The Grand Imam of al-Azhar receives the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali to discuss ways to enhance al-Azhar’s educational and preaching support for the people of Mali
His Eminence, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb received Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali, to discuss ways to enhance al-Azhar’s educational and preaching support for the people of Mali.
Notably, His Eminence, the Grand Imam, stated that al-Azhar spares no effort in supporting African nations to achieve stability, strengthen their sovereignty over their lands, and eradicate colonialism. He emphasized that colonialism has plundered their resources, destroyed their culture, and enslaved the minds of their citizens to consolidate their presence on the African continent while maintaining its dominance over their sources of strength and wealth. He stressed that the only way to confront this is by relying on the intellect and wisdom of African minds and leaders. Furthermore, he expressed confidence in the ability of African peoples to rise and harness their abundant human potential, material resources, and natural wealth to achieve progress and prosperity.
His Eminence noted that al-Azhar allocates 32 scholarships for Malian students. He added that al-Azhar is ready to increase this number, focusing primarily on fields such as medicine, engineering, and other applied sciences needed by the Malian community. He also expressed al-Azhar’s willingness to establish a center for teaching Arabic in Mali to help Malians learn the language of the Quran. Additionally, he highlighted al-Azhar’s readiness to host Malian imams for training at al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. This training aims to refute the arguments used by terrorist groups to attract and influence young people, and to clarify Islam’s true stance on various contemporary issues.
The Malian Foreign Minister expressed his delight at meeting His Eminence, the Grand Imam, and his deep appreciation for the esteemed al-Azhar Institution. He noted that al-Azhar holds a distinguished status and reputation in the Arab and Islamic worlds, serving as a source of inspiration for all peace-loving and justice-seeking peoples. The minister also conveyed the greetings of General Assimi Gota, President of the Transitional Authority in Mali. He presented an official invitation from His Excellency to the Grand Imam to visit the country, engage in dialogue with Malian youth, and strengthen ties with religious and cultural institutions in Mali.
Mr. Abdoulaye Diop further noted that Mali is suffering the impact of terrorism and the spread of extremist ideologies propagated by groups that disguise themselves under the banner of religion. These groups exploit societal poverty to attract and recruit young people. He emphasized the importance of the Malian community receiving support from al-Azhar in its intellectual efforts to counter and refute these ideologies, given al-Azhar’s credibility and extensive experience in this field. The Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his gratitude to the Grand Imam for al-Azhar’s generous contribution of hundreds of books and documents. He also thanked him for the proposal to increase scholarships and establish a center for teaching Arabic in Mali, emphasizing that he will collaborate with the Minister of Higher Education to accomplish this important project
