmad Hasanat, said Islamic civilization was built on the foundations of knowledge, compassion and tolerance, stressing that extremist ideologies must be confronted by promoting Islam's true values, fostering dialogue and reviving the nation's scholarly heritage.
Addressing the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, Hasanat said Islam has served throughout history as a beacon of knowledge and civilization, noting that the first revealed Quranic command, "Read," underscored the central role of learning in building humanity and advancing civilization.
He said Jordan, under His Majesty King Abdullah II's the leadership, has reinforced these principles through the "Amman Message", which presented the true image of Islam to the world by promoting moderation, rejecting extremism and takfir (declaring other Muslims to be unbelievers), and correcting widespread misconceptions about the religion.
Hasanat also highlighted Uzbekistan's historical contribution to Islamic and human civilization, noting the country produced some of the Muslim world's key scholars, including Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Maturidi, Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn Sina, whose scientific and intellectual legacy continues to influence the world today.
He urged the Islamic world to revive and present this civilizational heritage to future generations as a model reflecting Islam's message of mercy, tolerance and respect for humanity while rejecting extremism, violence and hatred.
Currently, Hasanat said the world "direly" needs these values amid ongoing conflicts, wars and humanitarian crises, adding that scientific and intellectual forums such as the First International Forum on Islamic Civilization provide important platforms for strengthening dialogue and presenting the positive image of Islam.
On its role, he commended Uzbekistan's efforts to preserve the legacy of leading Muslim scholars through scientific and cultural institutions and international conferences highlighting the contributions of Islamic civilization to humanity.
The forum, which is held in Tashkent from July 7 to 11 under the theme "Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment," brings together scholars, intellectuals, policymakers and representatives of religious and cultural institutions from more than 50 countries.
//Petra// NQ
