Hamas  says it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal to halt seven-month war with Israel.
It issued a statement Monday saying its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had delivered the news in a phone call with Qatar's prime minister and Egypt's intelligence minister.
The two Middle Eastern nations have been mediating months of talks between Israel and Hamas.
There was no immediate comment from Israel.

 Israel's brutal genocide war on occupied besieged Gaza entered its 213th day, with the occupation forces continuing to commit war crimes and massacres in Gaza, through dozens of airstrikes, artillery shelling, and bloody massacres against civilians. 

Airstrikes on Rafah & Israeli orders to Evacuate it

The occupation continues its aggression on Gaza, where 22 Palestinians, including 8 children, were martyred in airstrikes by the occupation that targeted 11 houses in Rafah yesterday evening, according to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA). 

Later, Al Jazeera's correspondent reported an increase in the number of martyrs to 28, while the occupation forces continue to shell the eastern part of the city. 

5 Massacres

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the occupation forces committed 5 massacres against families in Gaza, resulting in 52 martyrs and 90 injured taken to hospitals within the past 24 hours.

 The ministry confirmed in its daily update an increase in the toll of the aggression to 34,735 martyrs and 78,108 injured since last October 7th. 

The occupation army announced today, Monday, that it has ordered the residents to evacuate the eastern outskirts of the Rafah area in the south of Gaza Strip in preparation for an invasion. 

Starting the Evacuation of Rafah

In a statement, the army requested residents and displaced persons in the municipality of Al-Shoka, the neighborhoods of Al-Salam, Al-Jneina, Al-Zra' and Al-Bayoook for immediate evacuation and to head towards what it called the "expanded humanitarian zone" in Al-Mawasi, a coastal area between Rafah and Khan Yunis, as reported by Al Jazeera. 

Meanwhile, the "Quds Press" agency reported that the Zionist Minister of War, Yoav Galant, spoke with the US Secretary of State about starting the evacuation of Rafah. 

It said that the decision to start evacuating southern Rafah was taken by the Cabinet last night.

 Hamas Ready to Abort the Occupation’s Plans

 The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) stated that the occupation army's preparations for an attack on crowded Rafah with one and a half million citizens and displaced persons have led to civilian massacres, showing Netanyahu's government's commitment to the genocide war against our people.

The movement emphasized in a statement on Monday that "any military operation in Rafah will not be a picnic for the fascistic occupation army, and that our brave resistance, led by the Al-Qassam Brigades, is fully prepared to defend our people, defeat this enemy, thwart its plans, and thwart its goals".

Hamas called on the international community to urgently act to stop this crime, which threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands of isolated civilians, including children, women, and elderly people. They also called on humanitarian organizations, especially UNRWA, to stay in their locations in the city of Rafah and not leave or give in to the will of the fascist occupation. They urged them to continue assisting the displaced civilians who are subjected to the worst crimes by the Zionist killing machine, supported limitlessly by the American administration, a partner in the genocide war.

 Resistance Continues confronting Occupation Forces in Gaza.

They announced today, Monday, targeting the Israeli occupation forces in the Natsarim axis. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, targeted enemy forces in the Natsarim axis with short-range "Rajom" missiles of 114 mm caliber. Meanwhile, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, shelled a gathering of occupation soldiers and vehicles in the Natsarim axis, confirming direct hits.

OIC & ICJ

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued resolutions against Israel, demanding their members to intervene in the case filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The summit called for diplomatic, economic, and political measures to stop Israeli war crimes in Gaza, including legal measures such as suspending membership of members who do not comply with OIC resolutions. The summit stressed that countries cooperating with Israel are complicit in crimes tantamount to genocide, and the decision was made to "provide protection for Palestinians."

Among the decisions made in the summit are freezing the financial assets of individuals responsible for crimes in Gaza; efforts to prevent Israel from participating in international sports, cultural, and economic events; and efforts to expel Israel from international organizations and forums.

 Israel's ongoing genocidal war on Gaza has been ongoing for 212 days, as Zionist forces persist in carrying out deadly air strikes, artillery attacks, and massacres on civilians in the Gaza Strip.

29 people were killed in three violent incidents.

The occupation continues its attacks on Gaza, resulting in casualties at dawn today, Sunday, in the bombing of various areas, including Rafah, Zawaida, Maghazi, Bureij camps, Deir al-Balah, and Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza stated that three massacres were carried out by the occupation against families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 29 deaths and 110 injuries in the last day.

The Ministry stated that the number of casualties from the attack had increased to 34,683 deaths and 78,018 injuries since October seventh.

"Al-Qassam" attacks a military base under occupation.

The Palestinian resistance in Gaza is still active and is standing up against the Zionist forces that are invading different areas. Today, Sunday, the "Al-Qassam Brigades" from the Hamas movement announced the bombing of enemy forces in the "Kerem Shalom" area using the "Rajum" missile system. 114 millimeter caliber with a limited range.

Although Palestinian reports suggested that several soldiers from the occupying forces were slain during the mission, Israeli media reported that 7 soldiers were wounded, with three of them sustaining severe injuries.

