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The First International Islamic Civilization Forum, held under the theme of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment, has brought together nearly 300 scholars, political leaders, cultural figures, and religious authorities from more than 40 countries, united by a shared commitment to presenting the true essence of Islamic civilization to the world.

Addressing the forum, Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, described Uzbekistan as one of the brightest centers of Islamic scholarship and civilization. He emphasized that preserving the legacy of the great Muslim scholars while integrating it with the demands of modern development is of strategic importance for the future of humanity. He also noted that rediscovering the historic centers of Islamic civilization and harmonizing their intellectual heritage with contemporary progress has become a global responsibility.

Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (Saudi Arabia):

“First of all, it is especially significant that this gathering is being held in a land that is home to one of the greatest monuments of Islamic civilization, where some of the brightest chapters of the Muslim heritage were written.

I will not dwell at length on the Islamic legacy of this land, for it is already widely recognized throughout the Muslim world and is regarded as one of the greatest sources of pride in our shared history.

Uzbekistan is one of the greatest centers of Islamic civilization in Central Asia. Samarkand, the jewel of the Great Silk Road, occupies a central place in the history of Islamic architecture.

Bukhara, meanwhile, is forever recorded in the annals of Islamic history as one of the world's greatest centers of learning. It is inseparably linked with the blessed name of Muhammad ibn Ismail Bukhari may Allah have mercy upon him the Commander of the Hadith scholars, Sheikh al-Islam, the Imam of the Huffaz, and one of the greatest scholars of Prophetic traditions.

Islamic civilization was built upon knowledge, learning, and noble values. For this reason, it became one of the greatest examples of enlightenment in the history of humanity.

At a time when other nations were still searching for the path to civilization, the Muslim Ummah was establishing universities, translating scientific works, and teaching the highest standards of moral excellence to humanity.

Islamic civilization is not merely a collection of pages in history books. It is living proof that when faith is united with knowledge, history is written with light, and its achievements endure for generations.

This civilization bequeathed to humanity not only magnificent architectural masterpieces, but also a rich legal tradition, profound intellectual thought, and the highest moral values.

We know well and we are proud to affirm that Uzbekistan is not merely a country on the map. It is one of the brightest chapters in the book of Islamic civilization.

From Samarkand to Bukhara, from the Registan to the Shrine of Imam al-Bukhari, every historical landmark bears witness to the fact that this land is the legacy of a great civilization that established enduring centers of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment for all humanity.

The bond between knowledge and faith can never be extinguished, nor can it ever disappear. We are speaking of a civilization whose roots are pure, whose influence is profound, and whose benefits are everlasting the civilization of Islam.

Every great nation’s civilizational history serves as the defining title of its identity.

As we reflect upon this magnificent heritage today, our responsibility is not merely to take pride in the past. Rather, it is to revive the spirit of civilization in our own time through knowledge and righteous action, guided by the noble values of Islam.

In this regard, we wish to express our deep appreciation for the outstanding efforts of the Republic of Uzbekistan to restore, preserve, and promote its Islamic, scholarly, and cultural heritage on the global stage.

The contributions of the esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in this noble endeavor are truly exceptional. May Almighty Allah bless his efforts and make them a source of benefit for his people and nation.

We also highly value Uzbekistan’s strong ties with the Islamic world, particularly its close cooperation with the Muslim World League. This partnership has been continuously strengthened through collaboration with the League’s headquarters in Makkah.

We regard the opening of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan in Tashkent as one of the most significant scholarly and cultural institutions in the Islamic world.

Likewise, we highly commend the inauguration of the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand. Of particular importance is the scholarly work carried out there to research and preserve the rich intellectual legacy of Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Maturidi.

May Almighty Allah grant success to all those who serve these centers of knowledge and reward them abundantly for their dedication.

We also offer our sincere prayers for the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for his leadership and unwavering commitment to these important and noble initiatives.

I pray to Almighty Allah to make this forum beneficial for all its participants and to grant success in achieving its noble objectives.”