Egypt's Mufti Calls for Fatwa Code of Ethics
Mohamed Mandour
During his participation in the 26th session of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy currently taking place in Doha, Dr. Nazir Mohammed Ayyad, Egypt's Grand Mufti and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, emphasized the importance of regulating fatwa issuance by grounding it in sound Islamic scholarship and aligning it with contemporary realities.
He stressed that fatwas should be issued exclusively by qualified scholars and underscored the need to distinguish between personal and public fatwas to safeguard the integrity of religious discourse.
Dr. Ayyad called for enhanced coordination among fatwa institutions and proposed the development of a Fatwa Code of Ethics to curb unregulated and arbitrary rulings. He also announced that Egypt's Dar al-Ifta will host its 10th International Conference in Cairo under the theme: 'Shaping the Enlightened Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.'
Reaffirming Dar al-Ifta's commitment to supporting African nations—particularly Burkina Faso—in confronting extremist ideologies, the Mufti expressed readiness to provide training and intellectual development for scholars in the region.
He also reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, describing Jerusalem as both a matter of faith and a cause of universal justice, and praised the resilience of the Palestinian people. He emphasized the vital role religious institutions play in championing just causes.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Ayyad held key meetings with several prominent figures, including Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, President of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court; Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Zaid, Deputy Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Secretary of its Islamic Fiqh Council; Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories; and Dr. Aboubacar Doukouré, Islamic Affairs Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso.
Their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in fatwa training, unifying religious discourse, combating extremist ideologies, and developing advanced tools for fatwa in response to modern intellectual challenges.
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Egypt Independent
23 minutes ago
- Egypt Independent
In exclusive interview, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov praises Egypt's vital role in region
The President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, sat down for an an exclusive interview where he stated that Egypt is a leading nation in the African continent and the Middle East, and added that his country fully supports in its endeavors to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. He discussed how Russia liberated Europe from the Nazi occupation, and is facing attempts to threaten global security. He noted that the West is supporting 'neo-Nazis' while Russian soldiers, led by Russian President Vladimir Putin, are hard at work to prevent the outbreak of an international armed conflict. The world is seeing radical changes, Minnikhanov added, and spoke of how Moscow will play a key role in shaping the new international order. Interview: ■What are your views on bilateral relations between Egypt and Tatarstan? First of all, I would like to thank you for the interest in Tatarstan as one of the regions of our vast multinational country – the Russian Federation. It is gratifying that the Arab Republic of Egypt today is among the leading countries of the African continent in terms of economic development. For us, Egypt is one of the most attractive partners – both in trade, economic and investment areas. We are always looking forward to seeing our Arab partners in Tatarstan, including representatives of the media. Cooperation between Tatarstan and Egypt is developing in light of friendly Russian-Egyptian relations. Today, Russia and Egypt share a unified position on a number of issues such as resolving global crises and conflicts, as well as a common approach to many international problems, including those as part of the BRICS agenda. At its level, Tatarstan is ready to promote the development of business and cultural ties. I highly appreciate the positive dynamics of our relations. It is also gratifying to highlight the dynamic growth of Tatarstan-Egyptian trade turnover. According to the results of 2023, it increased more than eight times and amounted to US$217 million. In 2024, growth continued, and trade turnover reached $260.2 million. On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, I chair the Strategic Vision Group 'Russia – Islamic World'. It's noteworthy that Egypt has been a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) since 1969, and is one of its founding states. The Republic of Tatarstan is the venue for the annual International Economic Forum, 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum'. Nowadays, it is the main platform for interaction between the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and the states of the Islamic world. From May 14-16, Kazan hosted the 16th edition of the Kazan Forum. Representatives of Egypt annually take part in the forum's events, and this year was no exception. ■What are the most important areas for cooperation, in your opinion? Especially within the economic and cultural sectors. Obviously, Tatarstan is interested in further expanding export deliveries to the Egyptian market. First of all, we are talking about petrochemical and engineering products, including ships, tires, compressors. We are also ready to increase the supply of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Regarding counter-deliveries from your country, these are food products: fruits and vegetables, seafood, consumer goods, etc. The implementation of joint investment projects is one