The Omani Research and Studies Center at Al al-Bayt University, in cooperation with the Arab Thought Forum, organized an intellectual lecture on the role of fatwas in promoting intellectual moderation and consolidating the values of moderation, and its importance in protecting societies from extremism and fanaticism.

The lecture, entitled "The Role of Fatwas in Consolidating Moderation and Protecting Society from Extremist Thought," was delivered by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al-Siyabi, Secretary-General of the Grand Mufti's Office of the Sultanate of Oman, and moderated by Dr. Amer Al-Hafi, Academic Advisor to the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, with the participation of a selection of academics, researchers, specialists, and those interested in intellectual and religious affairs.

During her opening speech, Professor Dr. Amani Jarar, Acting Secretary-General, affirmed that consolidating the values of moderation and temperance and promoting a discourse of wisdom, intellectual, spiritual, and human balance represents an urgent necessity in light of the intellectual challenges facing Arab and Islamic societies.

During the session, Dr. Amer Al-Hafi addressed a number of issues related to the role of fatwas in the contemporary context, stressing that fatwas represent one of the most important scientific and societal tools in controlling religious discourse, consolidating sound religious awareness, and enhancing the presence of religious institutions in addressing societal and intellectual issues.

For his part, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al-Siyabi affirmed that fatwas represent one of the basic pillars in preserving the stability of societies and safeguarding their intellectual security, due to their role in clarifying Sharia rulings according to a sound scientific methodology based on moderation, pointing out that Islam came with a balanced approach that rejects excess and negligence, and promotes the values of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for human diversity.

His Eminence Al-Siyabi addressed the concept of moderation in Islam as a civilized and ethical approach based on balance and justice, explaining that consolidating this concept contributes to building more stable societies capable of facing contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges.

He also warned of the danger of anomalous and extremist fatwas that lack sound scientific authentication, due to their causing incitement to extremism, excommunication, and conflicts within societies, stressing that fatwas are a Sharia and scientific responsibility that requires encompassing the purposes of Sharia and taking into account the interests of people and the variables of reality.

For his part, Dr. Saleh Al-Zayoud, representative of the Omani Research and Studies Center at Al al-Bayt University, gave a briefing on the center's goals and mission, which are consistent with Al al-Bayt University's goals and its global mission that believes in dialogue and openness to Arab and Islamic cultures, nations, and peoples, and providing knowledge to bring closer the followers of Islamic schools of thought.

It is worth mentioning that an extensive discussion took place between the attendees and the lecturer on a number of issues related to fatwas and the role of religious institutions in confronting extremism and promoting a culture of moderation in societies.