Al-Azhar Grand Imam warns of the danger of foreign education invading Arab societies and controlling the minds of our students.

Al-Azhar and ALECSO Launch project to develop standardized Arabic proficiency framework similar to TOEFL.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, received today, Wednesday, at Al-Azhar, Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), to discuss ways to enhance cultural and educational cooperation in the Arab world.

His Eminence the Grand Imam said, “The alarming and unprecedented decline in Arabic language education indicators has become a major challenge.” He asked, “Why is there no agreement on a common and unified curriculum for the Arabic language and Arab history to be taught in all Arab countries?” His Eminence explained that the teaching of Arab history with different orientations in each country has affected the unity of the Arab body and the issues of the Arab nation, foremost among which is the Palestinian cause, which appears absent from the curricula of many countries, or is presented in a simplified manner that does not befit its historical status. Meanwhile, we see on the other hand, those on the other side teaching their children their own false history from an early age.

His Eminence stressed the need for Arab curricula to address the reality of our nation, so that students grow up connected to the nation's issues and carrying its concerns. He warned of the danger of foreign education invading Arab societies, its control over the minds of our students, and its impact on the current generations' belonging to Arab culture and their pride in Islamic civilization. He noted that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has sensed the seriousness of this matter and has established centers for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers around the world, to preserve Muslims' connection to their language and identity.

Dr. Amar expressed his happiness at meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam and his deep appreciation for Al-Azhar's role in preserving and spreading the Arabic language. He affirmed that hope lies in good education and the ability of schools to reclaim their role in educating children and youth, educating them about their religion, and connecting them to their authentic culture.

He emphasized that educational globalization threatens the uniqueness of education in Arab countries, in addition to pressuring countries, particularly poor ones, to control their education in exchange for the support they receive. He noted that within the framework of this globalization, some curricula have been softened and revised in accordance with the universal standards and values they advocate.

His Excellency explained that the organization seeks to cooperate with Al-Azhar to launch a reference system for the Arabic language, similar to the TOEFL test for English and other languages. This will also include coordinating some of the scholarships Al-Azhar provides to international students, expanding scientific and academic cooperation, and agreeing on scientific projects to be implemented between Al-Azhar University and similar universities in the Arab world.