Launch First Sign Language Training for Preachers
At the headquarters of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, the first training course was launched under the project “Qualifying and Preparing Preachers to Use Sign Language.” The course is held under the auspices of His Eminence the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, in cooperation with the Islamic Research Academy and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
The project seeks to equip male and female preachers with sign language skills, offering a unique opportunity to support and safeguard the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of deaf individuals and other sign language users.
Prof. Abbas Shouman, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, emphasized that this training course represents a vital service for the deaf community. He described it as an important channel through which they can learn about their religion and worldly affairs on a sound scientific basis, especially since they are an integral part of society with the same rights and duties as all other citizens. He stressed that, through this course, the Organization seeks to expand the number of imams and preachers proficient in sign language and capable of engaging effectively with this community.
Furthermore, Prof. Mohammad el-Gendy, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy, highlighted that cooperation between the Academy and the Organization gives this project significant momentum, particularly as the National Council for Persons with Disabilities brings extensive experience in such training. He explained that the course adopts the most effective models for training imams and preachers in sign language, enabling them to engage directly with this community without the need for intermediaries. He added that this group of preachers will form the foundation for training other groups in the coming days.
Notably, the launching event was attended by Mr. Wael Bekhit, Vice-President of the Organization; Prof. Ilham Shaheen, Assistant Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy for Women Preachers’ Affairs; as well as several officials from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
