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9/9/2023

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Meets with Representatives of the Muslim Community in Germany to Discuss the Enhancing of Al-Azhar's Scholarly and Advocacy Role in Germany


*The Grand Imam: Al-Azhar is Responsible for Supporting Muslims in the West and Enhancing Their Positive Integration into Their Societies*


*The Grand Imam: We are willing to establish a center for teaching the Arabic language to support Muslim children in Germany in learning and mastering the language of the Quran*


*The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Welcomes Training German Imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imam and Preacher Training*


*Representatives of the Muslim Community in Germany: Meeting the Grand Imam, Considered the Foremost and Most Important Islamic Figure Worldwide, is an Honor for all Muslims in Germany*


*Representatives of the Muslim Community in Germany Commend Efforts by the Grand Imam in Rectifying Misconceptions About Islam*


*Representatives of the Muslim Community in Germany Affirm the World's Need for the Document on Human Fraternity Amid Current Challenges*


*Representatives of the Muslim Community in Germany Welcome the Initiative of the Grand Imam to Establish an Arabic Language Center in Germany*


His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has received a delegation of representatives from Muslim communities in Germany at his residence in Berlin. The meeting aimed to address critical issues facing Muslims in Germany and explore avenues to enhance the scholarly and advocacy support provided by Al-Azhar as well as facilitating positive integration into German society and presenting an accurate portrayal of Islam.


During the meeting, His Eminence emphasized that Al-Azhar is responsible of supporting Muslims in the West by intensifying communication with Muslim communities in Europe and Western countries as well as providing support and guidance in religious and advocacy matters. He further highlighted that Al-Azhar has established a global center for monitoring and issuing religious fatwas in 13 languages, which serves as a channel for Al-Azhar to engage with the rest of the world, particularly with Islamic centers and grand mosques in Europe.


The Grand Imam also welcomed the hosting and training of German imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imam and Preacher Training which boasts a specialized curriculum designed by scholars of Al-Azhar to suit the nature of the German society. The academy also works on honing the skills of Imams to address issues pertaining to women, peaceful coexistence, acceptance of others, and positive integration within their communities.


Furthermore, His Eminence affirmed Al-Azhar's readiness to increase the number of scholarships offered to Muslim children in Germany, enabling them to pursue higher education at Al-Azhar University, especially in Islamic and Arabic studies. He also noted that Al-Azhar is prepared to send young scholars to mosques in Germany and Europe to contribute to correcting misconceptions about Islam in the West. This goes with a willingness to establish a center for teaching the Arabic language to support Muslim children in Germany in learning and mastering the language of the Quran.


For their part, representatives from Muslim communities in Germany expressed their profound honor in meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, considering it a privilege for Muslims in Germany and the Central Council of Muslims in Germany to meet with one of the most significant Islamic leaders. They also commended the efforts of the Grand Imam in rectifying misconceptions about Islam, as well as his support for Muslims living in the West, aiming to enhance the stability of societies and continued efforts to promote global peace, human fraternity, and peaceful coexistence.


The delegation also emphasized the world's need for the historic Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam along with His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The delegation highlighted the document’s role in aiding Muslims living outside Islamic countries in positively integrating into their communities. They also praised the continued international interfaith dialogue led by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis, with the latest being the Bahrain Dialogue Forum, which was a shining example of peace-building efforts.


The delegation also conveyed their appreciation for the call of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to abandon the term "minorities" and to solidify the values of complete citizenship along with all its associated rights and responsibilities. They also welcomed the proposal put forth by His Eminence the Grand Imam to establish an Arabic language center in Germany and indicated their commitment to overseeing the necessary steps that would facilitate the implementation of this proposal, in close coordination with Al-Azhar.


The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, along with a delegation of religious leaders representing the Islamic community in Germany, including Dr. Aiman Mazyek, President of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Dr. Abdul Samad Al-Yazidi, Secretary-General of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Dr. Abdelmalek Hibaoui, member of the Scholars Committee at the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, along with other prominent Islamic leaders, imams, preachers, and female preachers.

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