Ummah Symposium discusses social reform in Third Cultural Season

Organized by the Department of Research and Islamic Studies at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), academics from the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University (QU) discussed the topic of "Social Reform" during the second session of the Ummah Symposium.In its third cultural season, the Ummah Symposium aimed at reviving the concept of Kifaya obligations and exploring ways to address societal challenges and improve community development through collective responsibilities and initiatives.Speaking on the occasion, Director of the Department of Research and Islamic Studies, Sheikh Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanim al-Thani emphasised that social reform is crucial for nation-building, unity, and intellectual advancement. He noted that the speakers would discuss the essential components of this reform and how to activate them in society.In the first session of the symposium, Professor of Quranic Studies at QU, Dr Abdul Salam Muqbil al-Majidi, discussed the topic of collective obligations, explaining that they are required from all responsible individuals, and if some fulfill them, the others are exempt. He highlighted that collective duties are fundamental to societal and state development, ensuring public interests, economic growth, and national security, and emphasizing the importance of human dignity and development.Professor of Jurisprudence at QU, Dr Turki Obaid al-Marri, discussed the challenges facing social work institutions, which play a vital role in supporting marginalized groups and achieving sustainable development. He suggested reforms through enhancing administrative efficiency, governance, transparency, and community awareness of these institutions' importance.For his part, Assistant Professor of Jurisprudence Dr Yusuf Ahmed Ashir, offered a future outlook on how collective obligations can be activated to achieve community development goals and safeguard public interests.