By Sarah Saad
In a deeply moving display of compassion, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayyeb, paused an official event to lift the spirits of a young boy from Luxor, turning a moment of sadness into one of joy. While the ceremony for the opening of an Al-Azhar institute was in full swing, the Grand Imam noticed the boy in tears next to the stage. Concerned, he called for the child to be brought forward to understand the reason for his distress.
The child explained that his much-anticipated moment to recite a poem had been canceled due to time constraints. Without hesitation, the Grand Imam decided to pause the proceedings and invited the boy to share his poem about the noble values and virtues of Upper Egypt’s people. His heartfelt delivery left everyone in the audience moved, and the Grand Imam offered words of praise, commending the boy’s exceptional talent.
In a further act of encouragement, Sheikh El-Tayeb took a commemorative photo with the young poet and urged the attendees—especially Al-Azhar leaders and institute officials—not to underestimate the importance of nurturing students’ emotional needs. He stressed the importance of providing them with opportunities to express them and cultivate their talents.
Earlier that day, the Grand Imam officially opened the “Mohamed Attoito Model Languages Institute” in the city of Al-Qurna, Luxor. He took time to join the celebration, engaging with students and their families, capturing memorable photos with them, and reaffirming Al-Azhar’s unwavering commitment to fostering student talent and shaping a brighter future for all.