of the priorities of our international activities. Today, Tatarstan is one of the most attractive Russian regions in the investment field. We boast developed human capital, a favorable geographical location and modern transport infrastructure. The region has robust scientific and industrial potential. We are ready to cooperate with Egyptian partners – to create joint ventures in Egypt, in particular, for the production of tires, oils and lubricants. There is also interest in interactions within partner banking and the halal industry. Admittedly, the development of cultural and humanitarian ties is also in our limelight. Today, active work on intercultural exchange is carried out through embassies, at the level of public organizations, scientists, and researchers. Joint events are held regularly, encompassing cultural festivals and exhibitions. Egyptian universities cooperate with universities of Tatarstan, in particular, with Kazan Federal University. As part of academic mobility initiative, we successfully implement student exchange programs. I believe that this work should be continued. Here's an interesting fact – Tatarstan and Egypt are united by the figure of an outstanding philosopher and theologian,an Islamic scholar with a world-famous name – Musa Dzharulla Bigiev. An ethnic Tatar, he studied at Cairo University 'Al-Azhar'. The last years of his life he spent in the Egyptian capital, where he was eventually buried. Several years ago, with the assistance of the Egyptian authorities, his grave was located within the 'City of the Dead'. ■You visited Egypt in 2018. What impressions did you have of the country and the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi? I have visited Egypt many times and indeed the last time was in 2018. It was a very eventful, compelling and productive visit. The President of Egypt and its Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, received our delegation. We also met with the Minister of Industry and Trade and the Minister of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, held a business forum, and visited the Cairo Museum as well as the Al-Azhar Mosque. Sisi visited Tatarstan in October back in 2024 to participate in the BRICS Summit. It was a great honor for us to host him on our hospitable land. I personally also took part in the negotiations between the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the Egyptian leader. I believe that President Sisi is an outstanding politician and a man of gravitas. Under his leadership, Egypt has achieved impressive success in economic growth, in the development of infrastructure, and he has greatly contributed to boosting the country's international profile. His efforts in maintaining unity and promoting reforms deserve utmost respect, as they ensure continuous progress and sustain the well-being of his people. ■What are the most important goods (products) that your republic exports? What is the estimated volume (in dollars)? Egypt is among the ten largest trading partners of Tatarstan in exports. According to results for 2024, Tatarstan exported goods worth $259 million to Egypt. We supply rubber, elastomers, inorganic chemical products, fats, oils, sulfur, mechanical devices, etc. ■Does Tatarstan supply halal products from Russia to the Muslim world? If so, which ones? Yes, we produce and supply halal products to the international market. Let me say right away – the volume of such products supplied to Muslim countries is growing every year. These are mainly dairy, confectionery, meat products and other products of the agro-industrial complex. All the products are 'halal' certified, so they meet the highest standards. In total, there are more than 150 certified enterprises in Tatarstan, of which about 20 companies work in the international market in the field of halal products. According to data from 2024, the export of halal products amounted to $14 million. During a four month period in 2025, that number was about eight million dollars. The main consumers of halal products from our republic are the GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, as well as the countries of the Customs Union and North Africa. We are actively looking for new markets for our republic's products. In particular, negotiations are under way with Oman, Malaysia, Jordan and Bahrain. Our Halal Standard Committee of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Tatarstan expanded the markets for export of the Russian halal products in 2024-2025. As is known, Russian halal standards are not always identical to halal standards in Muslim countries, so the Committee worked on official recognition of its certificate abroad. As a result, the Committee received accreditation in the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia, in the Gulf countries, South Africa. It also received international accreditation in accordance with SMIIC standards. Recognition of the Committee's standards abroad will allow manufacturers in Tatarstan to successfully export their products to new markets. ■What is special about life in Tatarstan? I would like to hear from you about the customs and traditions of the Tatar people. What is the population and what nationalities live in the republic? How many Muslims live in the republic and in Russia as a whole? Tatarstan is a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional republic. Good relations among representatives of different peoples and religions have been developing here for centuries. Today, Tatarstan with it population of more than four million people has become a common home for representatives of 175 nationalities. A common history and cohabitation in one territory have determined the close interweaving of cultures and folk traditions. They stem from the commitment and loyalty to faith, hard work, respect for elders, and mutual support and helpfulness. I would like to emphasize that the highest value of