His Eminence, Professor Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, received His Excellency Abdoulaye Diop, the Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss ways to enhance Al-Azhar's educational and spiritual contributions to Mali.
Grand Imam At-Tayyeb emphasized that Al-Azhar spares no effort in assisting African nations to strengthen their stability, assert their sovereignty, and eliminate colonialism, which has exploited their resources, subverted their culture, and enslaved their minds to perpetuate colonial presence in Africa and maintain control over its power sources and wealth. He stressed that the only way to confront such challenges is by relying on intellectual and wise leadership in Africa.
He also expressed his trust in the capability of African nations to achieve progress and utilize their vast human, material, and natural resources. He further stated that Al-Azhar allocates 32 scholarships annually for Malian students and is prepared to increase these grants in disciplines that include medicine, engineering, and other practical sciences that Mali needs. He also proposed establishing an Arabic language center in Mali to help its people learn the language of the Quran. Moreover, he ascertained that Al-Azhar is ready to host Malian imams at the International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, honing their skills to combat extremist ideologies, debunk the arguments adopted by terrorist groups in recruiting youth, and clarify Islam's stance on contemporary issues.
For his part, Mr. Diop expressed his pleasure to meet the Grand Imam, praising Al-Azhar as a venerable institution highly regarded in the Arab and Muslim worlds and an inspiration to all nations advocating peace and justice. He conveyed greetings from General Assimi Goïta, Mali’s transitional leader, along with a formal invitation for the Grand Imam to visit Mali, hold discussions with Malian youth, and strengthen ties with the country’s religious and cultural institutions.
Mr. Diop highlighted Mali's suffering from the effects of terrorism and the infiltration of extremist ideologies in religious garb, exploiting societal poverty to recruit and indoctrinate youth. He stressed the need for Al-Azhar’s support in Mali's intellectual battle to counter radical groups, given Al-Azhar's credibility and extensive experience in this field.
Mr. Diop also appreciated Grand Imam At-Tayyeb’s contribution of hundreds of books and documents to Mali’s National Library. He expressed gratitude for the proposed increase in scholarships and the establishment of an Arabic language center in Mali, committing to collaborate with the Minister of Higher Education to realize this important project.
Follow the latest news on Google News
