The Faculty of Sharia at An-Najah National University held the fourth meeting in the series of the Academic Alliance for Interfaith Dialogue in Palestine on Wednesday, April 23, 2023.

The meeting was opened by Prof. Dr. Jamal Zaid Al-Kilani, Dean of the Faculty of Sharia, who welcomed the guests of An-Najah National University and affirmed the importance of continued collaboration and unity to foster a society characterized by goodwill, love, security, and peace.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Munther Isaac, Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, praised the academic alliance and the achievements it has made.

The session was moderated by Dr. Amjad Abu Al-Ezz, the initiator of this initiative.

Dr. Amer Joud Allah, Professor of Islamic Creed and Comparative Religion at the Faculty of Sharia, presented a research paper titled “Foundations and Components of Civil Peace and the Role of the Faculty of Sharia in Promoting Them,” in which he explained the principles of civil peace in Islam and their role in strengthening social cohesion and harmony among people.

In turn, Mr. Haitham Daeiq, Head of the Tourist Guides Department at Bethlehem Bible College, presented a paper titled “A Historical Perspective on Islamic-Christian Coexistence,” in which he discussed the role of Christian religious landmarks in promoting civil peace between Muslims and Christians.

To reinforce these concepts, four in-depth discussion circles were held between theology and Sharia students under the supervision of faculty members from both institutions. This segment was among the most prominent parts of the meeting. Discussions focused on “The Role of Religious Institutions in Promoting Civil Peace,” addressing themes such as citizenship and the culture of dialogue, identity and religious discourse, and mechanisms for joint action.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Isaac expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude for this partnership with the faculty members and students of the Faculty of Sharia at An-Najah National University, represented by Prof. Dr. Jamal Al-Kilani. He also extended his thanks to Dr. Abu Al-Ezz for his significant leadership role in coordinating the initiative.

Holding this meeting in Nablus, known as “Jabal Al-Nar” (Mountain of Fire), carried special significance in light of the challenges facing the city, the resilience of its people, and on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan.