Latest news with #AlAzhar
Egypt Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Tunisia discuss boosting religious cooperation
Egyptian (R) and Tunisian (L) flags - file CAIRO - 14 June 2025: Egypt's Ambassador to Tunisia Bassem Hassan had a meeting with Tunisia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud to explore ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of religious edicts (fatwas), imam training, and exchange of scholarships in Islamic studies. The meeting underlined the depth of ties between Egypt and Tunisia, particularly the strong scholarly ties between Al Azhar University in Cairo and Ez-Zitouna University in Tunis. These ties were notably exemplified by the historic appointment of the esteemed Tunisian scholar Sheikh El-Khadr Hussein as Grand Imam of Al Azhar in 1952. Ambassador Hassan stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two leading Islamic institutions, recognizing them as beacons of moderate thought essential to fighting extremist and destructive ideologies. He also expressed Egypt's anticipation of hosting Sheikh Hichem Ben Mahmoud in Cairo in August to take part in an international conference organized by Egypt's Dar al-Ifta, titled "The Making of a Wise Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence." The diplomat highlighted Egypt's continued support for the Palestinian cause, adding the Egyptian and Tunisian leaderships shared an identical vision on ending the aggression in Gaza and reaffirming their commitment to consolidating bilateral cooperation in all sectors. For his part, the Tunisian Grand Mufti voiced his deep appreciation for the strong ties with Egypt, commending Egypt's sincere efforts in defending the interests of the Islamic nation. He also called for enhancing the longstanding academic and historical ties between Ez-Zitouna and Al Azhar.
Gulf Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Protecting children ‘religious, moral duty of society'
The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, affirmed that safeguarding children and preserving their childhood from exploitation and suffering is a religious, moral, and profound humanitarian obligation shared by societies, institutions, and individuals alike. On the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12, the Council declared that addressing child exploitation and forced labour is a collective responsibility and demands unified efforts to develop sound policies, enact stringent laws, ensure social protection and quality education, foster a culture of societal responsibility towards children, and intensify initiatives to combat poverty and ignorance, which rank among the leading causes of child labour. The Council praised the programmes and initiatives by various nation states and institutions that empower families and promote education, thereby helping curb this grave issue and fostering a safe environment for every child's healthy development. The Council's statement also emphasised that in Islam, a child is a dignified being entitled to care, education, protection, and growth in a secure and nurturing environment. Furthermore, the Council underscored the critical role of religious, educational, and media institutions in raising awareness and educating communities to combat this issue, actively shaping a collective consciousness that prioritises child protection which is especially vital in today's world, where wars and conflicts intensify the suffering of countless innocent children. The Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside the late Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church at the time, asserts that children's fundamental rights to family upbringing, nutrition, education, and care constitute a moral duty and responsibility for families and society. These rights must be upheld, defended, and guaranteed for every child worldwide, without exception. Additionally, any practice that undermines their dignity or violates their rights must be condemned, and vigilance is required to address the risks and violations they face in any form. WAM
Zawya
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President El-Sisi Performs Eid Prayer at Egypt's Islamic Cultural Center in New Administrative Capital (NAC)
This morning, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi performed Eid prayer at Egypt's Islamic Cultural Center (Masjid Misr) in the New Administrative Capital. Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the President was received at the mosque by Prime Minister, Dr. Moustafa Madbouly; Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb; Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of Defense and Military Production General Abdel Mageed Saqr; Minister of Endowments, Dr. Osama al- Azhary, as well as ministers. The Eid prayer was attended by a large number of state officials, with whom President El-Sisi exchanged greetings on this blessed occasion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Gulf Today
03-06-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Mohammed hails Egypt's record participation in Arab Reading Challenge
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praised Egypt's record-breaking participation in the Arab Reading Challenge, the world's largest reading competition, on Tuesday as over 19 million Egyptian students from the Ministry of Education and Al Azhar institutions took part in this cultural initiative. In a post on his X account, Sheikh Mohammed stated: 'The Arab Republic of Egypt celebrated its record participation in the Arab Reading Challenge, the world's largest reading competition as more than 19 million Egyptian students from the Ministry of Education and Al-Azhar participated in this cultural movement.' Sheikh Mohammed added: "Our greetings to Egypt's leadership, our appreciation to Egypt's students, our gratitude to all educators in Egypt, and our congratulations to the Egyptian winners. We look forward to welcoming them in Dubai next October, Inshallah, to celebrate their achievements alongside their peers from the Arab world'.
Gulf Today
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Ahmed officially opens Arab Media Summit
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, officially opened the Arab Media Summit 2025 in the presence of prominent regional and global leaders. Attended by approximately 8,000 professionals, the Summit continues to serve as the region's foremost platform for media thought leadership, policy dialogue, and the shaping of future narratives. Joining Sheikh Ahmed at the opening were Professor Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders; Dr Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon; Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and senior media leaders, ministers, policymakers, and content creators from across the Arab region and the world. Sheikh Ahmed toured the Arab Media Summit venue during which he praised the meticulous organisation of the three-day Summit and its various events. During the official opening of the Summit, Professor Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, delivered a keynote address in which he expressed his admiration for the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which has guided this pivotal summit that serves as a vital platform for intellectual and media discourse across the Arab and Islamic world. Collaborative Arab media strategy He praised the Summit's emphasis on the crucial role of Arab media in addressing the ethical challenges of a rapidly evolving and interconnected world. He expressed the hope that the gathering would result in a practical, collaborative Arab media strategy, one that reflects the realities of the Arab world and protects its youth from the complex risks accompanying rapid technological advancement. The Grand Imam warned of the harmful influence of certain digital platforms that promote messages distorting public taste and innate morality, which blur the lines between right and wrong, good and bad. 'We, Arabs and Muslims, have suffered from media reports and narratives that distort our image in the West by linking Islam with violence, extremism, and the oppression of women,' he stated. 'These narratives falsely portray Islam as a social movement or political ideology that promotes violence, fanaticism, hatred, and rebellion against the global order.'
