President of Al-Azhar University to Imams of Africa and Asia: We are keen to prepare generations that raise the banner of moderation and reject violence and extremism
Dr. Salama Gomaa Daoud, President of Al-Azhar University, stressed that the call is the message of the prophets and messengers, and preachers carry a great message that aims to spread noble human values.
During his speech to imams and preachers from the continents of Africa and Asia (Sudan, Niger, Nigeria and Indonesia) participating in the training course organized by the Al-Azhar International Academy over the course of two months, the President of the University stressed that the scholars of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif have filled the earth with knowledge, moderation and balance since the establishment of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif until today, that is, in about (1084) years of giving in the service of all humanity.
His Eminence welcomed the preachers in the halls of Al-Azhar University, the cradle of moderation and balance, the destination of knowledge and the Kaaba of scholars, extending thanks and appreciation to His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif; For his care and attention to preachers and imams, noting that this care is an affirmation of the universality of the message of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, especially since His Eminence the Grand Imam always says: “Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is Egyptian in geography but global in message.” Pointing out that the great scientific activity that Al-Azhar University is keen on day after day reflects a great awareness of the necessity of preparing generations that raise the banner of moderation and balance and reject violence and extremism not only in Egypt; Rather, on a global level. His Eminence the President of the University stressed that calling to God – the Almighty – is a noble mission and a noble message, especially since it is the mission of the prophets and messengers, the mission of the chosen elite whom God Almighty has chosen to carry His message. God Almighty said: “God chooses from the angels messengers and from the people. Indeed, God is Hearing and Seeing.” (Al-Hajj: 75) Pointing out that preachers carry the lights of prophecy and convey God’s messages; therefore, they should always be aware of the fear of God – the Almighty – and awe of Him, especially since the legacy of prophecy is knowledge, and the Holy Quran made the blessing of guidance equal to the blessing of life. Therefore, you, the preacher, must remember that you are calling people to a blessing that is equal to the blessing of life.
The university president urged preachers to insist on calling and not to despair from the aversion, arrogance and flight they face, noting that clarity of purpose before the preacher and his conviction and belief in it are among the most important reasons for his success.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Mahrasawi, President of Al-Azhar International Academy, explained that the course comes under the generous patronage of His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and his directives on the importance of raising the scientific and practical level of imams and preachers coming, and emphasizing their pivotal role in spreading the principles of the Islamic religion, and the importance of providing them with support regarding dealing with various media outlets in general, and social media and new media in particular; To be aware of the current events and developments of the era, and to defend and talk about the issues raised with an enlightened mind.
He pointed out that the course includes four axes, including: “The Arabic language and its sciences, the creed and the foundations of religion, the axis of Sharia, and the axis of Islamic culture and media”. The course also deals with a number of diverse issues, doctrinal, jurisprudential, intellectual, educational, economic, medical and behavioral, aiming in general to qualify preachers to talk about the issues raised with an enlightened mind, develop their skills and train them on effective communication, and employ new media platforms in the field of preaching; to achieve the greatest possible positive impact on the masses, and confront and combat extremism, radicalism and misunderstanding of some concepts; to be the best ambassadors of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in their countries, noting that the Academy will be concerned during this course with allocating a number of materials and workshops; to correct some misconceptions and incorrect concepts; Such as the subject: “Features of the Al-Azhar Methodology”, the subject: “Doctrinal Issues”, the subject: “Sects”, the subject: “Correction of Concepts”, the subject: “Currents and Schools of Thought”, the subject: “Fatwa Controls”, and other subjects. To qualify preachers to be able to identify controversial and thorny issues of Islamic thought, and to research them in a serious scientific manner to determine the correct position on them, which contributes to reducing the ideas of extremism, fanaticism and terrorism, and helps in the stability of human societies.
Dr. Ramadan Al-Sawy, Vice President of the University for Lower Egypt, urged imams to be patient, especially since there are challenges that stand in the way of preaching, citing the example of the Prophet – may God bless him and grant him peace – who was described as honest and trustworthy, yet his people expelled him from his country, Mecca. Despite that, he said to his uncle: & … Pointing out that the call requires the preacher to be insightful about people’s affairs, and from here we find the Prophet – may God bless him and grant him peace – calling for the people of Ghafar and saying: “Ghafar, may God forgive you.”
Dr. Muhammad Abu Zaid Al-Amir, former Vice President of the University and General Coordinator of the Egyptian Family House, welcomed the imams and preachers to Al-Azhar University, pointing out that the most important thing to worship God Almighty with is seeking knowledge, and the preacher must be sincere in calling to God Almighty and be humble.
For their part, representatives of the imams participating in the course expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to His Eminence the Grand Imam, the President of Al-Azhar University, and those in charge of the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, stressing that they will be the best ambassadors for the moderation and balance of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.