Al-Aqsa TV reported that security and field sources confirmed that the resistance has provided information indicating a minimum of 3 fatalities and approximately 10 injuries of varying severity.

Sources in the field reported that the operation was aimed at a military post set up by the occupation in the east of the Karam Abu Salem site, with the goal of coordinating the recent bombings in Rafah Governorate.

The sources reported that the occupying forces did not intervene for roughly an hour, leaving the wounded and deceased individuals at the scene.

Later on, Al-Qassam verified in a military report that they, along with the Al-Quds Brigades, attacked the Zionist troops stationed in the Netzarim area with 107 short-range missiles.

Peventing Al Jazeera.

According to Al Jazeera, the government of the occupying force unanimously agreed to shut down Al Jazeera's offices in the occupied areas.

The Hebrew media reported that Benny Gantz's official camp ministers did not take part in the vote to shut down the channel.

Haniyeh: An all-encompassing, interconnected deal

The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, stated that the world is now under the control of an extremist regime with numerous political issues and crimes in Gaza. The president aims to create excuses for ongoing aggression and conflict, hindering efforts by mediators and other groups.

Haniyeh emphasized in a press release today, on Sunday, that it is America that has been supporting this occupation, and it should cease doing so and refrain from supplying it with destructive and exterminating weapons.

He clarified that Hamas is still eager to achieve a holistic agreement that stops the attack, ensures retreat, and completes a significant prisoner exchange deal.

 The brutal Israeli genocide war has reached its 211th day, as the Zionist occupation forces in Gaza Strip persist in carrying out war crimes and massacres through numerous air strikes, artillery shelling, and violent attacks on civilians.

Dozens of Martyrs and Wounded

 The occupation's aggression in Gaza persists, resulting in the deaths and injuries of many citizens, predominantly children and women, due to ongoing bombing in different areas of the Strip today, on Saturday.

The Palestinian News Agency (Wafa) reported that three martyrs' bodies were found under the debris of a house attacked by the occupying forces in the Al-Saftawi region, located to the north of Gaza City.

In the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, two martyrs and five injured arrived as a result of the occupation aircraft targeting a house on Salah al-Din Road.

Rescue and civil defense crews recovered 7 decomposed bodies of martyrs of different groups and ages from various areas in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, and search operations are still continuing to recover bodies in various places in the city.

In the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, two people were killed, one of them a child, and others were injured, as a result of the occupation warplanes targeting a house in the El Geneina neighborhood.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the occupation had committed 3 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, with 32 martyrs and 41 injured arriving at hospitals during the past 24 hours.

Thus, the toll of the aggression rises to 34,654 martyrs and 77,908 injured since the seventh of last October.

“Al-Qassam” Targets an Occupation Barracks

The Palestinian resistance persists with its activities, facing off against Zionist forces in different parts of Gaza. Today, Saturday, the "Al-Qassam Brigades" of Hamas targeted a military barracks in the "Netzarim" area with mortar shells.

Hamas in Cairo to Resume Negotiations

Today, Saturday, a delegation from the Hamas movement headed to Cairo to complete discussions on the prisoner exchange deal and stop the aggression in Gaza.

The movement said that its delegation headed to Cairo in light of recent contacts with mediators in Egypt and Qatar, stressing that it dealt positively with the ceasefire proposal that it recently received.

She added: We in the Hamas movement and the Palestinian resistance forces are determined to mature the agreement, in a way that achieves the demands of our people to stop the aggression completely, withdraw the occupation forces, return the displaced, provide relief to our people, begin reconstruction, and complete a serious exchange deal.

Developments in the American student movement

Hunger strike at Princeton University

Today, Saturday, students at Princeton University went on a hunger strike in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Members of the “Palestine Solidarity Camp” at Princeton University said in a statement: “We have begun a hunger strike in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, who are suffering under the ongoing Israeli siege.”

The statement added that the strike decision comes in response to the US administration’s refusal to meet our demands by withdrawing its support for “Israel.”

He stated that “United Nations data show that Gaza contains the largest number of people facing catastrophic famine,” noting that “dozens were forced to use fine animal feed to make bread and breakfast during the month of Ramadan,” according to what was reported by the Palestinian News Agency (Wafa).

 No confidence vote on Emory University president

Faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences at Emory University in Georgia vote in favor of no confidence in the university's president.

The American CNN network said on Saturday: The vote comes against the backdrop of calling the police against students protesting against the ongoing “Israeli” aggression against Gaza, according to what Al Jazeera reported.

Universities reach an agreement with the student demonstrators

At Evergreen University, the university administration reached a memorandum of understanding with the protesting pro-Palestine students.

The Columbian newspaper reported on Friday that an understanding was reached between the students and the administration on April 30, and the demands of the demonstrators who agreed to remove their camp were accepted.

Under the memorandum of understanding, university president John Carmichael will issue a statement demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all detainees and the expansion of humanitarian aid.

