Grand Imam of al-Azhar meets leaders of Worldwide Branches Of The Organization For al-Azhar Graduates.
On Friday 19 January 2018, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, met with the leaders of branches of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates, in Cairo, Egypt. The meeting with the Grand Imam was also attended by Dr Abbas Shoman (Deputy of Al-Azhar), Dr Shawki Allam (Grand Mufti of Egypt), Dr Muhyuddin Afifi (Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy), Mr Osama Yassin (Vice-Chairman of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates), Mr Abdus-Salam (Advisor to the Grand Imam), and Dr Abdel-Dayem Nosaer (Secretary-General of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates).
Addressing the attendees, the Grand Imam commended the work of the Organization saying that the Organization is playing an increasing role in spreading the tolerance of Islam and its central moderation, and working to promote the values of coexistence and acceptance of the other. Such values are based on the educational framework and ethos of Al-Azhar that appreciates pluralism and is rooted in a mature understanding of the teachings and values of Islam. The Grand Imam called on the Organization to intensify its efforts of collaboration in non-Muslim countries in particular in order to promote positive integration of Muslim communities in those countries, so that their future generations become active citizens contributing to the wider society, while preserving their identity and Islamic values.
Leaders of the worldwide branches congratulated the Grand Imam on the success of the Al-Azhar International Conference in Support of Jerusalem, pointing out that Al-Azhar has always been the focus of the nation’s hopes and aspirations. They thanked the Grand Imam for his continuous support of the Organization and his keenness to follow up its work and to hold periodic meetings with its members. A number of other working issues were discussed in the meeting, as a unique opportunity to have meaningful discussions with representatives from various countries and the senior most leadership of Al-Azhar.
The Vice-President of the UK Branch, Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari, attended and participated in this important meeting. Leaders of many other branches were also in attendance, including representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippine, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Comoros, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and others.
