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In an intellectual and cultural gathering that brought together the longstanding heritage of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the academic leadership of Ain Shams University, amid a remarkable student turnout, the Education and Student Affairs Sector organized a seminar entitled “The Role of Al-Azhar Magazine in Shaping Awareness and Addressing Contemporary Humanitarian Issues,” marking the centenary of Al-Azhar Magazine. The event was honored by the presence of His Eminence Prof. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Azhar Magazine, alongside a distinguished group of senior Al-Azhar scholars. The seminar was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs.

The event was attended by His Eminence Prof. Mohamed Abdel Dayem El-Gendy, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy; His Eminence Prof. Abdel Moneim El-Adawy, Professor of History and Civilization at Al-Azhar University; His Eminence Dr. Hassan Khalil, Assistant Secretary-General for Islamic Culture at the Islamic Research Academy; Prof. Yassin El-Shazly, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Ain Shams University; as well as several university officials, faculty members, and students.

The seminar was organized by the Education and Student Affairs Sector, the Ain Shams University Student Union, and the Students for Egypt Family, under the coordination and administrative supervision of Mr. Ibrahim Saeed Hamza, Assistant Secretary-General of the University for Education and Student Affairs, and Dr. Samar Ragab, Faculty Advisor of the Students for Egypt Family. The seminar was moderated by media presenter Mr. Abdullah Yousry.

Al-Azhar Magazine Has Been Characterized by Its Openness to Diverse Intellectual Trends and Schools of Thought

In his address, His Eminence Prof. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to Ain Shams University and its leadership for graciously hosting the seminar. He emphasized that the gathering demonstrated that building awareness could only be achieved through cooperation and integration among various institutions, reflecting a successful model of partnership between religious and educational institutions.

He noted that Al-Azhar Magazine, through its contributions to Egyptian society and humanity at large, represents far more than a written heritage or a repository of scholarly knowledge. Rather, it serves as an influential platform for shaping awareness and promoting objectivity and fairness in addressing and evaluating issues. The magazine has consistently embraced diverse intellectual trends and schools of thought without favoring one over another, maintaining its identity as a publication addressing people from all walks of life. This approach has strengthened its academic standing to the extent that several international universities have contacted the magazine to obtain missing issues from its archives.

He added that the magazine's most distinctive characteristics include accuracy and integrity in presenting information, a critical approach, and openness to various scientific, literary, and philosophical schools of thought, as well as different schools of Islamic jurisprudence. These qualities have contributed to establishing a scholarly methodology and intellectual framework that accommodate diverse opinions and embrace differences.

Regarding the intellectual issues addressed by the magazine, particularly atheism and cultural invasion, he explained that its approach has been based on several fundamental principles, foremost among them highlighting the influence of religion on human life as an essential foundation for building civilizations and shaping societies. This approach considers different levels of discourse and employs diverse forms of evidence, tools, and methods, ranging from emotional and spiritual appeals to rational arguments and scientific evidence.

The magazine has also sought to establish harmony between reason and religious revelation, highlighting the relationship between religion and science when discussing and responding to doubts associated with atheism, combining compelling arguments, methodological clarity, and intellectual depth.

The Magazine Was Not Merely a Periodical but a Platform for Enlightened Thought

In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, welcomed the university's distinguished guests, expressing pride in hosting prominent intellectual, academic, and religious figures and reaffirming the university's commitment to participating in meaningful discussions that contribute to human development and the promotion of societal awareness.

The University President emphasized that celebrating the centenary of Al-Azhar Magazine represents an intellectual and cultural occasion of exceptional significance. He noted that the magazine has never been merely a periodical publication; rather, throughout an entire century, it has remained a platform for enlightened thought, a source of reliable knowledge, and a voice reflecting Al-Azhar Al-Sharif's mission of promoting moderation, correcting misconceptions, and confronting misguided ideas.

He explained that shaping awareness is no longer the responsibility of a single institution but has become a shared responsibility requiring complementary efforts from religious, educational, cultural, and media institutions. These efforts aim to develop minds capable of critical thinking, distinguishing facts from rumors, and embracing others without compromising their identity and deeply rooted values.

He added that the university's mission extends beyond providing academic knowledge and preparing specialized professionals to developing well-rounded individuals, instilling the values of citizenship, tolerance, and respect for diversity, and strengthening young people's ability to respond consciously and responsibly to contemporary challenges. He stressed that knowledge, awareness, and human values collectively constitute the true foundation for building societies and advancing nations.