The university also pledged not to approve study abroad programs in Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank while the conflict continues, or programs in areas where students may be banned because of their Jewish or Palestinian identity, according to Anadolu Agency.

CNN reported that the administration of the University of California, Riverside, had reached an agreement with its students to ensure the end of their sit-in camp, after the university pledged transparency and disclosure of investments and academic cooperation programs with external institutions.

Northwestern, Brown, Rutgers, and Minnesota universities were also able to conclude agreements with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, but they did not agree to withdraw their investments from companies that deal with “Israel,” according to what was published by the site of “Radio Sawt Arabs from America,” according to USA Today.

Transparency, accountability, responsibility, participation, and responsiveness to people's needs—these are the standards set by the United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights for establishing good governance. Meanwhile, they are central principles in our Islamic heritage, derived by the West from the eternal values of our religion, which Muslims and Arabs have fallen behind on. According to a prominent thinker and specialists who spoke to 'Al-Mujtama', this calls for a renewed effort to establish the principles of good governance, with a deliberate role for religious institutions.

Dr. Abdul Fattah: We Need 3 Levels to Establish the Foundations of Good Governance

Initially, Professor of Political Science and Islamic political thinker Dr. Saif al-Din Abdul Fattah, in an interview with "Al-Mujtama", explains that there are 3 levels for religious institutions to play a role in establishing the foundations of good governance. They are: establishing genuine religious institutions for the nation, distinguishing between the religious domain and the political path without separation, and possessing an executive vision to establish the experience of good governance.

Dr. Abdul Fattah, who is responsible for the Centre for Good Governance and Public Policies at the Qatar Foundation, emphasizes that the Islamic nation currently lacks genuine religious institutions that truly represent it. Instead, there are religious bodies affiliated with various religious and Islamic currents, where Salafism has a religious apparatus with diverse formations. Additionally, the Muslim Brotherhood and others have their own apparatus, as do official systems, but they have not reached an institutional level. They are given justificatory functional roles.

He explains that there is a difference between religious institutions at the level of the nation and those at the level of entities or affiliated bodies. The religious institution linked to the nation cares for it, its message, and roots the civilizational meanings associated with it, dispelling suspicions about it. However, despite the vital roles played by religious bodies of entities and organizations, they are still confined within their organizations. They have not fulfilled their role regarding the concept of civilizational and humanitarian advocacy, which is broadly related to the nation. This necessitates the establishment of endowment institutions linked to the nation's religious institutions, as endowments contribute to ensuring that the work of these institutions is for the nation, not for authority, and that their focus is on the nation, not authority.

Dr. Fahmi: We Need Influential Preachers, Attention to Education, and the Establishment of an Elite Support SystemTop of Form

Dr. Abdul Fattah emphasizes that within this framework, it is essential to distinguish between what is proselytizing and what is political, so that Proselytizing is not confined within the frame of political work. He asserts that this does not imply separation but rather differentiation in timing and integration in essence. Proselytizing work represents a comprehensive umbrella for educational, civilizational, and humanitarian work, some of which may be related to the political sphere. It is characterized by inclusivity and comprehensiveness, unlike the political path which is pursued for political purposes and may be linked to an Islamic reference. However, it has different mechanisms, such as party formation and participation in elections. It is crucial not to confuse proselytizing work with seasonal activities associated with political organizations, as affiliating proselytizing with political organizations and affairs is limiting.

He explains that the third level in establishing the foundations of good governance is based on three pathways. The first is political empowerment, which is not the task of the proselytizing work. The second pathway involves genuine proselytizing institutions nurturing educational cadres responsible for moral and civilizational education. This ensures that new politicians are closely connected to values and ethics, unlike Machiavelli, who separated political values from ethical values. Dr. Abdul Fattah sees it as necessary for this proselytizing process to ultimately lead to work that views Islam as a comprehensive way of life, where politics is a part of it, allowing for the establishment of good governance.

Paths of AwarenessTop of Form

In his interview with "Al-Mujtama," academic and expert in strategies Dr. Ibrahim Fahmi explains that the term "good governance" belongs to the Islamic heritage. The West adopted it from the experiences of the righteous rule in Islamic history, specifically during the era of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab. This inspired the West to benefit from this experience, necessitating Muslims to reclaim the era of good governance.

Dr. Al-Hawfi: Public Education on a Righteous Discourse Contributes to the Restoration of These Features

He believes that the creation of innovative proselytizing leadership and figures, operating from within the governing systems without conflicting with them, may contribute to creating a deep and widespread awareness of the values of good governance among both the governed and the governors. This is facilitated by these leaders having an official presence that accommodates their existence and does not hinder their influence.

Dr. Fahmi cited the late scholar Sheikh Muhammad al-Ghazali as an example, considering him a proselytizing institution in his own right. Over several decades and eras, al-Ghazali managed to maintain his proselytizing presence in the public sphere effectively, enabling him to offer advice to the highest levels of the state in Egypt. Similarly, he believes that the late Imam Muhammad Metwally al-Shaarawy achieved the same through his proselytizing presence, particularly through his Quranic interpretations.

