The World Association for al-Azhar Graduates, Dr Abdelaziz Elshnawy Street , Nasr City, Cairo (2026)

17/09/2026

Al-Azhar Condemns Attempted Attack on Mecca, Stating Holy City's Violation Provokes Muslims Worldwide
Al-Azhar ash-Sharif condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the attempt to target Mecca al-Mukarramah, the Qiblah of Muslims and the sanctuary held dear in their hearts. It affirms that endangering the Holy Land constitutes a heinous crime and a sinful attack on a sanctity exalted by Allah. Such actions serve as a direct provocation to Muslims worldwide, and al-Azhar warns against the grave consequences of further escalating the conflict to encompass Islamic holy sites. Al-Azhar emphasizes that Mecca al-Mukarramah must never become an arena of conflict or threat, underscoring that Mecca's sanctity is a fundamental pillar of the Islamic faith that must not be violated or approached with malice.
Furthermore, al-Azhar affirms that the security of the Two Holy Mosques is not a political or regional matter. Still, a core issue touching the faith of the entire Muslim Ummah. Targeting or endangering the Holy Land is a direct affront to the feelings of two billion Muslims and an attack on the sanctity of places toward which Muslims turn in prayer, journey to from every distant land, and unite around regardless of nationality, sect, language, or race. It stresses that safeguarding the sanctity of the Holy Land and ensuring the safety of its sanctuary and visitors is a solemn duty that must be respected by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, entirely removed from political calculations and regional conflicts.

17/09/2026

Workshop on "Protecting Youth from Digital Extremism" at “al-Azhar Graduates” Headquarters
Dr. al-Sharqawy to International Students: Effective Communication with Youth is a Bulwark against Digital Extremism & a Means to Strengthen Intellectual Awareness
The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates held a workshop lectured by Dr. Ahmad al-Sharqawy, Head of al-Azhar Institutes Sector, with the participation of 75 international students from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Benin, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Somalia, the Philippines, Sudan, Cameroon, Togo, and Tanzania. This activity came within the efforts exerted by the Organization to instill al-Azhar moderate approach among international students and raise their awareness of intellectual issues. The workshop is part of a series of scholarly sessions convened by the Organization to prepare international students to serve as ambassadors of al-Azhar moderate approach in their home countries.
Dr. Ahmad al-Sharqawy affirmed that effective communication with youth is one of the most important means of protecting them from extremist ideas they may encounter online. He noted that sustained dialogue among the family, the educational institution and students contributes to building a balanced personality capable of distinguishing between sound and deviant ideas.
He explained the concept of digital extremism and its various forms, underlining that some groups and online platforms exploit social media to spread extremist ideas and recruit youth through misleading content or discourse that incites hatred and violence. This requires strengthening communication with them and raising their awareness of these risks, thereby helping to build their intellectual resilience.
He stressed the importance of developing students' digital awareness and teaching them how to engage consciously with content published online, avoiding being swept along by rumors or information from unknown sources, while emphasizing the importance of verifying the sources of information before believing or circulating it.
The Head of the al-Azhar Institutes Sector highlighted the pivotal role played by al-Azhar ash-Sharif and its institutes in building students' awareness and instilling the values of moderation, tolerance and acceptance of others through educational curricula and cultural and educational activities, which helps build the intellectual and moral resilience of young people. He stressed the role of al-Azhar's institutions, including the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, in carrying out such workshops targeting international students from various countries around the world.
He also affirmed that the family is a fundamental partner in protecting and guiding children, by directing them toward acquiring beneficial knowledge and instilling in them values of goodness and love of society. This will help to prepare generations capable of positive participation in the development of their communities and the preservation of their unity.
Al-Sharqawy explained that al-Azhar institutes are working on developing awareness programs on the dangers of digital extremism, aimed at developing students' critical thinking skills and information-verification abilities, strengthening ongoing dialogue among students, teachers and parents, and raising awareness of the risks of anonymous accounts and online sources, alongside efforts to employ social media in spreading moderate thinking.

