African Ulemas Commend HM the King’s Efforts in Promoting Moderate, Middle-Ground IslamEarth Hour commemorated in capital

Rabat - Representatives of sections of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas, gathered on Tuesday in Rabat for the Foundation's 4th scientific communication session, praised HM King Mohammed VI's efforts in promoting a peaceful, moderate and middle-ground Islam. "Africa is witnessing a remarkable shift with the advancement of an Islam advocating peace, moderation and middle-ground, led by His Majesty the King", Sheikh Moustapha Sonta, Khalif General of the Tijani in Côte d'Ivoire, told MAP. The Chairman of the Ivorian Section of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas emphasized Morocco's role in countering misconceptions of Islam, suggesting that Africa should look to and draw inspiration from the Moroccan religious model, fostering greater unity through federating initiatives. Muhammad Al-Amine Touray, president of the Gambian section of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas, highlighted that the session's organization reflects HM the King's endeavors to promote peace, tolerance and so lidarity among African nations. Touray also commended the annual organization of competitions for Quran's memorization and recitation, sponsored with substantial awards, as a testament to the Sovereign's enduring commitment to the Holy Book's preservation and dissemination in Africa. The 4th scientific communication session of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas aligns with the Kingdom's commendable initiatives supporting the African continent, Touray added, commending the Foundation's solidarity initiatives benefiting the elderly, the underprivileged and individuals with special needs, especially during Ramadan. Shaban Abdul Majeed, Chairman of the Zambian section of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas, emphasized the session's importance in convening sister African nations, facilitating the exchange of experiences and perspectives for a peaceful and prosperous continent. This scientific session is part of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas' action plan aimed at organizing comm unication sessions led by the Foundation's Ulema members every Ramadan to contribute to fortifying and safeguarding common African religious tenets. The agenda for this two-day gathering includes lectures on Achaarite dogma, the preservation of religious necessities and objectives, as well as jurisprudential rites' genesis, origins and extensions. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse WINDHOEK: In a bid for environmental stewardship and community engagement, the Hage Geingob Stadium on Tuesday played host to the 'Give an Hour for Earth' tree planting event, marking Earth Hour Namibia 2024. This year's event was celebrated under the theme 'Give an Hour for Earth' and honoured Namibia's late President, Dr Hage Geingob. Speaking during the event, Martha Kautanevalli, Miss Earth Namibia 2023, urged participants to embrace personal responsibility in fostering a healthier planet. 'From opting for more sustainable transportation to energy-efficient habits, the transformative power of small daily actions amount to a massive change for our environment,' she said. Members of the public, learners, government officials and representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) witnessed the planting of a Cyphostemma Juttae tree, a hardy species native to Namibia's arid regions and known for its capacity to survive harsh conditions. The Cyphostemma Juttae tree was chosen as a symbolic monument to the late president, showing his enduring commitment to the country's progress in the face of adversity. Windhoek's deputy mayor, Joseph Uapingene, lauded the presence of youth participants and called for continued dedication to environmental preservation and education. 'It is high time that we are taught about our indigenous trees because they serve a great purpose in our day-to-day life.' Johnson Ndokosho, Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, affirmed his ministry's support for the initiative while stressing collective responsibility for environmental conservation. 'It's great planting a tree but we all need to plant trees and care for them to ensure that they grow to serve their intended purpose,' said Ndokosho. Source: The Namibia Press Agency