Tatarstan society and the greatest achievement of the republic are inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace and harmony. The Republic of Tatarstan is developing as the Muslim center of the Russian Federation. In Russia, more than 20 million people follow Islam, which makes our country a key participant in the international Islamic dialogue. As for Tatarstan, half of its four million people are ethnic Muslims. A quarter of all mosques in Russia are concentrated here, and the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, one of the largest muftiates in Russia, works here. Tatarstan is the successor to the Volga Bulgaria, where 1,100 years ago the ancestors of modern Tatars declared Islam their state religion. The Tatar people have a rich history with many good customs. Tatars have always been famous for their achievements in agriculture, animal husbandry, arts and crafts, culture, science, and diplomacy. We are also known for their hospitality. We invite everyone to visit us so that you can get an idea of what modern Tatarstan is like, not forgetting its roots and traditions. I would like to emphasize that today, Tatarstan is among the ten most economically developed regions of the Russian Federation. ■How do you celebrate Eid al-Adha in Tatarstan ? Eid al-Adha is a holiday that hails the glory of human devotion to Allah and His endless mercy towards His creations. Our brothers and sisters in faith strengthen friendly relations with neighbors and relatives, bring joy to families and help those in need. Therefore an atmosphere of goodness, spiritual purity and love for the Almighty reigns in Tatarstan during Eid al-Adha. The celebration of Eid al-Adha in Tatarstan is held on a large scale: in all mosques they read out sermons, and at special sites they perform the kurban sacrifice. Our TNV TV channel, which broadcasts to the whole world, airs sermons live from the mosque, where the celebration is held by the Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Hazrat Samigullin. Thanks to this live broadcast, you can listen to the sermon in your native language and become part of the holiday together with your Tatar compatriots from anywhere in the world. In addition, in honor of Eid al-Adha, citywide children's and family festive events are organized in the cities and districts of Tatarstan – in parks and near mosques. We regularly organize colorful halal fairs where you can get a variety of goods at affordable prices. Every year, we provide about 60 sites for the sacrifice ceremony in the Republic of Tatarstan, including 18 in Kazan. All sacrificial rams undergo sanitary control and veterinary treatment at the slaughter sites. The disposal of bio-waste is ensured and monitored on the days of sacrifice. During Eid al-Adha, according to centuries-old tradition, large and low-income families, orphans and single mothers, the elderly, the disabled, the homeless – all of them receive sacrificial meat as a gift and food aid. It is difficult to calculate the volumes of sacrificial meat, since many people perform the kurban in their personal farmsteads and households. But, for example, the Muslim Charity Fund 'Zakat' of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan alone supplies sacrificial meat to families in need and to social institutions – the Kazan Hospice named after Angela Vavilova, the regional Tatarstan public organization of parents of disabled children 'Care', the charitable public organization 'Mothers of Kazan', and the Diabetology Center. Eid al-Adha is also a holiday celebrating the completion of the Hajj. Every year, 1800 pilgrims go to Hajj from Tatarstan. Twenty doctors of different specialties always go with the Tatarstan pilgrims, and they accompany our Hajjis throughout the whole trip. No other region provides such medical care for their Hajjis. In addition, each group of Tatarstan pilgrims is necessarily led by an experienced hazrat fluent in Arabic, with knowledge of the laws of the Saudi Arabia and fiqh, and masterfully knowledgeable about all the Hajj rites. The 'Tatarstan Spiritual Board of Muslim Hajj' organization is the only operator in Russia that organizes the Hajj according to the Hanafi madhhab. ■Are the rights of Muslims protected by law? How many mosques and Muslim educational institutions are there? The Constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees freedom of religion to citizens and it even specifically mentions faith in God. Therefore, in the Republic of Tatarstan, leaders at all levels support the traditions of inter-religious harmony. The principle of parity between the authorities and religions is especially evident during the construction of large religious facilities. Construction and restoration work is traditionally solidified in Tatarstan by symbolic decrees of the Rais of Tatarstan, which give orders regarding Muslim and Orthodox facilities. Such, for example, was the decree: 'On the establishment of the Bolgar Islamic Academy and the reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.' In our republic we worked on the restoration of the ancient city of Bolgar, where Islam was officially adopted in 922, along with the revival of the island town of Sviyazhsk, which is of value to the Orthodox. Such decisions by the authorities certainly foster mutual respect among the residents of the republic, regardless of faith and nationality. The Muslim infrastructure in Tatarstan is developing actively. New mosques in the republic are built through the efforts of philanthropists, muhtasibats and the local population. We are actively reviving ancient mosques with the help of government agencies. For example, in Kazan we managed to restore half of the existing historical mosques. Every year, about 14-16 new mosques are opened in Tatarstan. There are 1,606 of them in the republic altogether. In addition, Tatarstan has created the strongest system of Islamic education in Russia, and it is a multi-stage system. Knowledge of Islam in the republic can be obtained from the basics to the academic level. There are free-of-charge courses on the basics of Islam at 700 mosques, and there are three private Muslim schools: Nur in Almetyevsk, Ihsan in Yelabuga, and Usmaniya in Kazan. As I have already said, secondary vocational education can be obtained at eight madrassas, and higher education at the Russian Islamic University and the Kazan Islamic University. In addition, the Bolgar Islamic Academy trains doctors of Sharia sciences. ■What is your relationship with President of Russia Vladimir Putin? I have deep respect for our President, he is a strong leader and a professional of the highest possible level. I think that is exactly what a person should be with a huge country behind him. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin does a lot for Russia, for the entire multi-national peoples who live here. He is a man of iron will who defends the interests and security of our country. We first met when he was the head of the FSB (Russian Federal Security Service). He visited us and I was meeting him. A very interesting man, we talked, and he told us how the mosque was reconstructed in St. Petersburg I must say that Vladimir Vladimirovich also pays special attention to the Republic of Tatarstan. I would like to note that in 2024, with his personal support, Tatarstan successfully hosted the first multi-format 'Games of the Future', the sports games of the BRICS countries, where athletes from Egypt also took part in. In October, Kazan hosted the BRICS summit and your President also came to visit us. In May, we hosted the International economic forum 'Russia – the Islamic World: KazanForum'. By the way, since 2023, this forum shifted from the category of regional events to the status of a federal event. The corresponding decree was signed by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. In addition, I was directed by Vladimir Vladimirovich to head the 'Russia–Islamic World' Strategic Vision Group. For my part, I shall say that I will continue to do everything to justify the high trust placed in me by our President and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. ■This May marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. What does this victory mean for you and for the Republic? Do you think that the world is facing the threat of World War III? Victory Day is the most important holiday in our country and the 80th anniversary of this victory is a grand historical date. The Second World War was the bloodiest conflict in the history of all humankind. It was then that the world community realized the danger of spreading Nazi ideology. Thus, the victory and the Soviet troops who liberated Europe from the Nazi occupation had a profound impact on the development of political, economic and cultural processes not only on the states involved in the war, but also on the whole world. The Soviet people suffered the greatest losses in this war. Seven hundred thousand people went to the front from Tatarstan alone and more than half of them did not return. Without exaggeration, the Great Patriotic War passed through every home, every family and the memory of it is dear to each of us. We will never forget the stout-heartedness and courage of the victorious generation, and we will preserve the historical truth. Today we see attempts to create a threat to world security from the neo-Nazis and the countries of the collective West supporting them. These are global challenges to the modern world order. And our soldiers, during a special military operation led by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin are making heroic efforts to ensure peace and prevent a new large-scale international armed conflict. ■What are the goals of the 'Russia – Islamic World' Strategic Vision Group? How does it cooperate with the capitals of the Islamic world? The Strategic Vision Group was established in 2006 to expand cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries in all areas. The group's composition is formed by coordinating its members through the diplomatic channels of the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Foreign Ministries of the participating countries of the project. It is a platform for consultations involving public and political figures, business circles, representatives of the scientific community and the clergy who have authority and influence in their countries. The first co–chairs of the Group were Evgeny Primakov and Mintimer Shaimiev (the first President of Tatarstan and now the State Councilor of Tatarstan). In total, the Group held five meetings: in Moscow (March 2006), Kazan (August 2006), Istanbul (February 2007), Jeddah (October 2008) and Kuwait City (December 2009). Due to the Arab Spring which swept the Middle East and North Africa, the Group's activities were suspended. In June 2014, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin authorized me to head the Strategic Vision Group, 'Russia – the Islamic World'. The Group resumed its work and its main task was to fully facilitate the process of further rapprochement between Russia and the Islamic world on a cultural basis, coordinate positions on major international issues and assist in establishing contacts, primarily through public relations. The main focus is on expanding economic cooperation and cooperation between youth organizations. The Group works to promote the traditional values of the Muslim peoples of Russia in order to counteract radical Islamist ideas in society. The Russian and foreign parts of the Group have been formed jointly with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It currently consists of 42 Russian and 32 foreign participants from 24 countries. The Strategic Vision Group has been granted consultative status within the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Cooperation