He points out that the focus of proselytizing institutions such as Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and religious bodies closely associated with its frameworks in the countries of the region on education represents one of the pathways towards revitalizing the values of good governance. This involves expanding curriculum development to serve these values, establishing more schools and universities, leading to the graduation of a conscious religious elite that contributes to achieving the desired goals. He emphasizes the importance of these institutions also paying attention to publishing and book issuance, and forming media and elite appearances to convey their message and localize all the desired values ​​for governance in society and state institutions.

Setting a Good ExampleTop of Form

Top of Form

On his part, Egyptian unionist and politician Dr. Ahmed Rami Al-Hofi says in an interview with "Al-Mujtama": " Proselytizing institutions can establish the foundations of good governance by adopting a righteous discourse based on prioritization and understanding of reality. They can systematically and deliberately educate their audience about this discourse to instill the values and fundamental principles upon which good governance relies. This would lead to the emergence of a new generation that comprehends the concept and succeeds in implementing positive practices accordingly."

The Club: Advocates for Presenting a Miniature Image of What We Desire Within Current Frameworks

Al-Hofi points out that the foundations of good governance have been clear since the beginning of the Islamic call. Therefore, positive results were achieved during the stages of the Rashidun Caliphate due to the clarity of these principles in the minds of the companions. He emphasizes that the major challenge facing proselytizing institutions in this path currently is to present a model and example in adopting the values of good governance, such as justice, power rotation, enlightened freedom, and human dignity. Their success will impact the acceptance of society and other institutions for the system of good governance, as they have witnessed a living model transferring values from the realm of discourse to effective implementation spaces.

Islamic thought researcher Muhammad Fathi Al-Nadi agrees with the aforementioned opinion, confirming in his interview with "Al-Mujtama" the importance of proselytizing institutions presenting a miniature image of good governance within themselves before advocating for it. According to him, many of these institutions have flaws in their vision of governance and administration, with patriarchal systems, lack of accountability, and the exclusion of competencies being widespread.

Al-Nadi adds that reforming these proselytizing institutions themselves is a prerequisite for establishing any features of good governance in societies. This requires moving away from any choices that have burdened them and deprived them of effective frameworks and competent individuals, in order to revive the Islamic project once again.

Abu al-Hasan: The first step requires that proselytizing institutions to have complete independence Top of Form

Dr. Ahmed Bakar Abu al-Hasan, member of the Syrian Islamic Council and director of the Academy of the Quran in Istanbul, says to "Al-Mujtama": "Proselytizing institutions, each institution concerned with spreading the Islamic call, are based on the principles of advocacy, guidance, and advice, within the framework of enjoining good and forbidding evil, to produce a righteous and reformist generation. The concept of good governance entails achieving a balance between the legislative and executive powers, the independence of the judiciary, activating popular oversight, and not separating religion from the state.

He adds that based on the above, it is necessary to establish independent proselytizing institutions separate from other entities and bodies, so that they are not confined to one side against another. They should enjoy the independence of religious institutions, serving the interests of the nation and uniting people to preserve what ensures its cohesion, such as preserving religion and identity and spreading the call. This requires influential preachers who adhere to a common approach that unites the nation on agreed-upon principles.

They can also return the call to the way it was during the days of the righteous Caliphate, where the rulers are held accountable by the entire nation, seeking reform, based on the arbitration of God's law and prioritizing it over all opinions. They should correct mistakes even if they originate from the highest levels of government, ensure the independence of the judiciary, and guarantee the implementation of what God has legislated for the benefit of the people and the country."

Douina: Among the goals of proselytizing institutions is the creation of an aware preacher who is attuned to the requirements of good governance Top of Form

Dr. Abu al-Hasan emphasizes that it is imperative for proselytizing institutions to play their role in educating the public with a righteous discourse that contributes to the creation of innovative religious leaders and figures. This contributes to creating a deep awareness that embodies the values that were present in the righteous governance between the governed and the rulers. These leaders are the ones who lead the proselytizing institutions capable of establishing the features of good governance by adopting a righteous discourse based on prioritization and understanding of reality, and systematically educating their audience about this discourse to solidify the values and fundamental principles upon which good governance relies.

Dr. Abu al-Hasan further emphasizes that the foundations of good governance have been clear since the beginning of the Islamic call, and hence its positive results were achieved during the stages of the righteous Caliphate due to the clarity of these principles in the minds of the companions. Therefore, it is necessary to present a model and example in adopting the values of governance such as justice and human dignity.

Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Dwayna, Professor of Arabic Language and Sharia Sciences at Sudanese universities, states to "Al-Mujtama": "One of the most important goals of proselytizing institutions is to create a preacher who is aware of the requirements of good governance. Just as they produce engineering preachers and medical preachers, we also find the strategic preacher who lays the groundwork for establishing governance based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah."

Dr. Dwayna adds that it is evident that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the greatest preacher who built a state of justice, freedom, equality, law, and brotherhood. All these principles and pillars are the foundation of good governance that builds individuals on sound scientific principles, shaping an exemplary society for the enlightened and integrated state in values, behaviour, and methodology.

