Written by: Mohammed Omran
In a move reflecting the global role that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif continues to solidify in spreading moderate thought, the Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams, Preachers, and Fatwa Researchers celebrated the graduation of 44 imams from seven countries, after Program My training was intensive and lasted two months. It aimed to prepare preachers capable of keeping pace with the challenges of the age and combining the authenticity of heritage with the requirements of reality.
The graduation ceremony was not just the end of a training course, but a new station in Al-Azhar's journey toward building religious cadres who possess the tools of knowledge and awareness, and are capable of confronting extremist ideas with a modern language based on the moderate Azhari methodology.
The 142nd "Contemporary Preacher Training Course" was attended by 44 imams and preachers from India, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, Madagascar, Bangladesh, and Togo, a scene reflecting Al-Azhar's international status as one of Islam's most prominent authorities worldwide.
Preparing a contemporary preacher
The training program focused on developing participants' skills in communicating with various segments of society, crafting religious discourse capable of addressing contemporary issues, and training on the use of modern technologies and artificial intelligence applications in the field of dawah, all of which contribute to presenting the message of Islam more effectively and impactfully.
Dr. Hassan Al-Saghir, head of the Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams, Preachers, and Fatwa Researchers, affirmed that the academy represents a global platform of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and works on qualifying imams, preachers, and fatwa researchers according to a vision that combines religious constants with the requirements of the age, thereby promoting the spread of the values of moderation and tolerance.
He pointed out that the academy opens its doors to imams and preachers from various countries in the Islamic world, with the aim of providing them with the latest knowledge and skills that enable them to perform their mission efficiently, especially in light of the accelerating intellectual and technological challenges.
Exchange of experiences and cultures
The course was not limited to the academic aspect; it served as a platform for exchanging experiences among participants from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds. The imams discussed issues related to Da'wah in their communities and shared insights on the best ways to confront extremism and promote a culture of coexistence.
Al-Azhar graduates 44 imams from 7 countries to spread the discourse of moderation.
A number of participants affirmed that the program strengthened their conviction in the importance of representing the Al-Azhar curriculum in their countries, as it is a curriculum based on moderation and balance, far from extremism or negligence.
Participants also praised the warm welcome and the level of training, emphasizing that the course contributed to developing their ability to communicate with Muslims and non-Muslims, and to understand the needs of the communities in which they work, which helps them to perform their da'wah mission more effectively.
Between Heritage and Artificial Intelligence
Among the most prominent themes of the course is the emphasis that the contemporary Da'ee (caller to Islam) is not satisfied with mastering only Islamic sciences and heritage, but also needs to understand the tools of the era, foremost among them artificial intelligence and modern communication methods. This is so they can address the new generations in their language, without compromising the constants of the religion.
The program also emphasized the importance of combining a return to heritage books as the authentic source of Islamic sciences with benefiting from modern scientific and intellectual developments, in order to achieve a balance between authenticity and contemporaneity.
Ambassadors for Al-Azhar around the world
The course concluded with the distribution of graduation certificates to the participants, amidst assurances that the real mission begins upon their return to their countries, where each imam will carry the knowledge and experience they have gained to their communities, serving as ambassadors of the Azharite methodology and the message of Islam's tolerance.
This program comes as part of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif's efforts to enhance its global presence and prepare imams and preachers who possess scientific competence and the ability to confront intellectual challenges, thereby contributing to spreading the values of peace, coexistence, and moderation within and outside Islamic societies.