16/09/2026

President of India's Siraj Al-Huda University Visits World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates, Commends Sheikh Zayed Center

Major General Wael Bakheet, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, received His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Thaqafi, President of Siraj al-Huda University in India. He was accompanied by Mr. Mohammad Abdul Rahman al-Azhari, the University's Director General, and Dr. Ali Mkhaimer, President of the Association of Renewal of Scientific Miracles in the Quran and Sunnah. The meeting aimed to strengthen academic and cultural cooperation and discuss ways to support international students and those studying the Arabic language and Islamic sciences.
During the visit, the President of Siraj al-Huda University conducted an inspection tour inside the organization's headquarters and Sheikh Zayed Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers to learn about the latest techniques and curricula used in teaching Arabic, in accordance with al-Azhar curriculum.
For his part, the President of Siraj al-Huda University commended the role played by the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates in disseminating the Azhari moderate approach, combating extremist ideologies, and nurturing the youth of the Muslim world. He also expressed his admiration for the role played by Sheikh Zayed Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers, particularly its outstanding academic standards and advanced infrastructure. He emphasized that it serves as a unique model in empowering non-native Arabic-speaking students to master the language of the Holy Quran.
The discussions covered mechanisms for strengthening cooperation between the two parties, the exchange of educational experiences, and the expansion of training programs offered by the organization to imams, preachers, and students.
At the conclusion of the visit, the President of Siraj al-Huda University expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of al-Azhar ash-Sharif, under the leadership of His Eminence the Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, Sheikh of al-Azhar, in spreading moderation across the globe. He emphasized that al-Azhar ash-Sharif will remain a beacon of moderation, tolerance, and balance, calling for continued coordination and fruitful cooperation to serve the causes of education and the Muslim Ummah.

09/09/2026

Al-Azhar Condemns the Crime of Tearing Up the Mus-haf in New York by a Right-Wing Extremist... and Affirms: There Is No Freedom in Violating the Sanctities of Muslims
Al-Azhar ash-Sharif condemns the crime of tearing up a copy of the Holy Quran, committed by an American right-wing extremist inside a church in the city of New York, United States. Al-Azhar stresses that this heinous crime is an explicit form of extremism, terrorism, and a deliberate provocation of the sentiments of Muslims in the United States and worldwide. Such dreadful act can, in no way, be accepted or justified under the guise of so-called freedom of expression, which is only invoked when it comes to the sanctities of Muslims. There is no freedom in violating the sanctities of others or insulting their religious beliefs and symbols.

Al-Azhar affirms that Allah Almighty has pledged to preserve His Noble Book from the enemies of Islam, humanity and peace, and that the Holy Quran will remain in its sublime loftiness, a book guiding humanity and illuminating its path toward the values of goodness, truth, and beauty; indeed, its sanctity can neither be diminished by the malice of spiteful ones, nor by the actions of those consumed by fanaticism, malice, and hostility, nor by the sick souls of those with dark records of spreading chaos, hatred, and undermining the security and stability of societies.

Al-Azhar further asserts that this crime demonstrates the growing tide of Islamophobia, hostility towards Muslims, white nationalist tendencies and white supremacist rhetoric adopted by far-right movements, accompanied by incitement to hatred and violence against Muslims. Al-Azhar underscores that terrorism and extremism are not associated with any religion or ethnicity, and that confronting extremism requires condemning all its forms without selectivity or double standards.

Al-Azhar denounces the exploitation of places of worship to commit such inflammatory actions, underlining that places of worship must remain spaces dedicated to peace, prayer, coexistence and acceptance of others, not arenas for insulting religious ‎sanctities or inciting hatred. Al-Azhar calls for an urgent investigation and accountability for the extremist who committed this crime, as well as anyone who participated, incited or facilitated it, and applying the law against them without leniency.
Al-Azhar, thereby, warns that tolerance of hate crimes only encourages their recurrence, stressing that respecting religious sanctities and protecting their followers from incitement and hatred is an inherent responsibility that must be upheld by all.

08/09/2026

President of Al-Azhar Graduates Organization and Secretary-General of Senior Scholars Council Attends International Symposium in Jeddah
His Eminence Prof. Abbas Shouman, President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates and Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars at al-Azhar ash-Sharif, participated on Monday, 25 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH (7 September 2026), in the international symposium titled "The Role of Religious Leaders in Confronting Violence Against Women." The event was organized by the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in cooperation with the Muslim World League, featuring a distinguished group of senior scholars, researchers, and religious leaders.
The symposium highlights the crucial role of religious leaders in combating violence against women, upholding the values of mercy and justice, safeguarding human dignity, and fostering family and social stability.

