Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Reza Ramezani, secretary-general of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, met with participants of the "Interfaith Approximation Course for the African Continent" and stressed the strategic position of Muslim missionaries in Africa and their civilizational role in strengthening unity.
Speaking at the meeting, Ramezani emphasized the importance of proper training in the path of religious service, saying that sound education is the main precondition for trusteeship in religious affairs and for attaining the station of "divine trustee."
He also pointed to Africa's vast ethnic, religious and cultural diversity, identifying two fundamental necessities for the continent: first, mastery of the etiquette of dialogue and interfaith engagement; and second, a transition from traditional methods of propagation to "innovative and creative outreach."
The World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought has long prioritized unity among Islamic denominations and dialogue among religions as central pillars of its mission. Its engagement with African students and cultural activists reflects a broader strategy to train a generation of religious leaders capable of navigating the continent's diverse religious landscape.
Hojatoleslam Ramezani further noted that Africa's religious and cultural diversity should be viewed not as a challenge but as an opportunity for fostering coexistence and mutual understanding. He stressed that Muslim missionaries must be equipped with both religious knowledge and cultural literacy to engage effectively with African societies.
The secretary-general also underlined the importance of using modern communication tools and digital platforms to reach younger audiences across the continent, warning that outdated methods would fail to resonate with a generation increasingly connected to global information networks.
At the end of the session, Ramezani reaffirmed the forum's support for the educational empowerment of scientific and cultural activists and for the publication of their academic and research works in the field of religious activities in Africa.
The meeting was part of Al-Mustafa Institute's broader efforts to train religious scholars and cultural emissaries from Africa, equipping them with the skills needed to promote unity and interfaith understanding in their home countries.
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