The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar expresses his appreciation for the Ministry of Education's commitment to the teaching of religious education and Arabic language, restoring them to their proper place in school curricula.

Minister of Education: We cooperate with Al-Azhar in teaching religious education in the ministry's schools across various governorates.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, received Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Vocational Education, at Al-Azhar today, Monday, to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation. 

The Grand Imam welcomed the Minister of Education, expressing Al-Azhar's appreciation for the Ministry's commitment to teaching the subjects of religion and the Arabic language and restoring them to their proper place in the curriculum. This is due to the fact that these subjects instill pride in Arab identity in the hearts of young people and students, and the importance of instilling religious and moral values through educational curricula. 

His Eminence affirmed that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif places great importance on teachers and on restoring the status of public schools and their respect in society to what they once were. His Eminence stated, “There is a general trend that draws attention and requires study which is the inclination of social elites to send their children to foreign education systems instead of public schools. It is feared that this trend will instill a colonial spirit that may overwhelm the conscience of the young. It will not be surprising if we find that society is led in the future by Western minds devoid of Arab or Eastern identity.” His Eminence warned that foreign education systems are often laden with long-term political objectives, in addition to their tendency to normalize behaviors and social ills that are alien to our culture and are religiously and morally unacceptable.

The Minister of Education expressed his happiness at meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and commended Al-Azhar's pioneering role in spreading moderate Islam. He emphasized the Ministry's efforts to cooperate with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in teaching religious subjects, with the assistance of Al-Azhar teachers spread across the country. He added that the Ministry is keen for schools to resume their true educational and teaching role, thus contributing to the consolidation of social and moral values.