The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb, Shaykh al-Azhar, received on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, a delegation of federal ministers of Islamic affairs and religious endowments (awqaf), along with senior religious jurists (muftis) from several Muslim countries. The political and religious leaders are in Cairo to participate in the 36th Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Egypt, held under the theme: “Professions in Islam: Their Ethics, Impact and Future in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
During the meeting at the Grand Imam’s Secretariat (Mashikhat al-Azhar) in Cairo, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb stressed the importance of the ethical use of artificial intelligence in serving societies and advancing human welfare. He called for the preparation of qualified religious scholars capable of engaging with artificial intelligence and modern technologies, emphasising the need to train young researchers in Islamic sciences to maximise the benefits of these tools while addressing their ethical and social challenges. He noted that such efforts are essential to ensuring that the Muslim community keeps pace with rapid global development.
The Grand Imam welcomed the delegation to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and to Egypt, expressing his hope that the conference would produce practical recommendations that promote the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence while raising awareness of its potential risks.
He reaffirmed Al-Azhar’s historic role as a religious institution with a strong social mission, highlighting its ongoing efforts to promote peace at the local, regional, and international levels. He pointed to initiatives such as the Egyptian Family House, which has contributed to strengthening social cohesion and countering sectarian tensions in Egypt. He also referred to Al-Azhar’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference and its international engagement with major religious institutions, including the Vatican, culminating in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity on 4 February 2019. The United Nations subsequently designated 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity.
Members of the delegation expressed their appreciation for the warm reception and affirmed their commitment to implementing the Grand Imam’s recommendations. They praised his leadership in promoting peace, coexistence, and human fraternity, and underscored Al-Azhar’s central role in countering extremist ideology and advancing an enlightened religious discourse.
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