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.

-------------------------------------------------------------

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.

The Israeli genocide war on Gaza has entered its 207th 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.   

Series of Israeli Raids on Gaza

The occupation continues its aggression against the Gaza Strip, where 7 citizens were martyred and others were injured, today, Tuesday, in a series of raids launched by the occupation on various areas of the Strip, according to the Palestinian News Agency (Wafa).

The Ministry of Health in Gaza stated that the occupation forces committed 5 massacres against families, as a result of which 47 martyrs and 61 injuries were hospitalized during the past 24 hours.

In its daily update, the Ministry indicated that the toll of the Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip had risen to 34,535 martyrs and 77,704 injuries since last October 7.

A Turkish Tourist Carries out a Stabbing Attack

Palestinian sources reported that a Turkish tourist carried out a heroic stabbing attack on Tuesday near Bab al-Sahira in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, wounding a Zionist soldier.

The sources added that the occupation forces opened fire on the young man who carried out the operation, while the occupation army deployed intensively after one of its soldiers was injured in the operation.

Hebrew media reported that the perpetrator of the operation was a Turkish tourist, named Hassan Saqlanen (34 years old), and he died from his wounds, according to the “Palestinian Information Center.”

The Palestinian Center said that the resistance operations continue in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem as part of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” battle, which targets occupation soldiers and settlers, in response to their continuing crimes against our people and their sanctities.

A Message to the “Israelis”

Today, Tuesday, the “Al-Qassam” Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement “Hamas,” sent a message to “Israeli” public opinion about the reasons for the continued faltering of the exchange deal and the remaining “Israeli” prisoners in Gaza.

Al-Qassam published a picture of Netanyahu with the caption: “Because of Netanyahu’s political interests, your sons are still in captivity.”

The Death Toll of Israeli Soldiers

The occupation army announced today, Tuesday, that 10 of its soldiers were injured in battles inside the Gaza Strip during the past 48 hours.

The number of soldiers injured since the beginning of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” battle on October 7 last year rose to 3,320, including 1,593 who were injured since the beginning of the ground battles on the 27th of the same month.

In this context, the same data indicated that “514 army personnel sustained serious injuries, 879 moderate injuries, and 1,927 minor injuries.”

Regarding the death toll of soldiers, data showed that 608 officers and soldiers were killed since the beginning of the war, including 263 killed in ground battles in the Gaza Strip, according to what was reported by the “Anatolia” agency.

A Looming Invasion of Rafah

Occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to invade the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, noting, “The process of evacuating civilians from the city has begun.”

Netanyahu said that the evacuation of the Palestinians from Rafah has begun in preparation for an upcoming operation there, adding that the possibility of reaching an exchange deal is slim and “Israel” will not accept an absolute withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, according to what was reported by the “Al Jazeera Net” website.

He stressed that there was no change in the goals of the war, and that his government would not accept a settlement regarding Rafah.

Columbia University expels Palestine supporters

The student movement in the United States continues protests and sit-ins in several universities to demand an end to the aggression against the Gaza Strip that has been ongoing for more than 200 days, and to cut off American support for “Israel.”

A group of Columbia University students took control of two buildings at the university to protest the suspension of the studies of a number of students, after the end of a deadline set for them yesterday, Monday, to vacate their sit-in site on the university campus, according to Al Jazeera Net.

The American network "NBC News" reported that the administration of Columbia University in New York began expelling students participating in the pro-Palestine protests, according to what the "Arabi 21" website indicated.

Al Jazeera quoted American media as saying that the police arrested a number of students protesting in tents set up on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in the city of Richmond, in the west of the country.

At the University of California, the demonstrators roamed a number of streets inside the university, and were able to enter the “Royce Hall” building, one of the main halls at the university, to reach the sit-in headquarters, which was now surrounded by a university security fence.