His Eminence the Grand Imam of al-Azhar Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, received Ali Abdi Aware, the Somali Ambassador to Cairo, to discuss enhancing Al-Azhar’s preaching and educational support for the Somali people.
The Grand Imam emphasized the strong ties between al-Azhar and Somalia, highlighting that 2,400 Somali students are currently studying at al-Azhar across various educational levels, from kindergarten to postgraduate studies. Additionally, al-Azhar hosts delegations of Somali Imams for training at al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams, Preachers, and Fatwa Researchers.
His Eminence, the Grand Imam, expressed al-Azhar’s solidarity with the Somali people amid the challenges and conflicts they face, which have hindered efforts for development and progress. He prayed to Allah, the Almighty, to grant success to the Somali government and people in all that is good for their country and its citizens, and to bless Somalia with prosperity, security, and stability.
For his part, the Somali Ambassador expressed his country’s appreciation for the care and support that His Eminence and al-Azhar ash-Sharif extend to the Somali people, particularly the assistance provided to Somali students studying there. He also highlighted that al-Azhar plays a crucial role in supporting Somalia’s fight against extremism and terrorism. Additionally, he emphasized that Somalia greatly relies on al-Azhar graduates in confronting extremism and countering the ideologies of extremist groups.
