During its first conference announcing its formation, a cultural institution in Egypt sparked considerable outrage among intellectuals due to statements made by Syrian researcher Firas al-Sawah and Dr. Yusuf Zidan regarding the late writer Taha Hussein. When Zidan asked al-Sawah who is better, you or Taha Hussein?, al-Sawah responded, "You and I are better than Taha Hussein." These statements ignited widespread anger, with Egyptian intellectuals competing to respond.
Egyptian writer Mohamed Adel stated that al-Sawah has his research and books that awaken the stagnant Arab mind, whether one agrees or disagrees with them, which is commendable. He also mentioned that Yusuf Zidan has some research and novels that can only be described as good, adding, "This is the contribution of both in the world of Arabic literature and culture." He continued in a post on his Facebook page, saying, "As for Taha Hussein, he is that giant who shook traditional concepts of confined thought and engaged in intellectual battles that opened vast and soaring horizons for the Arab mind and the future of its culture in his immortal book 'The Future of Culture' and other books that guided us," he added, "Indeed, he guided both al-Sawah and Zidan on how to think, resist, and develop."
Adel believed that the greatness of the Dean of Arabic Literature lies in the fact that his contributions did not stop at expressing opinions or writing books; rather, he actively engaged in practical life with vigor, establishing many universities, fighting for girls' education in Egypt and winning, and achieving numerous accomplishments that confirm that the value of Taha Hussein is not just in founding a methodology of enlightened Arab rational thought that instigated a revolution, but also in his practical contributions to the development of his society, accomplishments that no other Arab writer or thinker has achieved. He concluded by addressing Firas and Zidan, saying, "May God curse arrogance and inflated egos that prevent their possessors from seeing the truth."
**Al-Azhar Weighs In**
Al-Azhar also intervened in the matter. Dr. Abbas Shuman, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars and supervisor of fatwas at Al-Azhar, stated that the authority is monitoring the launch of the "Institution for the Formation of Arab Thought" to ascertain the truth behind what is published about forming an entity that undermines the tenets of religion and the values and ethics of the nation. He added that necessary actions will be taken after ascertaining the facts.
According to the "Taqwin" institution's website, the institution aims to place Arab culture and thought within new, more vibrant frameworks that connect more comprehensively with Arab society, building bridges of cooperation with various cultures in the contemporary world in order to pave the way for enlightened Arab thought grounded in a solid and balanced intellectual foundation. The institution seeks to develop a discourse of tolerance, open avenues for dialogue, encourage critical review, and question intellectual dogmas, as well as reassessing the gaps that have hindered the realization of the renaissance project that began two centuries ago. It aims to establish the values of reason, enlightenment, reform, dialogue, acceptance of others, and belief in the principles of global peace among communities, cultures, and religions.
The Board of Trustees includes several Arab thinkers, including Dr. Yusuf Zidan from Egypt, Dr. Firas al-Sawah from Syria, journalist Ibrahim Eissa from Egypt, Dr. Alffa Youssef from Tunisia, Dr. Nadira Abi Nader from Lebanon, and researcher Islam Bahiri from Egypt.