Al-Sharif: Transparency, accountability, responsibility, and participation are essential characteristics of good governance Top of Form

Khaled Al-Sharif, the Libyan Islamic researcher, emphasizes to "Al-Mujtama" that it is necessary to define governance first, where governance refers to all the processes, institutions, operations, and practices through which decisions regarding common interests are made and organized. Good governance is a normative and evaluative attribute of such governance processes.

He adds that the basic characteristics of good governance are transparency, accountability, responsibility, participation, and responsiveness to people's needs. Proselytizing institutions are considered a cornerstone of good governance as they play a significant and important role in educating society and spreading the culture of good governance among its members, which relies on awareness of its principles, among the most important of which are:

• Democratic Institutions (or Shura): These are methods that allow public opinion to participate in policy-making, whether through official institutions or unofficial consultations. They establish mechanisms for integrating various social groups in decision-making processes, especially at the local level, and may encourage both civil society and local communities to formulate their positions on issues of concern and express them.
• Provision of Public Services: Reforms imposed by good governance in providing government services to people, according to the state's capabilities to fulfil its responsibility in providing basic public benefits, such as the right to education, health, and food. Reform initiatives may include mechanisms related to accountability, transparency, and public policy tools that consider cultural considerations to ensure the availability of services for everyone and their acceptance.
• Rule of Law: Proselytizing institutions contribute to legislative reforms aimed at improving the implementation of these laws and raising public awareness of both national and international legal frameworks, capacity building, and institutional reform.

Dr. Al-Lafi stresses the need to overcome the problems of detachment from the surroundings and the lack of comprehensive vision

• Fighting Corruption: In terms of combating corruption, the efforts of good governance rely on principles such as accountability, transparency, and participation in developing anti-corruption measures. Initiatives may include establishing institutions like anti-corruption committees, creating mechanisms for information exchange, and monitoring governments' use and implementation of public funds and policies.
• Proselytizing institutions play a significant role in combating corruption by providing good examples in assuming positions and performing tasks. They also disseminate awareness based on the culture of Islamic society in combating corruption. Therefore, proselytizing institutions have a significant role in establishing the features of good governance through their advocacy activities in society, by:

1. Spreading societal awareness through lectures and lessons about the importance of good governance and its requirements.
2. Contributing to the preparation of laws and regulations regulating good governance through state institutions.
3. Training leaders at all levels to assume positions in the state and be able to implement the principles of good governance.
4. Contributing to providing public services to the community, whether through proselytizing institutions or state institutions. These services should be characterized by meeting the criteria of transparency, integrity, and ensuring that citizens benefit to the fullest extent possible.

Dr. Saeed Mahmoud Al-Lafi, head of the League of Imams, Preachers, and Callers in Iraq, emphasizes to "Al-Mujtamaa" that for proselytizing, legal, and scientific institutions to effectively lead in intellectual and scientific development, they must adhere to two fundamental principles for success: first, having a clear vision in everything, both in general and in detail, and second, having conscious leadership that is harmonious and cohesive. Following these, a well-drawn plan to achieve the desired goal is necessary, along with individuals who are convinced and knowledgeable about constructive work.

He adds that this entails defining short-term and long-term goals. He points out that the reality faced by proselytizing institutions, their isolation or detachment from their surroundings, the lack of comprehensive vision, and the dominance of self-interest or those mentally and intellectually defeated within these institutions, are obstacles preventing them from assuming their leading and guiding role in establishing the desired features of good governance in our nation. Therefore, there must be a review of these institutions' goals and methods of operation to seek common ground among them for the benefit of society. Everyone must feel that every small or large effort contributes to the nation's well-being and the establishment of the features of good governance within it.

Al-Lafi emphasizes that many experiences have succeeded, wholly or partially depending on their circumstances, when they had leadership, vision, planning, and men, and when they participated in crucial decisions concerning their countries and their nation.

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Read the Article in Arabic

When the "Arab Spring" emerged, it seemed to mark the beginning of empowerment for the Islamic project and its movement, which appeared at the peak of its strength and presence. However, after internal and external conspiracies against this spring, and when the situation turned around, the Islamic project and its movement entered into a new ordeal. The Islamic movement was subjected to regional and international conspiracies like never before, with some regimes orchestrating massacres and arresting tens of thousands.

Islamic movements in different countries retreated steps backwards, preserving their individuals and entities. Consequently, the Islamic project itself retreated from being proposed as a roadmap for the nation's revival.

However, when the blessed battle of "The Aqsa Flood" erupted - which has been ongoing for nearly six months - it revived the Islamic movement and restored momentum to its project.

Therefore, as part of its mission towards its nation, "Al-Mujtamaa" dedicated this month's issue to "The Islamic Project... and Wise Governance", attempting to outline the characteristics of this governance and forecast the future of the Islamic project.

