Prof. ad-Duwini: People with Disabilities Have the Full Right to Obtain al-Azhar Moderate Curriculum in Sign Language
Prof. Shouman: People with Disabilities are Appreciated as an Integral Part of the Social Development Process
Prof. Ayyad: People with Disabilities are Partners in Progress and Development
The activities of the initiative: “Qualifying and Preparing Preachers to Use Sign Language”, were launched on the Occasion of International Day of Sign Language. A preaching platform was also launched to serve the deaf, under the auspices of His Eminence, Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, in cooperation with the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, the Islamic Research Academy, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. The event was held at the headquarters of al-Sheikh Zayed Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers.
Prof. Mohammad ad-Duwini, Deputy of al-Azhar, stated that al-Azhar ash-Sharif keeps on developing its tools to attain the moderate, balanced Da’wah that aligns with the true interpretation of both the Holy Quran and Prophetic Sunnah. He stressed that al-Azhar never overlooks the updates and the lived realities; however, al-Azhar monitors them closely. “Today is the best evidence of this, by launching the initiative: ‘Qualifying and Preparing Preachers to Use Sign Language”, as we found a great response from this segment of the Egyptian people, where more than 80 male and female preachers applied. Those applicants are a renewable source of hope that we are proud of, and they have the full right to receive al-Azhar’s moderate and balanced curriculum and approach in sign language, so that they can achieve a correct understanding of religion, complete their role alongside all segments of society, and help them integrate and have a positive impact on society.
Prof. Abbas Shouman, the Secretary-General of al-Azhar Council of Senior Scholars and President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, said: “Today is a clear consolidation of the right to connect an important segment of the Egyptian society – our brothers and sisters with disabilities – as they are an integral part of it. Many of them are beneficial and productive in the community’s development process. We encourage them here in order to facilitate their participation mechanism in the preaching work through sign language. I convey to them and to everyone who contributed to launching this noble initiative the greetings of His Eminence, Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, who spares no effort in embracing all spectrums of the Egyptian society, including students, professors, and preachers, to deliver al-Azhar’s tolerant and moderate message. On his part, Prof. Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and member of the Organization’s Board of Directors, highlighted that: “Islam has paid great attention to people with special needs and was keen to establish controls and rules that elevate their status and how to integrate them into society while preserving their dignity, considering them partners in progress and development, by ensuring their rights to proper education, cultural development, and nurturing their various talents”.
To this end, His Eminence announced the participation of Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta with all its capabilities in completing this initiative, alongside all of al-Azhar tributaries participating in launching this initiative, as well as civil society institutions, for the integration of the developmental, educational, and religious roles in serving this important segment of society.
In the same vein, Prof. Mohammad al-Gendi, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy, underlined that: “The sign language is not just a means of communication, but a right to a life pulsing with determination. It is a voice heard by the heart, a message read by sight, and a feeling translated by gesture. It is a language of new hope and a path to reach the top, not for despair and frustration. It expresses thought and feelings with depth. Today, we gather to elevate its identity and renew our commitment to a great segment of our society – the segment of sign language users”.
Additionally, Prof. Salama Dawood, President of al-Azhar University and Vice-President of the Organization’s Board of Directors, explained that sign language is a universal means of communication understood across all races, unlike other spoken languages and dialects. He referred to the verse in Surat Maryam: “Thereat she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we talk to one who is in the cradle, [still] a little child?” [Q. 19:29]
He cited the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), in which the Prophet used sign language for further clarification. He said, “I and the one who takes care of an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” and he joined his middle and forefinger.
He further said, “The launch of this platform, which serves an important segment of society, is a great endeavor to support our sons and the people of the entire world. Moreover, whoever undertakes this mission will earn a great reward, and its benefits will extend to all humanity.”
For her part, Prof. Eman Karim, General Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, emphasized that today’s training carries profound significance. It comes as a result of fruitful coordination with the Sheikhdom of al-Azhar ash-Sharif, represented by the Islamic Research Academy and the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates. The event also coincides with the International Day of Sign Language, underscoring that sign language is not merely a means of communication but a bridge that connects hearts and minds. It reflects our belief in the right of every individual to be part of the cognitive, religious, and societal system, free from obstacles or discrimination.
She stated that the role al-Azhar has played throughout the ages in spreading enlightened, moderate thought and confronting extremist ideas is reinforced today through this pioneering initiative, which makes the discourse of preaching and guidance more comprehensive and better able to reach the hearts of all Muslims.
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of this blessed cooperation between the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and al-Azhar institutions. She noted that this training marks the beginning of a series of ongoing programs designed to equip clerics and preachers with new tools of communication while at the same time reinforcing the values of mercy, equality, and social integration.
Prof. Ilham Shaheen, Assistant Secretary-General for al-Azhar Female Preachers’ Affairs at the Islamic Research Academy, said: “The deaf have long suffered from limited access to authentic religious content. Most sermons and lessons were delivered only orally, and they could not find preachers who spoke their language. Some even circulated the misconception that the deaf are not legally accountable, a misunderstanding that we were obliged to correct.”
Likewise, she stressed that from this perspective, nearly two years ago, al-Azhar took serious steps to communicate with this honorable segment of society through lessons at al-Azhar Mosque, awareness videos in sign language, and online classes in which hundreds of deaf people from inside and outside Egypt participated. Today, an even greater step is being taken by expanding the scope of this work and preparing male and female preachers who are themselves fluent in sign language. Therefore, we must establish an integrated project to teach sign language to imams and both male and female preachers, with the support and patronage of His Eminence Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar.
The launch event was attended by Mr. Wael Bekhit, Vice-President of the Organization’s Board of Directors; Prof. Osama al-Abd, former President of al-Azhar University; Prof. Ibrahim al-Hudhud, Academic Advisor to the Organization; Prof. Abdul Dayyem Nusseir, Secretary-General of the Organization and Advisor to His Eminence the Grand Imam for Educational Affairs; Prof. Nahla al-Saidi, Advisor to His Eminence the Grand Imam for International Student Affairs; and Prof. Ahmad Abu Shouk, Secretary-General of the Arkan Foundation.
