By Al-Masry Al-Youm –
Al-Azhar has launched a landmark initiative to establish Al-Azhar Riwaqs within Egypt’s public universities, with the aim of teaching Islamic and Arabic sciences according to Al-Azhar’s moderate methodology. One of the most significant steps in this initiative was the signing of a protocol to open the first Al-Azhar Riwaq on the campus of Benha University.
The cooperation protocol was signed by Dr. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, and Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Deputy of Al-Azhar, with the objective of strengthening cooperation between the university and Al-Azhar Mosque in the religious, cultural, and educational fields.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdel Moneim Fouad, General Supervisor of the Al-Azhar Riwaqs, and Dr. Hany Ouda, Director General of Al-Azhar Mosque.
Dr. El-Gizawy expressed the university’s pride in hosting an Al-Azhar Riwaq on campus, stressing that Al-Azhar has spared no effort in supporting the university through its scholars and educational resources. He said this contributes to preserving national identity and moral values, while enhancing students’ awareness in confronting extremist ideas.
The university president explained that the protocol aims to strengthen cooperation between Benha University and Al-Azhar Mosque in the teaching of the Qur’an and its studies to both children and adults, the teaching of Islamic sciences, and the dissemination of a proper understanding of Islam’s tolerant teachings in accordance with Al-Azhar’s moderate approach. This will be achieved through various programs designed to instill religious values and graduate students capable of confronting trends and ideas that deviate from what is considered the correct understanding of religion, thereby contributing to social harmony.
El-Gizawy added that the protocol also seeks to promote the exchange of distinguished educational, pedagogical, and cultural practices and initiatives between the two institutions through frameworks of joint cooperation. This includes exchanging invitations to attend programs and activities of mutual interest, jointly preparing and training young people, supporting creative individuals, and nurturing talented students.
For his part, Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani stated that Benha University is the first Egyptian university to host an Al-Azhar Riwaq on its campus. He explained that this step comes within the framework of directives issued by Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, to expand the dissemination of Al-Azhar’s educational and religious mission throughout the governorates of Egypt through the Al-Azhar Riwaqs. These Riwaqs, he said, seek to promote the values of moderation and balance while building enlightened religious and intellectual awareness among young people.
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Translated from: https://www.almasryalyoum.com/news/details/4273153
