Singapore’s Minister of Muslim Affairs: Singapore Trusts in al-Azhar Education & its Ability to Establish Social Peace & Most of Our Muftis Studied at al-Azhar
Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, received on Sunday at al-Azhar headquarters, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and member of Singapore’s Parliament and Mr. Dominic Goh, Singapore’s Ambassador to Egypt. The visit came to discuss ways of enhancing the joint scientific and religious relationships.
In this vein, the Grand Imam stated that al-Azhar takes pride in its relations with Singapore, pointing out that al-Azhar currently has 207 students from Singapore, studying at the different educational stages. His Eminence added that al-Azhar accredited the certificates of three institutes in Singapore to be equivalent to al-Azhar certificate, explaining that Singaporean students are known for their dedication and adherence to the ethics of knowledge seekers.
Further, the Grand Imam emphasized that what distinguishes al-Azhar education is that it does not have any agendas, but rather seeks to positively integrate Muslims in their homelands so that they can participate to build their nations’ advancement and progress. His Eminence stressed that al-Azhar is ready to study establishing Azhari institutes in Singapore under the supervision of relevant authorities, besides a center for teaching the Arabic language to help Singaporeans to learn the language of Quran. His Eminence also offered to host Singaporean imams to qualify them in al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams, to refine their skills in refuting the extremist ideology, to revive the authentic Islamic teachings calling for spreading peace and fraternity, to extend stability and social security as well as the positive integration among all of the society’s components.
On his part, Singapore’s Minister-in-Charge for Muslim Affairs expressed his country’s appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Grand Imam to establish the values of peace and fraternity and consolidating interfaith dialogue, besides al-Azhar’s support for Islamic Studies Program in Singapore, as well as the care provided by the Grand Imam to Singaporean students studying at al-Azhar in various disciplines. He noted that al-Azhar graduates in Singapore enjoy a prestigious status and hold senior positions in various ministries and bodies, pointing out that “most—if not all—of the muftis in our country received their education at al-Azhar, which confirms Singapore’s confidence in al-Azhar education as a global educational beacon that promotes social peace”.
