Qatar took part in the 11th International Conference organized by Egypt’s Dar Al Ifta and the General Secretariat for Fatwa Houses and Authorities Worldwide, held over two days starting Wednesday in Cairo. The event focused on the theme “Family Challenges Amidst Major Transformations: A Fatwa-Based Approach to Protecting the Family, Envisioning its Future and Preserving Identity.”
Representing Qatar at the conference were Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education HE Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi; Assistant Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Khalid bin Shaheen Al Ghanem; and Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi, Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute.
In her remarks during the opening session, Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi emphasized the significance of the conference amid rapid social changes affecting Arab and Muslim families. She described the family as a cornerstone institution grounded in Islamic principles of affection and mercy. However, she expressed concern about emerging challenges to family stability, including shifts in values and identity, disruptions in traditional human relationships, and the impact of the digital environment and cyberspace.
Dr. Al Emadi pointed to demographic trends showing that a substantial portion of divorces in the Arab region—ranging between 40 and 50 percent in some countries—occur within the early years of marriage. Additional issues highlighted included declining marriage rates, increasing acceptance of divorce, and complexities linked to modern parenting.
The Doha International Family Institute, she explained, is engaged in gathering scientific and social research to better understand family dynamics across the Arab world. The Institute has also established a strategic partnership with the Arab League aimed at translating research findings into practical solutions. A key initiative resulting from this collaboration is a forthcoming guideline designed to prepare individuals planning to marry by enhancing family awareness and helping to prevent value erosion and familial breakdown.
Dr. Al Emadi noted that the guideline will be officially launched in cooperation with the Arab League during an event scheduled for November 4 and 5.