Unity is the Fortress of Society Against Takfiri Ideology
As part of its efforts to instill al-Azhar’s moderate approach among international students and raise their awareness of contemporary intellectual issues, the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates organized a workshop led by Prof. Mohammad Abd al-Rahim al-Bayoumi of al-Azhar University. The event brought together 75 international students from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Benin, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Somalia, the Philippines, Sudan, Cameroon, Togo, and Tanzania. It is part of an ongoing series of academic workshops designed to equip international students to serve as ambassadors of al-Azhar’s moderate approach in their home countries.
Prof. Mohammad Abd al-Rahim al-Bayoumi emphasized that the scourge of takfir is not merely an intellectual deviation, but a destructive force that undermines mutual affection, social peace, and societal unity. He pointed out that takfiri ideology tears apart human and social bonds, severing the ties of affection that hold society together.
Additionally, he explained that proponents of takfiri ideology are characterized—according to his analysis—by intellectual closed-mindedness, leading to spiritual turmoil and a loss of inner peace. He noted that extremism traps its adherents in suspicion and isolation, fueling a sense of alienation from their society and surroundings that hinders their ability to engage constructively with others.
Furthermore, he pointed out that takfiri ideology limits creativity and freedom of thought, as it restricts the potential of the mind and spirit, turning feelings of faith and tranquility into fear, anxiety, and a persistent sense of guilt and threat. He emphasized that this pattern of thinking directly impacts human relationships, transforming friends into enemies and eroding the bonds of affection and cooperation.
He added that the spread of takfiri ideology within societies leads to fragmentation, mutual mistrust, and an eroded sense of security and stability. This, in turn, undermines society’s capacity to build and develop, ultimately stalling progress and normal life.
Al-Bayoumi emphasized that takfirism destroys the values of tolerance, compassion, wisdom, and justice, opening the door to intolerance and ignorance. This distracts societies from constructive work and development, replacing them with strife and conflict that hinder coexistence and weaken social cohesion.
Prof. Mohammad Abd al-Rahim al-Bayoumi concluded by emphasizing that religion came to nurture humanity and revive hearts, not to destroy or weaken them. He called on international students at al-Azhar ash-Sharif—as ambassadors of al-Azhar’s moderate approach in their home countries—to spread awareness, correct misconceptions, and confront takfiri ideology. He urged them to champion the message that unity is a fortress for society, and that confronting takfiri thought is a collective responsibility essential for preserving the cohesion and stability of nations.