01/09/2026

“Al-Azhar Graduates” Discusses Youth Identity Crisis between Religious Constants & Contemporary Cultural Shifts
Dr. Ahmad al-Sharkawy: Islamic Identity Rests on Fixed Principles While Achieving Balance with the Variables of the Age
The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates convened a workshop themed: "The Identity Crisis Among Youth: Between Religious Constants and Contemporary Cultural Shifts". The workshop was lectured by Dr. Ahmad al-Sharkawy, Head of al-Azhar Institutes Sector, with the participation of 50 international students from Nigeria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Togo, the Philippines, Algeria, Mali and Guinea. This workshop came as part of the efforts exerted by the Organization to instill al-Azhar moderate approach among international students and strengthen their awareness of contemporary intellectual issues.
The workshop is part of a series of scholarly sessions held by the Organization to support the moderation of Islam, to instill al-Azhar thought in the minds of international students and to prepare them to serve as ambassadors of al-Azhar moderate approach in their home countries, in order to strengthen their capacity to deal consciously with intellectual issues and contemporary challenges.
Dr. Ahmad al-Sharkawy affirmed that Islamic identity consists of a set of unchanging constants, explaining that the emerging events and life circumstances are linked to the necessity of achieving a balance between what is fixed and what is variable, in a manner suited to the nature of the age and the conditions in which people currently live.
He explained that Islamic law (Sharia) has established a number of unchanging foundations that achieve balance in human life, contribute to the development and cultivation of the world and establish the rules of coexistence within different communities. He noted that among the most prominent of these foundations are: honor, excellence, dignity, the system of rights and the system of religious obligations.
Al-Sharkawy pointed out that the message of Islam, as the final message, came as a message of peace for all humanity, and that religious rulings are based on evidence and proof; in cases of deception or fraud, responsibility and sin totally fall upon whoever committed them intentionally.

He added that the higher objectives (Maqasid) of Sharia rest on: the preservation of religion, life, intellect, honor and wealth; thus affirming that Sharia was revealed to secure human welfare and protect the stability of societies. He explained that these objectives unite rather than divide, as they call for the establishment of rules of coexistence and the acceptance of diversity within a framework of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The Head of al-Azhar Institutes Sector affirmed that awareness of these principles represents one of the vital means to confront extremist and radical ideas, whether those disseminated by enemies of Islam or those adopted by certain individuals affiliated with Islam who hold extremist or terrorist ideas. He further underlined the need to present a correct understanding of the principles of Islam based on moderation and balance.
In closing the workshop, Dr. Ahmad al-Sharkawy affirmed that the international students joining al-Azhar ash-Sharif are seen as ambassadors of its moderate approach worldwide. He called upon them to bear their responsibility in protecting their home countries from any manifestations of division and discord and to work toward establishing rules of coexistence and spreading the values of tolerance and moderation, thereby reflecting the tolerant message of Islam and the principles of al-Azhar moderate approach.

31/08/2026

Under the Auspices of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Launching the 3rd Edition of the World Day for Quranic Recitation
Foreign and Local Branches of Al-Azhar Graduates Participate in the 3rd World Day of Quranic Recitation

On Sunday morning, the 3rd edition of the "World Day for Quranic Recitation" was launched under the generous patronage of His Eminence the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb. Organized by the General Administration for Holy Quran Affairs within al-Azhar Institutes Sector, the event brought together hundreds of thousands of Quran reciters across Egypt's governorates and in numerous countries worldwide.
Sheikh Ayman Abdulghani, Deputy of al-Azhar, emphasized that this event serves as a solemn occasion to renew spiritual connection with the Book of Allah and gather families across generations around its teachings. He noted that the initiative’s widespread local and global reach highlights al-Azhar’s leading role in serving the Holy Quran, as well as its unwavering commitment to preserving Islamic identity and instilling Quranic values and morals worldwide.
For his part, Dr. Ahmad al-Sharqawi, Head of al-Azhar Institutes Sector, explained that the "World Day for Quranic Recitation" is the culmination of ongoing efforts to support memorizers of the Holy Quran and inspire youth to master its recitation. He noted that al-Azhar Institutes Sector mobilized all its resources, in coordination with various Azhari departments and partner entities, to present an inspiring model that honors the Book of Allah and spreads its message of tolerance worldwide.
For his part, Dr. Abu al-Yazid Salama, Head of the Central Administration for Educational Affairs at al-Azhar Institutes Sector, noted that preparations for this day involved establishing a precise operational plan to accommodate large numbers of continuous reciters (Saridin) and memorization teachers across various venues. He emphasized that Quranic Sard (uninterrupted recitation from memory) represents a pioneering scholarly methodology designed to consolidate memorization, perfect recitation, and revive the Sunnah of Quranic study, ultimately fulfilling the educational and spiritual goals pursued by al-Azhar ash-Sharif and its various sectors
It is worth mentioning that the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates is actively participating in this global event through its branches across Egypt and abroad. Bringing together participants of all ages, the initiative fosters an inspiring atmosphere of healthy competition among continuous reciters (Saridin) in the noble pursuit of Quranic memorization and recitation.
This year’s event marks a qualitative leap and a major expansion in scope. For the first time, al-Azhar Mosque opened its doors to accommodate reciters (Saridin), alongside local and international Azhari institutes, regional centers, and global branches of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, all uniting simultaneously in uninterrupted, continuous recitation from memory.
This year's edition is also highlighted by active participation and seamless coordination with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf), the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, Dar Al-Iftaa, and civil society organizations. This synergy reflects the unified efforts of state institutions to encourage youth to memorize, master, and reflect upon the Holy Quran.
The initiative continues its remarkable growth for the third year in a row. After launching in its first edition with about 6,000 participants, participation exceeded 100,000 in its second year, reaching widespread local and global reach today. This achievement highlights the leadership of al-Azhar ash-Sharif and reflects how firmly the Book of Allah is rooted in the conscience of the Ummah.

