Egypt's Mufti Dr Shawqi Allam has announced the establishment of a general secretariat of iftaa houses around the world.

The general secretariat will be based in Egypt, Allam said in a press conference Tuesday, adding it will act under the umbrella of the Egyptian Iftaa House.

The general secretariat will be tasked with exchanging scientific expertise among iftaa houses around the world, the mufti explained.

It will also study problems of contemporary life with the aim to offer solutions from the Islamic heritage, Allam said.

He made it clear that consultations will take place among Muslim scholars and preachers, noting that the general secretariat will group top religious figures from more than 20 countries.

Allam, who chairs the higher council of the new general secretariat, said an annual conference will be held to discuss important iftaa problems.

The first conference will be held in 2016, he noted.

Allam also stressed keenness on establishing an academy to train muftis worldwide.

International tours should be organized with the aim to convey the true image of Islam and its tolerant teachings, and to answer questions of Muslims, he further said.

Allam thanked President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for sponsoring the general secretariat, which was established today.

Sources: MENA