Cairo: Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (AWQAF), and Vice Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council, emphasized the importance of grounding fatwas in the national context to maintain family stability while adapting to future aspirations. He made these remarks at the 11th International Conference of Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta in Cairo, which is focused on the theme 'Family Challenges amid Major Transformations: A Fatwa-Based Approach to Protecting the Family, Anticipating Its Future, and Safeguarding Identity'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference holds particular significance for the United Arab Emirates, especially following President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's declaration of 2026 as the 'Year of the Family'. This initiative underscores the family as a national priority and aligns with the UAE Fatwa Council's focus on family-centric issues and contemporary realities.
In his presentation, 'Family Fatwa and the Family of Fatwa', Dr. Al Darei addressed the necessity of assessing family transformations, utilizing fatwas to support family stability, and integrating specialized expertise and partnerships. He stressed that fatwa institutions must continuously update their approaches in response to rapid social changes and shifts in family structures.
Dr. Al Darei highlighted the crucial role of social trust in enabling fatwa institutions to bolster family stability. He advocated for the development of methodologies that can effectively address family-related issues with insight and wisdom. He underlined that safeguarding families requires collective efforts from state institutions and various sectors, with contemporary family fatwas necessitating an interdisciplinary approach that includes legal knowledge, psychology, sociology, and communication skills.
Looking ahead, Dr. Al Darei called for the evolution of fatwa discourse and the development of specialists' abilities to anticipate changes and monitor new phenomena. He emphasized the importance of engaging with digital and technological advancements and artificial intelligence in an informed and responsible manner to create 'family-friendly fatwas' that uphold values while adapting to contemporary needs.
Among his recommendations were strengthening institutional methodologies for family-related fatwas, addressing unregulated fatwas, revisiting the fatwa archive, updating content related to artificial intelligence, and enhancing specialists' competencies in various fields. He urged for greater collaboration between fatwa institutions and sectors like education, academia, judiciary, media, and community, aligning fatwas with national priorities and strategies to empower families and foster social cohesion.
The conference, under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, aims to explore the significant transformations impacting family life, values, relationships, and identity. Over two days, it will address issues such as digital and technological changes, challenges to family identity, the role of institutional fatwas in family crises, and economic, social, ethical, and psychological challenges, with a focus on the future of families and fatwa institutions.
The discussions will also cover the impact of social, cultural, economic, and technological transformations on family dynamics, including marital relationships, family stability, and child-rearing practices. The role of fatwa institutions, alongside religious, cultural, and educational bodies, in formulating informed and practical responses to these emerging challenges will be a key focus.