This month marks an important milestone in Egypt’s religious and intellectual leadership on the global stage. H.E Dr. Nazir Mohammed Ayyad, Egypt’s Grand Mufti, President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, completes his first year in office, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of establishing the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide. The dual occasion follows the successful conclusion of the 10th International Conference on Fatwa, held in Cairo under the theme “The Making of the Competent Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”  

In his closing speech, the Grand Mufti expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the conference. He extended thanks to the staff of Egypt's Dar al-Ifta, the General Secretariat, the high-organizing committee, subcommittees, and every member of the institution whose tireless efforts ensured the event reflected Egypt’s distinguished image to the world. “This success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of every team and individual involved,” Dr. Ayad emphasized.

A Year of Leadership

Dr. Ayyad’s first year as Grand Mufti has been characterized by both continuity and renewal. Building on the legacy of his predecessors, he has worked to reinforce Dar al-Ifta’s dual role as a national institution addressing the concerns of Egyptian society and as an international beacon of moderate religious thought. Under his leadership, the institution has intensified its efforts to confront extremism, develop contemporary fatwa methodologies, and ensure that Islamic legal guidance remains responsive to modern challenges.

Observers highlight that Dr. Ayyad combines scholarly depth with an openness to dialogue, ensuring that Dar al-Ifta stays attuned to emerging realities—whether in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, or global ethical debates. His approach embodies a timeless legal maxim of Islamic tradition: “Fatwas change with time, place, and circumstances.”

At the same time, the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide—established in December 2015 under the auspices of Dar al-Ifta—marks ten years of service. Over the past decade, it has become a central hub uniting the efforts of fatwa institutions in more than 70 countries. Its mission has been to encourage scholarly exchange, foster unity among Muslim communities, and counter the misuse of fatwas by extremist groups.

The Secretariat has played a vital role in shaping a global network that advances moderation and intellectual rigor, ensuring religious edicts are issued with responsibility and integrity. Through its programs, training initiatives, and conferences, it has equipped new generations of muftis with the skills to engage with the modern world.

This year’s conference served as both a symbolic and practical achievement. With participants including leading scholars, ministers, muftis, and researchers from over 70 countries, discussions explored topics ranging from the ethical applications of artificial intelligence to the digital future of fatwa institutions. Sessions also tackled the dangers posed by radical edicts, offering frameworks for developing balanced, well-founded religious guidance.

Dr. Ayyad praised the role of local and international media in covering the event, commending their professionalism in conveying its outcomes to global audiences. Their reporting, he noted, reinforced Egypt’s intellectual leadership and its ability to host dialogues of worldwide relevance.

The coincidence of these milestones—the Grand Mufti’s first year in office and the Secretariat’s decade-long journey—underscores Egypt’s pivotal role in global religious discourse. In a world undergoing rapid technological transformation and complex social challenges, Dar al-Ifta has positioned itself as a leading institution that harmonizes tradition with innovation.

Looking forward, Dr. Ayyad affirmed that Egypt will continue to champion moderation, cooperation, and intellectual renewal. The mission of Dar al-Ifta and the Secretariat, he stressed, extends beyond issuing fatwas: it is about fostering global dialogue, building bridges of understanding, and ensuring that Islamic scholarship continues to serve humanity with wisdom and balance.