
TWMCC Delegation Participates in the 10th 'Scientific Conferences' in Moscow, and Emphasises the Revival of Renewal and Ijtihad
- 2025-Sep-23
A delegation from the World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) participated in the 10th Conference on Bigiev Readings, held in Moscow from September 21 to 24, 2025, under the theme 'Musa Bigiev: Life, Heritage, Studies.' organised by the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia.
This international conference, with the broad participation of scholars, thinkers, and academics from across the Islamic world, coincides with the 1500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH according to the Hijri calendar, the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Islamic thinker and reformer Musa Bigiev (1875–1949), the 200th anniversary of the birth of Kazim Nasiri, and the 10th anniversary of the reopening of the Moscow Grand Mosque.
HE Dr Mohammed Bechari, Secretary-General of The World Muslim Communities Council, expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of His Eminence Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of Russia mufties Council, Chairman of Religious Board of Muslims of Russia and Secretary General of the World Islamic Forum, and His Eminence Professor Dr. Dhamir Muhiuddin, First Deputy Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia and President of the Moscow Islamic Institute, for their excellent organisation and sponsorship of this international intellectual and scientific event.
In his speech during the main session, HE Dr Mohammed Bechari, Secretary-General of The World Muslim Communities Council, conveyed the greetings of HE Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of The World Muslim Communities Council, and his wishes for the success of this international symposium, emphasising that it constitutes ‘a solid building block in the path of cooperation between institutions and a preparation for further scientific and intellectual partnerships that serve the present and future of Muslims."
HE Dr Bechari pointed out that the gathering of scholars and thinkers in Moscow represents more than just a historical commemoration, but rather a call to action for the meanings of reform and renewal embodied by Imam Musa Bigiev, explaining that this eminent scholar lived in a turbulent time, yet steadfastly carried the banner of reform and wrote more than sixty books and hundreds of articles, making science a bridge between text and reality, and thought a means for building the individual and society.
He added that Musa Bigiev's thought teaches us that religious texts are inseparable from people's reality, and that jurisprudence is not a repetition of statements, but rather an effort that evokes true objectives, emphasising that this reformist approach, based on combining authenticity and openness, is what the nation needs in a rapidly changing world.
The Secretary-General emphasised that reviving Musa Bigiev's thought is linked to the role of the modern nation-state in fostering diversity, ensuring citizenship, and protecting rights and freedoms, explaining that the renewed world requires incubator institutions, scientific spaces and strong partnerships with the state and society.
In concluding his speech, he called for transforming this scholar's biography into research and academic projects, such as compiling his works, integrating his ideas into curricula, and establishing joint research units between Russian and Arab universities to formulate a discourse addressing issues of citizenship, integration, and coexistence.
The Secretary-General of the Council concluded his speech by emphasising that this participation embodies the Council's mission to promote academic and intellectual dialogue and highlight the contributions of Muslim scholars in supporting the renaissance of societies and promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, considering that the Moscow Grand Mosque a cultural symbol reviving the mosque's historical function as a beacon of knowledge and dialogue.