Amr khalifa
EGYPT
The Kingdom of Morocco is preparing to host the eighth edition of the “International Forum on Sufi Thought (Sheikh Ma El-Ainin).” The event will launch on November 23, 2026 and span three consecutive days in the historic city of Tiznit, drawing significant Arab and international attention from religious leaders, thinkers, Sharia scholars, and modern technology specialists.
This prominent intellectual event serves as a unique annual scholarly platform, bringing together an elite group of scholars, thinkers, and academics to examine contemporary issues and bridge the gap between spiritual values and modern technological advancements. The event is organized through a partnership between the “Sheikh Ma El-Ainin Foundation for Science and Heritage” and the “Global Academy of Moderation Scholars.” Both organizations have issued a formal, open invitation to their members, as well as to academics and researchers at large, to participate actively and contribute research papers to the conference proceedings.
This year’s forum is held under a theme that is both striking and aligned with global developments: “The Station of “Ihsan” (Spiritual Excellence) and the Rational Guidance of Artificial Intelligence: Obedience to the Most Merciful and Service to Humanity.” This theme offers an ethical approach and an enlightened Islamic perspective on the current digital revolution. The forum aims to emphasize the necessity of grounding rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technologies within a robust framework of human and ethical values derived from the Islamic concept of “Ihsan” (spiritual excellence) thereby ensuring that algorithms and software serve humanity rather than destroying its values or supplanting its spiritual identity.
The three-day forum agenda covers several key themes, most notably.
Sharia and Conceptual Foundations: Examining the intersection of the Sufi concept of “Ihsan” with ethical frameworks regarding data and artificial intelligence.
Behavioral and Spiritual Dimensions: Preserving innate human nature (fitra) and spiritual consciousness amidst digital dominance and virtual reality.
Practical Applications: Mechanisms for utilising modern technological tools and AI models to preserve scientific heritage and disseminate moderate, centrist Islamic thought.
Dr Mohammed Ajjan Al-Hadid, President of the Global Academy for Centrist Scholars, stated that the Academy continues its practical and intellectual efforts to serve the moderate Islamic approach and authentic Sufism through these specialised intellectual forums, held periodically in the Kingdom of Morocco and other Arab and Islamic nations. The President of the Academy of Sufi Scholars added: “Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword; if we do not frame it within the context of Ihsan and ethical responsibility, we risk becoming tools in the hands of technology, rather than technology serving humanity.” “Our role as scholars and thinkers lies in rationalising these technologies and steering them to serve as instruments for construction, fostering closeness, and spreading peace, rather than for destruction and rampant materialism.” Dr Maa El-Ainine, President of the Sheikh Maa El-Ainine Foundation for Science and Heritage, emphasised that the choice of this year’s theme stems from the importance of engaging wisely and consciously with global technological advancements. He noted that living Sufism does not isolate the individual from their era; rather, it equips them with the tools for sound guidance. Maa El-Ainine added, “The greatest challenge facing humanity today is not the development of machines, but the preservation of human humanity and sincerity. Therefore, the Foundation in collaboration with the World Academy of Moderation Scholars seeks to provide an ethical foundation for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. It also aims to present the luminous image of Islamic Sufism, which is built upon the harmonious integration of knowledge and action, precision and spirituality.” In the same context, Dr. Ali Maa El-Ainine, the Foundation’s Secretary-General, underscored the vital and pivotal role played by the Sheikh Maa El-Ainine Foundation in promoting moderate Sufism rooted in the Quran and the noble Prophetic Sunnah. He highlighted the fruitful collaboration with the World Academy of Moderation Scholars led by Dr. Mohammed Ajjan Al-Hadid which works tirelessly to uphold the banner of moderate Sufism and safeguard Islamic identity worldwide. Dr. Ali Ma El-Ainin added:
“The city of Tiznit, with its rich history and heritage, opens its doors to researchers to present a renewed vision that breathes new life into technological advancement. During the forum, we will witness dialogue sessions and discussions on high-level scholarly papers, through which participants aim to produce a document or ethical charter linking Sufi thought with digital transformation.”
It is worth noting that the Moroccan city of Tiznit is a prominent center of scholarship and heritage, inextricably linked to Sheikh Ma El-Ainin and his intellectual and resistance legacy. The forum is expected to draw a large number of academic delegations and distinguished Islamic figures from around the world.
