The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, in collaboration with al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams, Preachers and Fatwa Researchers, held an online training course about “Dismantling Extremist Thought”, to qualify a number of British Imams.
Prof. Gameel Teilab, Professor of Aqidah and Philosophy and Deputy of the Faculty of Usul ad-Deen at al-Azhar University. He lectured about “Islamic Sects,” providing a comprehensive study on the emergence of Islamic sects and their impact on the reality of the Islamic Ummah.
He stated that differences are part of Allah’s plan for His creation and that the Companions of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) differed on many issues. He emphasized that jurisprudential differences are a necessity of Shariah and a vast mercy for the Ummah, as long as they do not lead to conflict, quarrels, and hatred.
In addition, he explained that we, as an Ummah, are required to unite despite our differences and that we should close the doors of division as much as possible. He pointed out that there are those who fuel division and disagreement among Muslims, spreading distorted ideas that promote fanaticism and extremism, increasing fragmentation, separation, and disagreement to dismantle societies and create conflicts for hidden interests far removed from their religious appearance. This course comes as part of the Organization’s interest and commitment to caring for imams and preachers around the world, in order to correct misconceptions about Islam. It is a culmination of the important roles played by al-Azhar and the Organization, through its branches spread throughout the world, in addressing intellectual issues raised by violent and extremist groups.