He highlighted the importance of adapting future intellectual and religious discourse to the rapid transformations taking place worldwide, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence and digital platforms, ensuring that the messages of longstanding academic institutions reach younger generations through contemporary language that combines intellectual authenticity with modern communication methods.

He concluded by reaffirming Ain Shams University's pride in its cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta, as well as its commitment to supporting initiatives and events that promote academic and intellectual dialogue and spread enlightened awareness among university students. He congratulated Al-Azhar Magazine on its first centenary, wishing it continued contributions, influence, and enlightenment.

The Role of Educational, Religious, and Cultural Institutions in Human Development

For his part, Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Education and Student Affairs, stated that organizing the seminar reflected the university's belief in the vital role of educational, religious, and cultural institutions in developing individuals and shaping the awareness of younger generations, particularly amid the rapidly evolving intellectual, cultural, and humanitarian challenges facing the world.

He explained that the Education and Student Affairs Sector is committed to extending the university's role beyond academic instruction to encompass the development of well-rounded individuals, the enhancement of awareness and national belonging, and the promotion of citizenship, coexistence, and acceptance of others. This is achieved through activities, events, and intellectual and cultural gatherings that provide young people with broader opportunities for dialogue and thoughtful, responsible reflection.

Renewing Religious Discourse in an Era of Cultural and Intellectual Challenges

His Eminence Prof. Mohamed Abdel Dayem El-Gendy, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy, addressed the renewal of religious discourse in an era of cultural and intellectual challenges. He emphasized the importance of developing religious discourse to suit the characteristics and needs of different segments of society, thereby fostering genuine awareness capable of confronting intellectual and cultural challenges and safeguarding minds against attempts at intellectual and cultural infiltration.

He explained that human awareness requires continuous renewal in communication approaches, drawing an analogy between the human mind and technological systems that require antivirus software to protect them against cyber threats. He noted that the ease of accessing and sharing information, coupled with the proliferation of knowledge sources, has made individuals more vulnerable to misleading ideas, necessitating the development of effective tools to build and protect awareness.

He pointed out that Al-Azhar Magazine provides a model of renewed religious discourse based on logic and realism in discussing and addressing issues. Through an intellectual approach that reaches diverse segments of society, particularly international students who constitute a significant proportion of Al-Azhar's student population, the magazine strengthens its role in promoting moderate thought and establishing enlightened religious awareness.

Al-Azhar Magazine: An Important Witness to a Century of Political Events in Egypt

His Eminence Prof. Abdel Moneim El-Adawy, Professor of History and Civilization at Al-Azhar University, discussed the role of Al-Azhar Magazine in advocating Arab rights and defending Islamic holy sites. He emphasized that, throughout its history, the magazine's pages have reflected a clear commitment to supporting Arab and Islamic causes, raising awareness of legitimate rights, and defending sacred sites.

He noted that preserving national unity has always been one of the fundamental principles promoted by Al-Azhar Magazine, through its emphasis on national cohesion, the protection of territorial integrity, and the defense of national causes, alongside its commitment to addressing issues concerning the Islamic world and safeguarding its holy sites.

He explained that the magazine has devoted considerable attention to the Palestinian cause and Arab rights in Palestine, providing space for numerous writers and intellectuals to present their perspectives and explore the various dimensions of the issue. This reflects its consistent position in supporting the Palestinian people and defending their legitimate rights.

He affirmed that Al-Azhar Magazine serves as an important historical record of the major political events Egypt has witnessed over the past century. Its pages have documented significant developments and defining moments in Egyptian history, reflecting Al-Azhar's role in engaging with national and broader Islamic issues.

Dr. Hassan Khalil, Assistant Secretary-General for Islamic Culture at the Islamic Research Academy, reviewed the technical production stages of Al-Azhar Magazine and the comprehensive editorial and technical efforts required for its publication. He discussed its journey spanning 1,200 issues and the developments in its format and content over the years. He explained that the magazine comprises seven diverse sections that enrich its content and address the interests of different readership groups, covering ethics, Islamic law, religious sciences, women's issues, poetry, and other cultural and social topics. This diversity reflects the breadth of its mission and its commitment to delivering meaningful content that combines knowledge, awareness, and culture.

The seminar also featured a documentary highlighting the history of Al-Azhar Magazine, its century-long journey, the major intellectual and cultural challenges it has addressed, and its role in shaping awareness and responding to societal issues.

The floor was also opened for discussion and questions from attendees, providing an opportunity for constructive dialogue and meaningful interaction that enriched the seminar's discussions.

At the conclusion of the event, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, honored His Eminence Prof. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, and presented him with the Ain Shams University Shield in recognition of his distinguished participation and scholarly and intellectual contributions.