Dr. Hassan Zuhair Al-Sarraff, a member of the UNESCO Chair, participated in a dialogue session organized by the National Forum for Thought and Culture Research Association in Najaf Al-Ashraf on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The session hosted Mr. Abdul Qader Al-Alousi, Chairman of the Council of Scholars of Al-Rabat Al-Muhammadi, and was attended by a group of intellectuals and academics, marking the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (PBUH).
In his discussion, the guest speaker addressed a range of significant issues related to the history of beliefs and their connection to Ahlulbayt (PBUT). He highlighted their foundational contributions to the principles of true faith, which have been distorted over time. He also discussed the emergence of extremism and religious violence driven by radical Salafist ideologies, which have led to the problem of excommunicating (takfir) Muslims.
Furthermore, Mr. Al-Alousi elaborated on the challenges of extremism and the exclusion of others through tools of excommunication and labeling as heretics. He explained the underlying causes of these phenomena, which are unrelated to the essence of Islam. He also shed light on the role of the Council of Scholars of Al-Rabat Al-Muhammadi in combating extremist ideologies and terrorism in all its forms, as well as its continuous efforts to achieve Islamic unity.
The session concluded with fruitful discussions and contributions from the attendees.