President of Al-Azhar University to International Students: Every Branch of Knowledge that Leads to Awareness and Fear for Allah is Praiseworthy in Islam
Prof. Salama Dawood, President of al-Azhar University and Vice President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, affirmed that al-Azhar University warmly welcomes international students and opens its doors to them as seekers of knowledge who benefit from al-Azhar’s curricula and are nurtured by its message of moderation. He prayed that Allah bless their pursuit of knowledge and guide them to be bearers of integrity and torches of light through which al-Azhar continues to illuminate the world.
Additionally, the President of al-Azhar University, during a ceremony honoring outstanding international students in al-Azhar’s pre-university stages, expressed his great joy at meeting these seekers of knowledge. He emphasized that those who choose the path of knowledge pursue an honorable and lofty goal, for knowledge is the noble message through which nations are built and trusts are preserved. He further explained that when Allah Almighty says, “Say: ‘Are those who know equal with those who do not know?’” [Q. 39:9], He highlights the dignity and exalted status of knowledge in Islam without restricting it to any particular field. Every branch of knowledge that leads to awareness and reverence for Allah is praiseworthy in Islam—whether it belongs to the sciences of religion or to the sciences of the universe and nature.
He added that the Holy Quran referred to the comprehensiveness of knowledge and the diversity of its fields; Allah Almighty says, “Have you not seen that God sends down water from the heaven, wherewith We bring forth fruits of diverse hues.” — a reference to plant scientists. He also says, “And in the mountains are streaks white and red, of diverse hues, and [others] pitch-black?” [Q. 35:27], a reference to geologists; and His saying, “And of humans and beasts and cattle, there are diverse hues likewise,” a reference to animal and human scientists. Then He concluded by saying, “Indeed, only those of God’s servants who have knowledge fear Him.” [Q. 35:28], confirming that knowledge leads to fear (of Allah), and fear is the result of knowledge.
The President of the University concluded his speech by praying for the students’ success and asking Allah to make their future better than their past. Notably, he prayed to Allah to guide them to be enlightened models representing al-Azhar ash-Sharif in their homelands and to spread its message based on knowledge, moderation, mercy, and peace.
It is worth mentioning that Al-Azhar Conference Center witnessed a major celebration honoring outstanding international students in the pre-university stages, attended by some Azhari scholars and leaders. The event included Quran recitation, chanting, and speeches delivered in several languages, through which the students expressed their appreciation for al-Azhar and its role in supporting their academic and educational development. The celebration concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to the honorees in recognition of their excellence, accompanied by sincere wishes for their continued success and distinction.