The future of Islam is a religion that no one needs to worry about, as it is the true promise of Allah, as narrated by His Prophet (peace be upon him), saying: "This matter (i.e., Islam) will keep spreading as far as the night and day reach, until Allah will not leave a house made of mud or hair, but will make this religion enter it, while bringing might to a mighty person (a Muslim) and humiliation to a disgraced person (who rejects Islam)." (Sahih Muslim).

The future belongs to the strong Islamic state based on the prophetic methodology, which no one fears for, as Allah Almighty also informed us through His Prophet (peace be upon him), saying: "‘Prophethood shall remain among you as long as Allah wills. He will bring about its end and follow it with a Caliphate on the precepts of Prophethood for as long as He wills and then bring about its end. Kingship shall then follow, to remain as long as God wills and then come to an end. There shall then be monarchical despotism which shall remain as long as God wills and come to an end upon His decree. There will then emerge Khilafat on the precepts of Prophethood’. Then he became silent.” (Narrated by Nu'man ibn Bashir)

As for the future of the Islamic movement, it depends on working according to the constants and traditions through which divine promise of empowerment is realized. Its future will only be bright with the efforts of its sons to reconcile differences, mend ruptures, renew ideas, means, and frameworks, and avoid mistakes. This will be a new start, perhaps God will decree through it a bright future for Islam, as a religion, a state, and a law, by its hands.

Read the Article in Arabic

Thursday, May 2, 2024

 Amir Returns Home After State Visit to Egypt

Kuwait to Host 3rd Strategic Dialogue

A Malaysian Delegation Meets the Director of the Endowment Funds Department

Endowments Secretariat Reveals 13th International Research Competition on Endowments

46th Islamic Book Fair Held by Social Reform Society

Amir Returns Home After State Visit to Egypt

 HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his delegation returned to Kuwait after a state visit to Egypt. The visit reflected deep and distinguished ties between the two countries and peoples, aiming to strengthen fruitful and constructive cooperation. HH the Amir sent a cable of thanks to Sisi expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality during the state visit. Both sides emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement between the Zionist occupation authorities and Palestinian groups on a durable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensuring unhindered delivery of relief aid to the Palestinian people under UN Security Council Resolution 2720.

Both sides stated opposition to the ongoing Zionist military operations in Gaza and plans for expanding the operations to Rafah, warning that Zionist malpractices risk expanding the scope of the conflict to other parts of the Middle East and jeopardizing the security of the region and world peace. They urged the international community to shoulder their responsibility for finding a fair settlement to the Palestine issue based on the two-state solution and establishing the State of Palestine within the borders of June 4, 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital. They reaffirmed support of the legitimate right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland, pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 194.

During the state visit, HH the Amir held summit talks with President Sisi on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of reaching an agreement between the Zionist occupation authorities and Palestinian groups on a durable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensuring unhindered delivery of relief aid to the Palestinian people under UN Security Council Resolution 2720. They also expressed unequivocal rejection of Zionist attempts to liquidate the Palestine cause and serious violations of international humanitarian law through forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their own land in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Kuwaiti side applauded the unprecedented development of Egypt in all areas and commended Egyptian efforts to improve the investment atmosphere. Both sides tasked competent agencies to arrange for the 13th session of the Higher Joint Commission on Cooperation, highlighting coordination and reciprocal support in international arenas. Both sides hailed the close political coordination between them regarding regional and international issues of common concern, highlighting the importance of promoting the culture of peace, dialogue, development, and coexistence, and favoring diplomacy as a means of resolution of conflicts in the Middle East.

Kuwait to Host 3rd Strategic Dialogue

Kuwait has been invited to host the third ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Central Asia in 2025. The declaration emphasized the historical relations, religious and cultural ties between the two sides and the prospects for economic cooperation, including enormous natural resources and promising investment opportunities in energy, mining, petrochemical industries, tourism, and others. It stressed the need to support consensual political solutions to resolve the crises faced by some Arab countries  by encouraging comprehensive dialogue and national reconciliation, rejecting interference in their internal affairs, and committing to respecting their sovereignty and independence.

The declaration condemned the continuation of Zionist crimes against the Palestinian people, the deliberate targeting of over 100,000 Palestinian civilians, and the systematic destruction of residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, and churches. It called on the Security Council to adopt a binding resolution to stop the occupation's aggression, shooting, and forced displacement against the Palestinian people and ensure the flow of relief aid to the entire Gaza Strip.

The declaration also called for convening an international peace conference as soon as possible, from which a credible peace process would be launched based on approved international references within a specific time frame and with international guarantees that would lead to an end to the Zionist occupation of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967.

A Malaysian Delegation Meets the Director of the Endowment Funds Department

A delegation from Malaysia, represented by Dr. Ridwan Bakar, Executive Director of the Malaysian Ministry of Endowments, Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Sheikh from the Islamic Council of Malaysia, Ms. Tamara Abrahamian, translator at the Malaysian Airlines embassy in Kuwait, and Rakan Al-Yaqout, a representative of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with Director of the Endowment Funds Department at the General Secretariat of Awqaf Ma'rib, Yaqoub Al-Yaqoub, on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The two sides discussed potential avenues for collaboration as well as their respective nations' experiences in endowment and humanitarian efforts. 

