The Faculty of Islamic Studies at Makassed University of Beirut organized an international conference titled: “Imam Al-Awza’i: The Jurist of Beirut, Its Hadith Scholar, and His Inclusive Humanist and Patriotic Thought.” The conference was held on Friday and Saturday, February 21-22, in Beirut.
Thirty scholars and researchers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon participated. Their presentations and discussions were divided into five sessions, covering:
- The jurisprudential school (madhhab) of Imam Al-Awza’i,
- His humanist thought,
- His pioneering role in establishing the concept of coexistence among all components of society,
- And his enduring societal impact on Beirut, which remains alive in the collective memory of its people to this day.
Participants emphasized the importance of drawing from his vast legacy to strengthen national unity, nurture future generations in tolerance, mutual understanding, and unifying human values.
The conference commenced on Friday afternoon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in a ceremony attended by a large gathering of scholars, students, and researchers. Notable attendees included:
- His Eminence Sheikh Abd al-Latif Derian, Grand Mufti of Lebanon (represented by Sheikh Dr. Wafiq Hijazi, Mufti of Rashaya),
- Defense Minister Michel Mansour (represented by Brigadier General Kamal Massaad),
- Interior Minister Major General Ahmad al-Hajjar (represented by Brigadier General Amro al-Yafawi),
- Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Asaf, President of Sunni Sharia Courts,
- Sheikh Zaid Bakkar Zakaria, Mufti of Akkar,
- Judge Sheikh Abd al-Halim Sharara, representing the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council,
- Sheikh Dr. Idris al-Fasi al-Fahri, Vice President of Al-Qarawiyyin University in Morocco,
- Judge Dr. Fawzi Adham, Chairman of the Imam Al-Awza’i Endowment Board of Trustees,
- Professor Hassan Ghazeeri, President of Makassed University of Beirut, and members of the university’s board of trustees.
The opening ceremony featured speeches by the university president, the head of Sunni Sharia Courts, the chairman of the Al-Awza’i Endowment, and the vice president of Al-Qarawiyyin University. The addresses highlighted Imam Al-Awza’i’s scholarly and societal contributions, his civilizational legacy, and his role in promoting knowledge, coexistence, and national cohesion.
