BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | October 29th, 2024 — Under the direction of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui presided over the official installation of Dr. Mebrouk Zidelkhir as President of the High Islamic Council (HCI). This significant appointment was commemorated in a formal ceremony, underscoring the HCI’s critical role in promoting a balanced understanding of Islam and safeguarding its core values against ideological misuse.
Prime Minister Larbaoui began his address by congratulating Dr. Zidelkhir, acknowledging the confidence placed in him by President Tebboune. Highlighting the strategic role of the HCI, the Prime Minister emphasized the Council’s responsibility to foster the genuine principles of Islam, ensuring its teachings are well-understood and shielded from political manipulation or ideological distortion. He underscored the HCI’s duty in clarifying misconceptions, thus preserving the religion’s integrity and promoting its enlightenment.
Dr. Mebrouk Zidelkhir is recognized as a “scholarly and religious luminary,” having dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of Islamic sciences. His extensive contributions to Islamic scholarship and education have established him as an esteemed figure in Algeria’s religious and academic spheres.
The installation ceremony, held at the HCI headquarters, saw the attendance of prominent figures, including Sheikh Mohamed Maâmoun Al Kacimi Al Hassani, Rector of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr; Youcef Belmehdi, Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments; Mohamed Hassouni, Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs, Zaouias, and Quranic Schools; and HCI members. This esteemed gathering underscored the profound significance of the HCI’s mission and the expectations placed on Dr. Zidelkhir as he assumes leadership of this influential constitutional body.
Overview of Algeria’s High Islamic Council (HCI)
The High Islamic Council (HCI) of Algeria, established in 1996, serves as an advisory body mandated to provide guidance on issues related to Islam, particularly through consultation with Islamic theologians and legal scholars. This council, a prominent institution, issues opinions based on religious prescriptions and submits periodic activity reports to the President of the Republic.
Historical Context
The HCI was created under Article 171 of the 1996 Constitution, which solidified its role as a reference institution in matters of Islam. Originally associated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments, the council became an independent constitutional body after the 1989 constitutional amendment, which shifted Algeria from a single-party system to a pluralistic one. This amendment also emphasized separating religion from political manipulation. The 1996 Constitution reinforced this by confirming the HCI’s status in Articles 171 and 172, giving it greater autonomy and a central consultative role under the President’s authority.
Mission and Responsibilities
The HCI is composed of fifteen members, including a president, all appointed by the President of the Republic. According to Article 206 of the Algerian Constitution, its primary purpose is to “encourage and promote Ijtihad” (independent reasoning in Islamic law) and provide religious guidance on matters submitted to it. As outlined in Presidential Decree No. 33-98 of January 24, 1998, the council’s duties include:
Addressing issues related to Islam, correcting misconceptions, and providing an Islamic perspective on spiritual and societal matters.
Reviewing and recommending adjustments to religious education programs to ensure coherence within the national education system.
Issuing and unifying fatwas across Algeria, and providing solutions in accordance with Islamic Sharia law.
Promoting Islamic culture, grounded in scientific rigor and open to global cultures, while resisting alienating influences.
Preserving Algeria’s Islamic heritage through research and publications.
Fostering cooperation with both national entities and international Islamic organizations that share the council’s objectives.
Organizing events such as conferences and roundtables to promote and clarify Islamic values, and publishing materials to highlight Islamic monuments and values.
Leadership
The HCI has seen a succession of respected leaders since its inception:
Abdelmadjid Méziane (1998–2001)
Cheikh Bouamrane (2001–2016)
Bouabdellah Ghlamallah (2016–2024) — Notably sparked a public debate in 2021 with his statement that “an Algerian can only be Muslim.”
Dr. Mebrouk Zidelkhir (2024–present) — Recently appointed, Dr. Zidelkhir is recognized for his scholarly contributions to Islamic studies and is entrusted with continuing the council’s mission of promoting accurate Islamic values and unity within Algerian society.
Through its advisory role, the HCI plays a pivotal part in ensuring that religious understanding in Algeria is both authentic and protected from misinterpretation, reinforcing the principles of Islam within the country’s social and cultural fabric.
About Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.
The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.
Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.
Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.
The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.
Stay Connected with Dzair Tube
Stay informed with the latest news, programs, and updates from Dzair Tube. Visit www.dzair-tube.dz, and for the English version, go to www.dzair-tube.dz/en/. Join Dzair Tube’s dynamic community on social media platforms.