Endowments Secretariat Reveals 13th International Research Competition on Endowments

On Monday, the Acting Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Endowments, Amal Hussein Al-Dalal, announced the results of the winners of the 13th Kuwait International Endowment Research Competition.

Al-Dallal said, in a press conference: This competition is an important project among the 16 important projects undertaken by the secretariat representing the State of Kuwait. The “coordinating state” for the efforts of Islamic countries in the field of endowment at the level of the Islamic world, and it is held periodically every two years, completing 12 sessions from 1999 to 2021 AD, bringing the total number of participants in it to 340 participants from inside Kuwait and the world, in addition to those who participated in our glue competition for this year.

She added that the General Secretariat of Endowments was keen to direct thinkers, researchers, specialists and those interested in endowment affairs to the methods of modern and contemporary endowment topics that need further research and study, and to propose developmental treatments for the advancement of endowment systems, and from here the topics of the Thirteenth Kuwait International Endowment Research Competition came to express this approach. , by presenting 3 topics of great importance: The first of these topics came under the title “Violating the donor’s condition due to need or necessity... rootedly and branching out.” The second topic was about “The role of the endowment in achieving food security,” and the third topic was titled “Utilizing financial technology in developing and investing in the endowment.”

Lina Faisal Al-Mutawa, Director of the Department of Studies and External Relations and Head of the Competition Supervision Committee, said: The number of those who applied to compete in the “Kuwait International Competition for Endowment Research,” in its current session, reached 87 participants, including researchers and those interested in endowments, from various countries of the world, and this number is considered The highest since the start of this international competition.

The results of the first topic, entitled “Violating the condition of the donor due to need or necessity...in root and branch” were as follows:

– First prize with a score of 93% D. Sufyan Dhabih, from Algeria, and the title of his research is “Violating the conditions of the donor due to need or necessity - in light of ancient and contemporary calamities.”

– The second prize was shared equally, with a score of 87%, between: Dr. Iqbal Abdulaziz Al-Mutawa, from the State of Kuwait, and Dr. Abdul Raqeeb Saleh Mohsen Al-Shami, from Yemen, and the title of their joint research is “The Effect of Need and Necessity on Violating the Conditions of the Endowers... Rooted and Applied.”

– Third prize with a score of 85% D. Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmoud Al-Zaghoul, from Jordan, and the title of his research is “Violating the condition of the donor due to need or necessity...rooting and branching.”

The results of the second topic, entitled “The Role of Waqf in Achieving Food Security,” were as follows:

– First prize: Omar Al Mahmoudi from Morocco.

– The second prize was shared, with a score of 87.5%, between Dr. Abdel Rahim Bahmou from Morocco, Dr. Saleh Al-Mahmoudi from Morocco, Dr. Muhammad Al-Filali from Morocco, and the title of their joint research is “The Impact of Waqf on Achieving Food Security.”

- The third prize, with a score of 85.5%, was Rami Eid Makki Bahbah, from Egypt, and the title of his research was “The Role of Waqf in Achieving Food Security in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Countries.”

As for the third topic, entitled “Utilizing financial technology in developing and investing in endowments,” its results were as follows:

- The first prize was shared equally, with a score of 91.5%, between Rachida Rahmani from Algeria and Siham Rahmani from Algeria, and the title of their joint research is “Financial Technology and the Expected Roles in Endowments between the Necessity of Development and the Danger of Application.”

The second prize was shared, with a score of 88.5%, between Dr. Sayed Hassan Abdullah Hassan, from Egypt, and the title of his research is “Utilizing financial technology tools in developing and investing in endowments in light of the texts of Sharia and its objectives,” and Dr. Sami Muhammad Al-Salahat, from Jordan, and the title of his research is “Utilizing financial technology in developing and investing in endowments,” and Dr. Nobi Muhammad Hassan Abdel Rahim, from Egypt, and the title of his research is “Utilizing financial technology in endowment development and investment” (Digital Endowment Foundation.. Case Study: FINTERRA Endowment Platform in Malaysia).

 Al-Rahma International approved financial and administrative reports at its general assembly

46th Islamic Book Fair Held by Social Reform Society

The 46th edition of the Islamic Book Fair, under the slogan "Awareness is Shaping," was held in Mushrif, Kuwait, from April 14-20, 2024 AD. The exhibition featured around 120 entities and publishing houses from government institutions, public benefit associations, and educational bodies in 11 Gulf and Arab countries, Turkey, and Britain. The Board of Directors of the Social Reform Society, Dr. Khaled Al-Madhkoor, stated that the exhibition has evolved every year in line with technical developments and printing updates, introducing modern technologies that address children's mentality.

The exhibition includes activities related to students' educational, cultural, and other activities, expressing gratitude to the participating official bodies, led by the Ministry of Information, for its sponsorship of the Islamic Book Fair and the Ministry of Interior for facilitating procedures and overcoming difficulties for the delegations participating in the exhibition.

