MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Aal Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Constituent Assembly of the Muslim World League (MWL), opened here today the 20th session of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy. Also present was Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulmohsen Al-Turki, the league's Secretary General. Addressing the session, the Grand Mufti praised the efforts of the league in the service of Islam and Muslims all over the world. He also highlighted the need for Muslims to undertake religious research and studies at the academy. He praised the manner in which the MWL has handled issues such as organ donation, matters related to the economy, social relations and family life. In his speech, Al-Turki thanked Allah Almighty for granting King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, good health. He also thanked the leadership of the country for supporting the league's activities. Al-Turki said that the academy was the first-ever council set up in the Islamic World. He said the efforts of the academy have helped to unify the efforts of Muslim scholars on Fatwas, or edicts. He said Islam has provided important tools for the resolution of disputes, including laws to govern the judiciary, arbitration and reconciliation. Meanwhile, participants called for the establishment of an International Islamic Court of Justice, as recommended by scholars at the academy's ninth session. They also discussed litigation concerning financial contracts which are being decided upon by secular laws. The paper on this issue was presented by Sheikh Ahmad Al-Marabet, Mufti of Mauritania.
