Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

 

In the opening session of the 15^th International Conference of Islamic Philosophy at Cairo University entitled "Prospects for Interaction between Islamic and Western Thought," Prof. Zaqzūq, Minister of Religious Endowments, described the so-called "outsider complex" and the ultimate appreciation of foreigners' skills is a very serious matter in the Arab history. In addition, he added that if Islamic civilization has experienced a decline from its period of cultural prosperity, it is natural to seek benefit from others. He stresses that it is absolutely essential for Arabs to free themselves from the prevailing inferiority complex and the corresponding Western superiority complex.

 

During his speech, Prof. Hasan Hanafī highlighted that there is now a new world paradigm. The West has turned into the future of others' heritage while Islam became a newcomer filling its spiritual gaps and one of the main solutions at times of crises. Hence, Islam has become the second most popular religion after Christianity, which, in fact, made Europeans panic and led to what is now known as "Islamophopia.”

 

Lastly, Prof. Salīm al-‘Awwā spoke on necessity of aiming for interaction between Islamic and Western thought—a goal he asserts is co-existence and nothing else. He specifically rejects that this goal represents any form of religious propagation.