This statement is part of a speech delivered by the Advisor of the Grand Imam & Chairman of EDCAIS, Prof. Dr. Nahla As-Sa‘idi, at the international conference held by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina under the auspices of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif. The conference is entitled Coexistence, Tolerance, and Acceptance of the Other... Towards a Better Future.
Prof. As-Sa‘idi averred that international students at Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif come from 137 countries to learn Al-Azhar sciences that promote brotherhood, mercy, peace and coexistence advocated by Islam as a source of human happiness. She added that Al-Azhar’s steps in the field of international peace and security constitute a beacon that guides current and future generations of the peace of humanity and the stability of societies.
Prof. As-Sa‘idi confirmed that, in the curricula taught to international students, Al-Azhar takes into account the values and principles of Islam, at the different levels and disciplines. She noted that it also holds workshops and seminars for international students to raise their awareness regarding Islamic discourse in the face of extremism, radicalism and doctrinal deviation, through constructive dialogue that consolidates the values of moderation.
As-Sa‘idi indicated that the international students curricula advocates love of homeland and coexistence, and inculcates in the students the fact that loving the homeland is giving, not taking. It teaches them that dialogue is a civilized and human value and is a religious duty. It, she added, should be practiced by the individual and society to achieve unity and cohesion.