The Assistant Secretary-General for the Administrative and Financial Affairs Sector at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, representative of the Minister of Information, Saad Al-Anzi, confirmed that continuing to hold the exhibition throughout the 46 years is a message that translates the efforts of the Social Reform Society and an addition to the country's journey in spreading knowledge and culture locally and internationally.

Traffic Awareness Department officer in the Traffic and Operations Affairs Sector, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Abu Hassan, stated that their participation in the 46th Islamic Book Fair came to raise the level of traffic awareness among road users by linking the behavior of the vehicle driver to religious behavior. The Traffic Department is keen to deliver the correct message to road users.

The head of the Federation of Kuwaiti Charitable Societies and Organizations, Saad Al-Otaibi, said that the role played by the Social Reform Society through its establishment of the Islamic Book Fair and its keenness to continue it is a complement to the bright image of Kuwaiti charitable work. He stressed that the presence of the "Union of Associations and Enterprises" comes as an affirmation of the support of all the roles of associations and enterprises supporting the spread of science and culture in Kuwaiti society.

Namaa Charity, represented by the International Center for Charitable Work Studies, participated in the exhibition activities, displaying prominent publications of the Center for Studies in the field of the charitable sector, with the aim of developing community awareness of the importance of charitable work in the development of societies and promoting the culture of volunteer work among various segments of society.

The General Secretariat of Endowments also participated in the exhibition, with the Acting Deputy Secretary-General for Administration and Support Services, Amal Hussein Al-Dalal, stating that the participation of the General Secretariat this year in the exhibition comes to spread the culture of endowments in Kuwaiti society and introduce the achievements of the General Secretariat of Endowments.

The International Mercy Society participated in the exhibition, with the Director of the Society’s Public Relations and Media Department, Qais Al-Ali, aiming to enhance communication with the public by introducing the Society’s projects, goals, vision and mission, means of communication, methods of donation, and its various applications.

The Israeli genocide war on Gaza has entered its 208th day, as the Zionist occupation forces continue to commit a genocidal war in the Gaza Strip, by launching dozens of air strikes, artillery shelling, and bloody massacres against civilians.    

More Massacres in Gaza

The occupation continues its aggression against the Gaza Strip, amidst Zionist warplanes and artillery bombardment of residential squares and the vicinity of shelter centers, especially the cities of Gaza, Rafah, Deir al-Balah, and the Nuseirat camp, causing more martyrs and injuries, and the destruction of more buildings and property, according to the news agency. Palestinian (Wafa).

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the occupation committed 4 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, including 33 martyrs and 57 injuries to hospitals during the past 24 hours

It said in its daily report: The toll of the aggression rose to 34,568 martyrs and 77,765 injuries since the seventh of last October.

   The Resistance Attacks Forces Continue  

The Palestinian resistance continues its operations and confronts the Zionist forces invading several areas of Gaza, as the “Al-Qassam Brigades”, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), announced today, Wednesday, that it had targeted crowds of enemy forces near the “Holeit” kibbutz with a short “Rajum” missile system. The range is 114 mm.

Today, Wednesday, the “Jerusalem Brigades,” the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, bombed, with a barrage of mortar shells, a position of occupation army soldiers and vehicles in the vicinity of the Sheikh Ajlin area, southwest of Gaza City.

Extreme Poverty in Gaza

Today, Wednesday, the Government Information Office in the Gaza Strip issued a statement on the occasion of “International Workers’ Day” on May 1.

The office said: Workers in the Gaza Strip are living in unprecedented humanitarian conditions, with the unemployment rate rising to 75%, the poverty rate rising to more than 90%, and the siege continuing for the 18th year in a row.

He added that more than 200,000 people lost their jobs during the first 3 months of the war, including nearly 5,000 fishermen, as the occupation army imposes a stifling siege and prevents fishermen from fishing in the sea, and even shoots and kills them directly, noting that the crimes of killing fishermen have been repeated. During the war of extermination, those who were searching for a living.

He pointed out that the total direct initial losses of the genocidal war on Gaza amounted to $33 billion, as the occupation destroyed 15 sectors of work and life in the Strip.

New York Police Storm Columbia University

American media reported that New York City police stormed the Columbia University campus and arrested dozens of students in solidarity with Palestine.

While the American Association of University Professors, Columbia University branch, said: The university’s leadership bears responsibility for what may happen, according to Al Jazeera.

A New York Police spokesman said: The forces evacuated the campus of protesters within 3 hours and arrested dozens.

The police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the sit-in, arrested about 100 people, and evacuated the “Hamilton Hall,” which the protesters called “Hind Hall” in honor of a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was martyred in the ongoing aggression against Gaza.

Al Jazeera quoted American media as saying that police forces had arrested at least 1,000 people on more than 25 university campuses in 21 states since April 18.

Türkiye Sides with South Africa Against Israel

Turkey announced today, Wednesday, that it has joined the “genocide” lawsuit filed by South Africa against “Israel” at the International Court of Justice.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in a press conference held with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, according to the Anadolu Agency: We in Turkey have decided to join the lawsuit filed by South Africa against “Israel” in the International Court of Justice.