The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini, the Mufti of Nigeria.

The Grand Imam said that the West African region has a long history of serving Islam and preserving its heritage, and its scholars have made important contributions to Islamic civilization, adding that the moderate Islamic approach has played a major role in the social and cultural advancement of this region throughout history.

His Eminence showed that Al-Azhar is making great efforts to confront extremism and terrorism, and to confront deviant ideas that are alien to African societies, stressing that Al-Azhar is counting on its African graduates to promote moderation in their societies.

Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Husseini affirmed Nigeria's pride in and adherence to Al-Azhar approach, indicating that this approach has maintained coexistence and social cohesion in Nigeria, and all African countries known for their diversity and cultural richness.

The Nigerian Mufti expressed his country’s great appreciation of Al-Azhar’s support for Nigeria in various fields of science and advocacy, noting that Al-Azhar’s multiple efforts in Africa contribute strongly to the war against violent and terrorist groups, and support stability and security in African societies.

At the end of the meeting, the Mufti of Nigeria handed over to His Eminence a copy of the Qur’an of the Nigeria’s Dar Ul-Ifta, scheduled to be inaugurated in a ceremony held specifically for this occasion late in April, expressing his hope that a delegation from Al-Azhar would participate in the celebration.