Egyptian Grand Mufti Dr Nazir Mohamed Ayad announced on Friday that Al-Azhar University, one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed centers of Islamic learning, will establish a campus in Pakistan, adding that this step would help bridge the cultural and educational ties between Egypt and Pakistan.
The announcement was made during a meeting with Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Islamabad, with the minister expressing full government support for the initiative.
During the meeting, Dr Ayad stressed the importance of learning the Arabic language to better understand the true teachings of Islam.
Siddiqui highlighted the shared cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Egypt, both of which are home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations. He described Al-Azhar University as a beacon of Islamic scholarship and expressed his desire to visit the institution’s main campus in Cairo.
The minister also spoke about Pakistan’s commitment to improving girls’ education. He referenced the upcoming International Girls Conference, scheduled for January 11-12, which will focus on promoting educational opportunities for girls in Islamic countries.
“It is a misconception that Islam does not allow women’s education,” Siddiqui said, reinforcing Pakistan’s dedication to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all genders.
Dr Ayad also noted that over 40 per cent of Al-Azhar University’s students were women, underscoring the institution’s inclusive approach to education. He encouraged Pakistan to send scholars to Egypt to benefit from Al-Azhar’s expertise and strengthen ties in the field of Islamic education.
Founded in 970 CE in Cairo, Al-Azhar University is renowned for its scholarly work in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, Arabic studies, and modern sciences. It is considered a global authority on Islamic thought and attracts students from across the world.
The university’s commitment to preserving and promoting Islamic scholarship spans over a millennium, making it an invaluable educational institution with deep historical significance.
Al-Azhar University’s global influence is not limited to its operations in Egypt. The institution has established various international collaborations and cultural centers to promote Islamic studies and the Arabic language.
It offers scholarships to students who, upon completion of their education, return to their home countries to disseminate Al-Azhar’s teachings.
