Malaysia to host OIC scholars from 57 nations for gathering

PUTRAJAYA, KUALA LUMPUR, 3 OCTOBER 2026 —

Malaysia to host landmark Islamic scholars’ conference, gathering 270 global ulama from 57 OIC nations

Malaysia will host the International Islamic Fiqh Academy Conference from late November to December 3, bringing together 270 of the world’s most prominent Islamic scholars—including representatives from all 57 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states—in a move that underscores Kuala Lumpur’s growing role as a global hub for Islamic thought and governance.

The event, announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, marks a strategic effort to position Malaysia as a center for Islamic scholarship, leveraging its established institutions and intellectual ecosystem. The conference, to be held in Putrajaya, will provide a platform for local scholars and institutions to engage directly with international Islamic authorities, fostering knowledge exchange and reinforcing Malaysia’s standing in global Islamic discourse.

Dr. Zulkifli emphasized that the gathering is a recognition of Malaysia’s Islamic academic infrastructure, including its universities, research centers, and religious bodies.

“The presence of these international scholars offers an opportunity for our local community and institutions to benefit from their expertise and scholarship,” he stated during the launch of the National Da’wah Programme (PDN) 2026 and the opening of the Zamalah Residential Programme by Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) at The Pearl in Kuala Lumpur today.

The minister highlighted that the conference will serve as a catalyst for strengthening Malaysia’s role as a global center for Islamic thought, particularly in areas of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), contemporary Islamic challenges, and technological integration in religious discourse. “We must seize this opportunity to elevate our local scholars and preserve our Islamic heritage (turath) while ensuring our teachings remain relevant through modern tools and methodologies,” he said.

Details on the official opening ceremony and key speakers will be announced in subsequent updates, though the event is expected to draw participation from top Islamic universities, research bodies, and government agencies across the OIC. Dr. Zulkifli noted that the conference aligns with Malaysia’s broader strategy to consolidate its position as a bridge between traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary global issues, including digital innovation in religious education and cross-border Islamic governance.

The announcement follows Malaysia’s recent initiatives to enhance its soft power in Islamic affairs, including the establishment of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) and partnerships with global Islamic bodies. The upcoming conference is poised to amplify Malaysia’s influence in shaping modern Islamic discourse, particularly as the country seeks to balance its religious identity with economic and technological progress.

For Malaysian markets and institutions, the event presents strategic opportunities in education, publishing, and Islamic finance, with potential collaborations in halal certification, Islamic economics research, and digital da’wah platforms. The government has previously highlighted the economic and cultural value of Islamic tourism and knowledge exports, and this conference is expected to further boost Malaysia’s reputation as a preferred destination for Islamic intellectual engagement.

The conference’s focus on fiqh and contemporary Islamic challenges may also prompt discussions on regulatory frameworks for digital Islamic finance, cross-border halal standards, and ethical AI in religious contexts—areas where Malaysian institutions, including Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), have shown growing interest. Dr. Zulkifli’s remarks suggest that the event will not only be academic but also practical, aiming to address real-world issues facing Muslim communities globally.

The next substantive development will be the official program release, including the list of participating scholars, session themes, and any high-level attendees from OIC member states. The conference’s outcomes may influence Malaysia’s policy directions in Islamic governance, particularly in harmonizing local practices with global Islamic standards.

Related: Dr. Zulkifli Hasan