Belmehdi souligne la nécessité d’une plus grande contribution de l’Université à la recherche sur les savants algériens
Summary of the International Colloquium on Ahmed Benyahia El-Wancharissi
On Monday in Tissemsilt, Youcef Belmehdi, Algeria’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, emphasized the need for Algerian universities to intensify research on prominent scientific figures from Algeria. This statement was made during the opening of the 2nd International Colloquium dedicated to Ahmed Benyahia El-Wancharissi, a significant figure in Islamic scholarship.
Belmehdi urged the academic community to delve deeper into the contributions of Algerian scholars, particularly focusing on El-Wancharissi’s influence on Malikite thought through his renowned work, "Al-Mi’yar." He stressed that recognizing these intellectuals is essential, especially given the challenges faced by the Islamic world today, which is often under scrutiny regarding its beliefs and doctrines.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders—including universities, revolutionary families, and media—to promote and preserve Algeria’s rich history. He remarked that every part of Algeria is intertwined with the legacy of martyrs, heroes, saints, or scholars.
Bouzaid Fethi, the wali of Tissemsilt, further praised El-Wancharissi as a pivotal reference in Malikite jurisprudence, pointing out the intellectual and doctrinal wealth of his contributions, which merit deeper academic exploration.
The two-day colloquium, titled "Ahmed Benyahia El-Wancharissi: Intellectual Heritage and Its Religious, Political, and Social Dimensions in Algeria and the Islamic World," is organized by the University of Tissemsilt—named in honor of the scholar—alongside the University of Oran 2 "Mohamed Benahmed" and the High Islamic Council, with participation from local and international researchers.
Sessions included both in-person and virtual presentations that illuminated El-Wancharissi’s educational endeavors centered in Tlemcen, as well as his input into Islamic thought and Malikite jurisprudence, particularly through "Al-Mi’yar." The colloquium also explored El-Wancharissi’s impact on legal, political, and social thought within Islamic society.
Detailed Version
In a significant event held in Tissemsilt, Youcef Belmehdi, the Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, called upon Algerian universities to deepen their research endeavors focused on the illustrious scientific personalities of Algeria. The minister’s remarks came during the opening ceremony of the second edition of the International Colloquium dedicated to Ahmed Benyahia El-Wancharissi, a prominent Islamic scholar who has made lasting contributions to Islamic thought, particularly in the realm of Malikite jurisprudence.
During his speech, Belmehdi urged a collective effort to enhance scholarly interest in the works of Algerian luminaries. He highlighted Ahmed Benyahia El-Wancharissi as a pivotal figure deserving of renewed academic scrutiny, particularly for his seminal work, "Al-Mi’yar". He emphasized that exploring the legacies of such scholars is not only a matter of academic importance but also serves to affirm Algeria’s glorious historical narrative. This exploration is especially pertinent in light of the contemporary challenges facing the Islamic world, which often contends with critical perspectives on its teachings and beliefs.
Belmehdi’s call for collaboration was directed towards various societal actors, including universities, families of revolutionaries, and media outlets. He stressed the need for a unified effort in valuing Algeria’s rich historical and cultural tapestry. Highlighting the deep connection between the nation’s heritage and its martyrs, heroes, and scholars, he asserted, “Every fragment of this blessed land carries the history of a martyr, the tale of a hero, or the legacy of a saint or a scholar.”
The wali of Tissemsilt, Bouzaid Fethi, echoed Belmehdi’s sentiments, recognizing El-Wancharissi as a key reference point in Malikite jurisprudence. He remarked on the scholar’s rich intellectual and doctrinal contributions, advocating for a more in-depth study of his work by specialized scholars.
The two-day colloquium was themed "Ahmed Benyahia El-Wancharissi: Intellectual Heritage and Its Religious, Political, and Social Dimensions in Algeria and the Islamic World". It was an initiative organized by the University of Tissemsilt—bearing the name of El-Wancharissi—in partnership with the University of Oran 2 "Mohamed Benahmed" and the High Islamic Council (HCI). The conference attracted researchers from Algeria and abroad, who convened to share insights and findings related to El-Wancharissi’s legacy.
Presentations during the colloquium took various formats, with some researchers attending in person and others participating via videoconferencing. The discussions centered on the profound impact of El-Wancharissi, particularly focusing on his educational contributions in Tlemcen and his influence on Islamic thought and Malikite jurisprudence. "Al-Mi’yar," one of his most notable works, was highlighted as a significant contribution, reflecting his scholarly prowess.
Moreover, the colloquium addressed El-Wancharissi’s influence on contemporary jurisprudential, political, and social discourse within Muslim communities. Scholars aimed at drawing connections between historical perspectives and modern challenges, fostering discussions that underscore the relevance of El-Wancharissi’s insights in today’s context.
In conclusion, the event served not only as a platform to honor a towering figure in Islamic scholarship but also aimed to inspire a renewed passion and commitment among Algerian academics to explore and propagate the rich intellectual heritage that Algeria encapsulates. Efforts like these are crucial in affirming Algeria’s historical legacy and its contributions to the broader Islamic world, ensuring that future generations recognize and appreciate the depth and richness of their intellectual heritage.