is underway with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank and other international Muslim organizations. Documentaries about prominent political figures of the Islamic world are being created. A lot of publishing and interaction with the mass media is also underway. From 2014-2024, the Group held 10 meetings, including the ones in Saudi Arabia (2021) and Malaysia (2024), as well as in various regions of the Russian Federation. The topic of the 2025 meeting is 'The experience of Russia and the countries of the Islamic world in the field of youth policy: common challenges and joint actions.' The Group's events are taking place on the sidelines of the XVI International Economic Forum 'Russia – the Islamic World: KazanForum'. On May 16, a plenary meeting of the Group was held with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin, who is the Chairman of the organizing committee of the KazanForum. The main foreign guest of honor at this year's meeting was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim. The Group's activities were highly appreciated by the country's leadership, as well as by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. We are confident that the Group will continue to make a tangible contribution to strengthening cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. ■Kazan hosts the annual 'KazanForum'. What are the main topics of this year and what results do you expect? The Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum is the main federal platform for economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world. For the first time, this International Economic Forum of Russia and the member Countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in 2009, attended by 250 people from 18 countries. Over the past 15 years, the event has proven itself well and the number of forum participants has increased by 80 times (more than 20,000 participants participated in KazanForum in 2024), the number of participating countries has increased almost five times (87 countries in 2024). As for 2025, without false modesty, up to 104 countries took part in KazanForum, many of which sent highly representative delegations to Kazan. The main theme of KazanForum 2025 was 'Digitization: a new reality and additional opportunities for expanding cooperation'. The business program combined several areas: international cooperation, tourism, transport, medicine, economics, global challenges, science and technology, Islamic finance and investment, construction, education, culture, sports, halal industry, youth entrepreneurship and diplomacy. One of the main topics of discussion at the XVI International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum' is the expansion of the experiment on Islamic banking to other regions of the Russian Federation. Today, the experiment is taking place in the territories of Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, the Chechen Republic and Dagestan. The main financial products within the Islamic banking experiment were developed by domestic specialists certified by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). For the first time, Russia hosted the AAOIFI international conference 'Islamic Finance and Investments: Promoting Sustainable Development and Global Partnership', which became one of the most important events of the KazanForum 2025 business program. Previously, it was traditionally held in Bahrain. This year is the anniversary for diplomatic relations between Russia and Bahrain, marking 35 years. The forum hosted the 'Russia–Malaysia' and 'Russia–Kazakhstan' round tables, the 'Russia–Iran' industrial dialogue, the meeting of the co–chairs of the intergovernmental commission on Economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as meetings of the 'Russia-Islamic World' Strategic Vision Group. It also held the Russian-Egyptian Intergovernmental Commission and the Caspian International Integration Club North–South (the North–South Club), the meeting of Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of foreign states in Russia, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of the OIC countries and other events. The international exhibition 'Russia Halal Expo' was held within the KazanForum. The 'Kazan Halal Market' International Trade Fair, which is Russia's largest halal marketplace, also opened, featuring products from leading manufacturing companies of the Islamic world. ■This is probably one of the most important issues for the entire Muslim world and humanity. How do you assess Israel's war in the Gaza Strip? How do you assess Egypt's efforts to end this war? Do you support Cairo's efforts to rebuild Gaza? Did Tatarstan provide assistance to the residents of Gaza? The events happening in the Gaza Strip cannot arouse anything but empathy from any normal person. Our country's position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is well known. The Russian Federation has always advocated the creation of an independent State of Palestine and the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We are united with our Egyptian friends in the need to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible. We know that Egypt, as a good neighbor of the Gaza Strip and one of the leaders of the Arab and Muslim world, provides large-scale assistance to ordinary Palestinians and is helping to rebuild the enclave's infrastructure. These steps deserve the highest praise. Tatarstan residents will always respond to calls for help. I think that mercy is inherent in all who are endowed with faith. Anyone who seeks to gain the grace of Allah should show mercy to his brothers. Our organization, the Spiritual Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan managed to send three planes with 60 tons of humanitarian cargo to the coreligionists who remained under fire in Gaza. 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