News

The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) is participating in the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair 2026. Organized by the General Egyptian Book Organization, the event runs from January 21 to February 3, under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

This year’s edition is held under the slogan: “He who stops reading for an hour falls behind by centuries,” a quote by the late Nobel Laureate in Literature, Naguib Mahfouz.

Throughout the fair, the Council’s pavilion showcases a diverse range of publications in both Arabic and English. These works aim to enrich the intellectual landscape and support the Council’s ongoing mission to anchor shared human values, promote the principles of moderation (Wasatiyyah) and tolerance, and foster dialogue and coexistence among various religions and cultures.

In this context, Dr. Mohamed Bechari, Secretary-General of the TWMCC, visited the Council’s pavilion. He was accompanied by a delegation of prominent religious figures, including Dr. Amr Wardani, Chairman of the Religious Committee in the Egyptian House of Representatives; Dr. Abdullah Al-Najjar, member of the Islamic Research Academy in Egypt; and Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash, Chief Justice of Palestine. The delegation reviewed the Council’s key publications and discussed its role in promoting intercultural understanding.

Key Themes and Publications

The TWMCC’s publications address critical issues regarding Islam in India, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian nations. They also explore the status and honoring of women in Islam, highlighting the leadership of Muslim women in South Africa and Andalusia.

Notable titles featured at the pavilion include:

●     Islamic Architecture, Arts, and Cultures in Southeast Asia

●     Islam in Southeast Asia: Principles of Jurisprudence and Creed

●     Bridges of Indigenization in Japan, Korea, and China

These works examine how local traditions and cultures have influenced mosque architecture in Southeast Asia and explore the rapid evolution of Islamic architectural styles in the region.

Promoting Moderation and Integration

The publications further shed light on the history of Islam in Southeast Asia, as well as customs and Islamic law in Indonesia. They highlight efforts to establish a moderate, non-sectarian image of Islam in China through literature and media. Additionally, they underscore the growing role of women in society, particularly those who have embraced Islam through education, marriage, or migration.

The Council is also showcasing:

●     Matrilineal Islam: Muslim Women’s Leadership in Africa

●     Indigenizing State and Society for Southeast Asian Muslims

These books examine models of how matrilineal practices adapt to Islamic norms in Northern Mozambique and Northern Ghana. They also research the interaction between Muslim communities and the state, emphasizing the role of institutional frameworks in supporting the successful integration and indigenization of these communities.

The TWMCC’s presence at the Cairo International Book Fair 2026 reaffirms its commitment to enriching the knowledge of readers and continuing its efforts to solidify shared human values while fostering mutual understanding across global religions and cultures.