The World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates Honors MP Mohamed Abou El-Enein, Deputy Speaker, for Presiding Over the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and His Contributions to Serving Humanity
On Tuesday, the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates honored MP Mohamed Abou El-Enein, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, in recognition of his presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean and his outstanding contributions to serving humanity.
Dr. Abbas Shoman, President of the Organization and Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, received MP Abou El-Enein, along with Dr. Salama Dawood, Vice Chairman of the Organization and President of Al-Azhar University, and Dr. Abdel Dayem Nossair, Secretary-General of the Organization and Advisor to the Grand Imam. They all commended his patriotic role and distinguished parliamentary performance.
During the meeting, Dr. Shoman said:
“We invited you because we take pride in your clear and consistent vision. Your speeches are marked by candor and persuasive power in all major forums and within Parliament.”
He affirmed that the Organization aims to reach thousands of Al-Azhar graduates abroad. With 27 branches worldwide, the Organization maintains ongoing communication with its members and provides them with various forms of support and services.
International Students from 130 Countries
Dr. Shoman added:
“A large number of international students—over 60,000—are currently enrolled at Al-Azhar, in both university and pre-university education. These students represent 130 different nationalities from around the world.”
He stressed that international students hold a special place in the heart of His Eminence the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar. Since assuming his position in 2010, the Grand Imam has placed the affairs of these students at the top of his priorities, working tirelessly to support and care for them. The goal is to equip them with sound Islamic and Arabic knowledge so they may return to their countries as ambassadors of peace and messengers of Al-Azhar’s moderate thought.
A Pioneer of Parliamentary and Charitable Work
Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University, described MP Abou El-Enein as “a pioneer in parliamentary and charitable work,” praising his strong connection with Al-Azhar and his deep respect for its scholars.
He emphasized that the Organization promotes Al-Azhar’s moderate thought worldwide by conducting training courses for international students and teaching them the Arabic language.
Dr. Dawood extended an invitation to MP Abou El-Enein to attend the Al-Azhar University Council meeting, which brings together approximately 100 deans, to meet and engage with the university’s esteemed scholars.
A Leader in Public Service
Dr. Osama Al-Abd, former President of Al-Azhar University, expressed his delight at the Organization’s recognition of MP Abou El-Enein, saying:
“Today, we celebrate a true parliamentary leader—in both word and deed.”
He praised MP Abou El-Enein’s exemplary performance in Parliament, saying:
“There has never been a parliamentary session in which he did not play a prominent role. His legislative contributions are well known, and he is also a distinguished figure in charitable work, always striving to serve humanity.”
Championing Al-Azhar’s Moderate Mission
In his remarks, MP Abou El-Enein expressed appreciation for the Organization’s patriotic spirit and its global mission to spread Al-Azhar’s message of moderation. He praised the efforts of the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in instilling the values of moderation and tolerance, highlighting Al-Azhar’s global role as a leading religious institution that embraces balanced and thoughtful interpretation and application of Islamic teachings.
He lauded the Grand Imam’s active role in promoting interfaith dialogue and rejecting violence and extremism in both local and international forums, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of mercy and peace. He also noted the many initiatives launched by the Imam to engage with youth, protect them intellectually, and enhance their proper understanding of religious texts, adding:
“The Grand Imam speaks from the heart—and his words reach the hearts of others.”
MP Abou El-Enein stressed that international students are ambassadors of Al-Azhar’s values. Upon returning to their countries, many of them assume high-ranking positions, which reflects the global impact of Al-Azhar’s message.
President El-Sisi’s Inspiring Leadership
He added:
“We take great pride in what President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has accomplished for Egypt. May God protect him and our country. His visionary thinking will be appreciated by future generations.”
He described the President’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause as honorable, especially his firm stance against the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land.
He also stressed the importance of renewing religious discourse, as President El-Sisi has called for, noting that this presents a significant challenge for Al-Azhar scholars. It requires concerted efforts to present the true, moderate image of Islam and shield youth from extremist ideologies, particularly amid the growing influence of certain preachers on social media who sow doubt about religion.
He continued by noting that, as part of a broader strategy to emphasize national and religious identity in education, legislation has been passed to classify Religious Education as a core subject at all levels of education. Students must achieve at least 70% of the total marks allocated to pass the subject.
The honoring ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdel Dayem Nossair, Cultural and Educational Advisor to the Grand Imam; Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University; former university president Dr. Osama Al-Abd; Mrs. Somaya Abou El-Enein, Vice Chairwoman of the Abou El-Enein Foundation for Social and Charitable Activities; and journalist Elham Aboul-Fetouh, Chairwoman of Sada El-Balad Media Network.
