Al-Azhar Alumni UK – the UK branch of the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates (WOAG) – congratulates the leadership of Al-Azhar University and all colleagues within various departments of the World Organisation on completing 17 years of spreading the true message of Islam. Originally set up in 2007, the World Organisation was developed and continuously led by the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, with the aim of connecting with Al-Azhar graduates around the world, presenting the pure, untainted and moderate image of Islam, and countering terrorism and extremist narratives by engaging with communities across the wider world.
The honourable Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, stated the objective of the World Organisation during its early developmental phase with the historic words: “Our supreme objective is the presentation of Islam as a religion, civilisation and culture in a pure and honest manner, distant from misunderstandings and intellectual and historical misinterpretations that have distorted the true image of Islam and have misrepresented the essence of this great religion in the eyes of the seekers of truth.”
In a meeting of scholars and elders at Al-Azhar University honouring the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the World Organisation, Shaykh Dr Abbas Shoman, President of the Board of Directors of the World Organisation and Secretary-General of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, reiterated the importance of the World Organisation in spreading the methodology of Al-Azhar beyond its headquarters in Cairo. He indicated towards another key aim of the World Organisation, particularly in the present era, which is to tackle contemporary issues faced by Muslims around the world by maintaining effective communication with its branches worldwide.
كلمة الأستاذ بختيار حيدر بيرزاده الأزهري نائب الرئيس لفرع المنظمة ببريطانيا بمناسبة مرور سبعة عشر عاما علي تأسيس المنظمة العالمية لخريجي الأزهر
On behalf of the UK branch, its Vice-President, Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari, issued the following statement:
“As students and graduates of Al-Azhar University worldwide, we are deeply inspired by the institution’s remarkable growth and enduring commitment to fostering connections with its alumni, who now number in the thousands across continents. Witnessing the transformation of Al-Azhar’s alumni outreach from a simple idea into a global organisation – recognised by the United Nations – fills us with immense pride and gratitude. We extend our heartfelt tribute to the visionary leadership of the Grand Imam and his scholarly, wise teams, whose guidance continues to shape this legacy. We also commend Al-Azhar’s tireless dedication to supporting both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, promoting understanding, and building bridges across cultures, including through initiatives like the establishment of its UK branch in 2012. It is a privilege and honour for my colleagues and me to serve under this noble banner. With a legacy spanning over a millennium, Al-Azhar remains a beacon of knowledge, wisdom, and unity. May its influence continue to flourish and its light illuminate the path of humanity for generations to come.”
[Photos: The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, during a garden reception held in his honour by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at Lambeth Palace on 18th July 2018. Senior scholars Shaykh Dr Hasan al-Shafi’i and Dr al-Mahrasawi are present, along with the Vice-President of Al-Azhar Alumni UK, Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari.]
