On the occasion of the International Day of Sign Language, a new initiative in training preachers and religious leaders was launched by Al-Azhar University at an inaugural event held on 23 September 2025. The event was organised under the patronage of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, in cooperation with the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates, the Islamic Research Academy, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Dr Muhammad al-Duwaini, the Undersecretary of Al-Azhar, said: Al-Azhar al-Sharif continues to develop its means to achieve a moderate message, in accordance with the correct interpretation of the Book of Allah Almighty and the prophetic practice (sunnah) of His Messenger (peace be upon him). He emphasised that Al-Azhar never ignores new developments and current realities but closely monitors them and adjusts accordingly. Explaining this he said that the launch of this initiative is evidence of this: to prepare preachers and religious leaders in the use of sign language. He further said: Students have the full right to receive Al-Azhar’s moderate curriculum in sign language which will enable them to achieve a correct understanding of the religion and fulfil their role as contributors to all segments of society and help them to integrate and positively influence society.
Dr Abbas Shoman, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates, said: Today clearly establishes the right to connect an important segment of our society; our brothers and sisters with disabilities. They are an integral part of it, and many of them are valuable and productive in the community development process. We hereby encourage them and support them to facilitate their participation in sign language in advocacy work. I convey to them and to all those who contributed to the launch of this noble initiative the greetings of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh Al-Azhar, who spares no effort in embracing all segments of society, from students to professors and preachers, in order to convey Al-Azhar’s tolerant and moderate message.
Dr Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, said: Islam has paid great attention to people with special needs and has been keen to establish controls and rules that elevate their status and integrate them into society while preserving their dignity, considering them partners in revival and re-building. This is achieved by guaranteeing their rights to proper education, culture, and the development of their various talents. Dr Nazir Ayyad announced the full participation and support of Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta’ in this initiative, alongside all the Al-Azhar organisations participating in the launch, as well as civil society institutions. He saw this launch as a means of complementing the developmental, educational, and advocacy roles in serving this important segment of society.
Dr Muhammad al-Jundi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy, said: Sign language is not merely a means of communication. It is a voice heard in the heart, a message read by sight, and a feeling translated through signs. It is the language of new hope and a path to reaching the summit, not resorting to despair and frustration. It expresses thought and feelings deeply. Today, we gather to elevate its identity and renew our commitment to a great segment of our society, to the users of sign language.
Dr Salama Da’ud, President of Al-Azhar University, explained that sign language is a universal language agreed upon by all races, unlike other languages and dialects. He indicated towards the presence of sign language in the Qur’an, through the words of Allah Almighty in Surah Maryam (Mary: Chapter 19), when the people asked her how she had given birth to a child without being married, so Allah Almighty commanded her: So she pointed to him. They said: How can we speak to the one who is still a child in the cradle? [Qur’an 19:29] The people understood by the indication of Lady Maryam to Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) that they should speak to the child and receive the answer to their question.
Dr Salama Da’ud also cited the prophetic tradition (hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in which he used sign language for further clarification. He said: I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like these two in Paradise and he joined his index finger and middle finger. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi] He said: Launching this platform, which serves a significant segment of society, is a great act of service to our children and to the entire world. Those who carry out this mission will receive a great reward, and their benefits will be passed onto all of humanity.
Dr Elham Shaheen, Assistant Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy for Women Preachers, said: The deaf have long suffered from limited access to authentic religious content. Most sermons and lessons are delivered in audio only, and they do not find preachers who speak their language. Some even believe that the deaf are not legally responsible, which is a misconception that we must correct. She emphasised that based on this premise, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif began nearly two years ago, serious steps to communicate with this noble group, through lessons at Al-Azhar Mosque and awareness videos. In sign language, online lessons have been offered to hundreds of deaf people inside and outside Egypt. Today, a bigger step is being taken, expanding the scope of the work and preparing male and female preachers who are fluent in sign language. Therefore, we must establish an integrated project to teach sign language to preachers, both male and female, with the support and patronage of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh Al-Azhar.
The launch event was attended by Mr Wa’il Mahmud Bakhit, Vice Chairman of the Organisation’s Board of Directors; Dr Osama al-‘Abd, former President of Al-Azhar University; Dr Ibrahim al-Hudhud, the Organisation’s Scholarly Advisor; Dr ‘Abd al-Dayim Nusayr, the Organisation’s Secretary-General and Advisor to the Grand Imam for Education Affairs; Dr Nahla al-Sa’idi, Advisor to the Grand Imam for International Students Affairs; and Professor Ahmad Abu Shouk, Secretary-General of the Arkan Foundation.
