Book Review Meeting on “The Discourse of Islamic Sectarian Rapprochement in Egypt” Held at the University of Islamic Denominations

A book review session on “The Discourse of Islamic Sectarian Rapprochement in Egypt, with Emphasis on Al-Azhar University’s Role” was held with the presence of Dr. Manouchehr Izadinia, the author of the book. The session took place on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the conference hall of the University of Islamic Denominations, with Dr. Rasoul Zarchini, visiting professor at the university, as the critic, and Dr. Abdollah Farahi, a faculty member at the university, serving as the moderator.

Dr. Farahi opened the session by introducing the author’s academic and research background, stating that Dr. Izadinia is a graduate of Islamic history at the Ph.D. level from the University of Islamic Denominations. The book is based on his doctoral dissertation and he is currently a visiting professor at the university.

Dr. Izadinia expressed his gratitude to the moderator, critic, and his mentors. He explained that, based on his research, this book is the first of its kind to examine the rapprochement discourse using discourse analysis theory, particularly the ideas of Laclau and Mouffe. Key concepts such as articulation, signifier and signified, the logic of difference, chains of equivalence, hegemony, and full and rival antagonism are explained in the first chapter.

He elaborated on the role of religious scholars like Sheikh Mohammad Taqi Qomi and Al-Azhar scholars in founding Egypt’s Dar al-Taqrib, noting that the book consists of four chapters. The first chapter explores the background and factors behind the idea of rapprochement, including the reasons for sectarian differences among Shi’a and Sunni scholars.

He noted that the dominance of Usuli scholars like Ayatollah Behbahani over Akhbari scholars played a key role in the formation of Shi’a authority, enabling interaction with political leaders and Sunni scholars.

The second chapter discusses Al-Azhar University’s role in reinforcing the discourse of rapprochement, highlighting the contributions of its prominent scholars through educational policymaking and publications such as Risalat al-Islam and Al-‘Irfan.

Chapter three addresses competing discourses in Egypt and the Islamic world, such as Arab nationalism, modernism, and Nasserism, and their sociopolitical roots. The final chapter discusses domestic and foreign factors that have weakened the discourse of rapprochement in Egypt.

Dr. Zarchini, a Ph.D. graduate in cultural policy from Kharazmi University, praised the author's efforts while critiquing the structure, methodology, and content. He noted that the book’s specialized nature may limit its accessibility to undergraduate students and the general public. He appreciated the use of discourse analysis and argued that it is an effective framework for such a study.

However, he questioned the idea that Usuli dominance over Akhbarism was a primary cause of rapprochement, suggesting it may not fully represent all Shi’a Usuli scholars.

Dr. Izadinia responded by emphasizing that the target audience was not limited and that a future textbook version is in the works. He defended his view by noting that the Usuli movement helped create a conducive environment for interaction between Shi’a and the broader Islamic world. The session concluded with audience questions and expressions of gratitude to the author, critic, and attendees.