Prof. Salama Dawood, President of al-Azhar University, Vice-President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, honored al-Azhar graduates from Thailand. His Eminence expressed his pleasure to honor a new batch of al-Azhar ambassadors, stressing that Thailand enjoys a great status at al-Azhar ash-Sharif. He underscored that the Grand Imam’s keenness to visit Thailand is the best example embodying such status, adding that the reception of the Grand Imam by the Thai King and top Thai leaderships and people showed their greatest appreciation and respect for al-Azhar ash-Sharif.
Further, Prof. Dawood underlined that the graduation of 146 Thai students is a powerful addition to Islam in order to spread moderation, pointing out that scholars are like the stars that illuminate the universe; indeed, anyone, who has knowledge and makes use of it, is a light for the whole world.
In the same vein, His Eminence advised the new graduates to spread justice, peace and amity among all peoples, and to renounce injustice and war, as goodness shall bring goodness, yet evil will not yield but viciousness and woes.
On the other hand, Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, Arun Boonchom gave a recorded word in which he expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted by al-Azhar to serve the international students. He added that al-Azhar ash-Sharif plays a pivotal role in defending Islam against the attacks of the extremists and hardliners.
In the same context, Dr. Mahmoud Sedeeq, Vice-President of al-Azhar University for Postgraduate Studies and Researches, highlighted that al-Azhar has longstanding ties with Thailand as being one of the top countries that al-Azhar receives its students.
On his part, Dr. Mohammad Abdul Malek, Vice-President of al-Azhar University for Upper Egypt, clarified that the message of Islam is peace and that the mission of al-Azhar Institution is to spread and consolidate peace among people, urging the new graduates to be the best ambassadors of Islam and al-Azhar ash-Sharif.
H.E. Mr. Thanabordee Joothong, Charge d’Affaires of Royal Thai Embassy in Egypt, stated that the Embassy has been keen to sponsor this celebration for several years, for its knowledge that graduating in al-Azhar University is not an easy thing. He pointed out that the Embassy hopes that the people of Thailand will benefit from the knowledge the Thai students are gaining at al-Azhar University.
In the same context, Fadhil Abdul Qader, Head of Thai Students Society, said that al-Azhar Thai graduates have been acting as a bridge between Egypt and Thailand. He highlighted that this graduation ceremony is building on the efforts exerted by al-Azhar in sponsoring the international students.
It is worth to mention that 146 Thai students had been honored during the celebration, 144 of them obtained their Bachelor’s degree in Arabic language, Usul al-Din, Islamic Studies, Shari’a and Law, Education, Da’wa and Medicine. Additionally, a graduate from the Shari’a Department at the Master’s level, and another graduate from the Fundamentals of Language Department at PHD level had been honored too.
