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