31/08/2026

Al-Azhar Graduates Builds International Students' Awareness of AI Risks
Dr. Hamdallah As-Safti: AI Is a Tool of Knowledge, Not a Replacement for Human Thought
As part of its efforts to promote the moderate Azhari approach and raise awareness of contemporary intellectual issues among international students, the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates held a workshop titled “Youth and the Consciousness Industry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Lectured by organization member Dr. Hamdallah as-Safti, the workshop brought together 50 international students representing 11 countries, including Nigeria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Togo, the Philippines, Algeria, Mali, and Guinea.
The workshop is part of an ongoing series of scholarly workshops to promote moderate Islamic values and instill core Azhari thought among international students. By equipping participants to serve as ambassadors of moderation in their home countries, the program aims to enhance their capacity to navigate complex intellectual issues and contemporary challenges with critical awareness.
During the workshop, Dr. Hamdallah as-Safti emphasized that artificial intelligence has become a major force in daily life, particularly as a primary tool for seeking knowledge and information. However, he stressed the urgent need for individuals to engage with AI critically and consciously, cautioning against total reliance on it.
He warned that searching for information via AI without foundational knowledge or source-checking skills leaves users vulnerable to fake news, deepfakes, and manipulated media. He noted that technological progress does not guarantee accuracy, and AI outputs are far from infallible.
Furthermore, Dr. as-Safti pointed out that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are fundamentally industrial tools reliant on data storage and processing. In contrast, genuine creativity and innovation remain uniquely human capabilities. He stressed that humanity, with its capacity for original thought, imagination, and conceptual reasoning, remains the true basis of all meaningful progress and innovation.
He stressed that individuals must preserve their capacity for critical thinking, analysis, and innovation rather than surrendering entirely to machine-generated solutions. In addition, he warned that overreliance on artificial intelligence risks eroding human cognitive abilities and compromising one's capacity to form independent judgment.
The lecturer also addressed the critical issue of privacy and data security, warning of the dangers associated with sharing personal details and private information on artificial intelligence platforms. He highlighted the significant risks of data exploitation, unauthorized information sharing, and privacy breaches that can arise from careless AI usage.
In conclusion, Dr. Hamdallah as-Safti called on international students to approach artificial intelligence as a supportive tool—benefiting from its capabilities while maintaining intellectual oversight, verifying facts, and scrutinizing sources. He emphasized that genuine awareness begins with the individual, stressing that technology, no matter how advanced, can never replace the human mind's unique capacity for critical thought and creativity.
For their part, the international students actively engaged in the discussions, emphasizing the vital need to strengthen their digital literacy and critical thinking skills. Participants noted that such initiatives empower them to navigate technological advancements constructively in their academic and personal lives while safeguarding their intellectual identity and commitment to the moderate Azhari approach.
The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates continues to expand its scholarly awareness programs and workshops for international students. These initiatives advance the organization's mission to promote moderate Islamic values, foster intellectual balance, and equip international scholars to serve as ambassadors of the Azhari methodology across the globe.

30/08/2026

“Al-Azhar Graduates” Congratulates the Secretary-General of Kenya Branch on Receiving the First Class Order of Sciences & Arts from His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Abbas Shouman, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Secretary-General of al-Azhar Council of Senior Scholars, extends its sincere congratulations and blessings to Prof. Faisal al-Amoudi, Secretary-General of the Organization's Branch in Kenya and member of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, on the occasion of this distinguished presidential honor: being awarded the First Class Order of Sciences and Arts, by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Organization expresses its deep pride in this well-deserved recognition, which reflects the great appreciation for Prof. al-Amoudi's efforts and his outstanding scholarly and academic contributions in the service of Islamic Da'wah, wishing him continued success and guidance in the service of knowledge and scholars.

19/08/2026

Join us in the campaign and document your participation with your custom picture via this link: https://twb.nz/azharsard2026
Once you create your picture, post it in the comments below so we can see your contributions and celebrate you!

The World Association for al-Azhar Graduates

17/09/2026

17/09/2026

16/09/2026

09/09/2026

08/09/2026

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

30/08/2026

19/08/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request