Al-Azhar succeeded in becoming a model for intellectual and humanitarian work in 2024.
As the world’s most important seat of Sunni Islamic learning, this institution engaged in a large number of activities, at both the domestic and international levels.
Most of these activities put the Palestinian issue at their centre.
Palestinian cause: Permanent priority
The Palestinian cause remained a major focus of Al-Azhar’s discourse in 2024.
Al-Azhar Deputy, Mohamed al-Duwaini, said connections between Muslims, on one hand, and Palestine and Jerusalem, on the other, come at the centre of these Muslims’ faith.
He referred to the conferences and activities, during which Al-Azhar denounced the massacres committed by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinians.
He called for urgent global action to end the Palestinians’ suffering.
“The international community failed to stop this continuing injustice,” al-Duwaini added, addressing the International Conference on Invitation and Islamic Communication.
Comprehensive initiatives
Al-Duwaini participated in several conferences to raise awareness and correct misconceptions.
These conferences include the “Green Sciences” conference where he explained Islam’s inclusive approach to environmental and sustainable development issues.
They also include the “Sustainable Development and Green Economy” conference.
Al-Azhar was keen, meanwhile, on enhancing the quality of education and accrediting more institutes and educational programmes.
In 2024, Al-Azhar put its seal of approval on 184 institutes and 11 new educational programmes.
It also focused on improving students’ language and research skills, through their active participation in competitions, such as the Arab Reading Challenge and the National Reading Project.
AI and translation: Keep up with the era
Al-Duwaini addressed the importance of artificial intelligence and stressed the importance of using translation to improve Islam’s image globally and confront Islamophobia.
Support for women’s and youth’s issues
Al-Azhar supported women and youth issues through social and economic empowerment. At the “Role of women in building awareness” conference, it stressed the importance of moving away from negative practices that hinder women’s progress.
Global efforts to boost civilised dialogue
During two international tours to Indonesia and Azerbaijan, al-Duwaini participated in conferences to throw light on Al-Azhar’s efforts in preserving Islamic heritage and supporting environmental issues.
At the “Religions for a Green Planet” summit, he called for global solidarity to confront crises induced by climate change.
Conclusion of year full of achievements
Al-Azhar’s efforts in 2024 focused on the launch of a large number of initiatives, including the opening of art exhibitions and emphasising the role of art in spreading positive values.
This year marks a milestone in Al-Azhar’s pursuit for spreading the values of moderation, and supporting just causes locally and globally.
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