Sheikh Khaled El Gendy, a member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has warned about the growing risks of family disintegration and the decline of parental involvement in children's lives.

His remarks came during his appearance on the television program “La'allahum Yafqahoun” on DMC, alongside discussions about the 11th International Conference of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, which focuses on family challenges amid major social transformations.

89 Muftis to Participate in the International Conference

Khaled El Gendy explained that the conference, organized by the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide under the leadership of Grand Mufti Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, includes the participation of 89 muftis from around the world.

The conference addresses religious approaches to protecting the family, anticipating its future and preserving family identity.

El Gendy stressed that focusing on the family reflects the scale of challenges facing societies today, particularly amid rapid social and technological changes.

Khaled El Gendy Warns of Family Disintegration

The Islamic affairs official noted that family and social values have declined in some households, stressing that his comments do not apply to every family but rather address a noticeable social phenomenon.

He explained that some families are experiencing weaker communication and organization, creating greater distance between parents and their children.

In some cases, parents may no longer know basic details about their children's lives, including their educational stage or academic circumstances.

How Family Meals Once Brought Everyone Together

Khaled El Gendy recalled how family meals once provided an important opportunity for parents and children to communicate directly.

Whether around a traditional table or a dining table, family members had a daily space to discuss school, personal experiences and problems.

He also highlighted the former role of parent-teacher meetings and direct communication between schools and parents in monitoring children's academic and behavioral development.

Warning About Social Media's Impact on Children

El Gendy warned that excessive use of social media can negatively affect family relationships.

Although social media is designed to connect people, he argued that excessive digital engagement can sometimes produce the opposite effect, with family members becoming more absorbed in their phones and less engaged with one another.

He stressed that this impact can extend across generations, making stronger parental communication and guidance increasingly important.

Khaled El Gendy Links Academic Excellence to Reduced Social Media Use

The cleric also discussed the results of Egypt's top high-school students, saying he looked for common factors among some of the highest achievers.

He noted that one characteristic that caught his attention was that some top students stayed away from social media, while also showing an interest in religious practices, reading the Quran or memorizing it.

According to El Gendy, reducing social media use can provide students with more time for studying and concentration, particularly as smartphones have become deeply integrated into everyday life.

Rebuilding Communication Within the Family

Khaled El Gendy's remarks highlight the importance of direct communication between parents and children as a key element in building stronger families.

They also emphasize the need for balanced technology use, allowing children to benefit from digital platforms without allowing them to replace meaningful family interaction or interfere with education and concentration.

Why did Khaled El Gendy warn about family disintegration?

He warned about declining communication and parental supervision in some families, as well as the effects of social and technological changes.

What did Khaled El Gendy say about social media?

He said excessive use can reduce genuine family communication and may affect children's time, focus and studies.

How many muftis are participating in the conference?

The 11th international conference includes 89 muftis from different countries.

How did families communicate in the past?

El Gendy highlighted family meals, parent-teacher meetings and direct communication between schools and parents as important forms of family involvement.