A S U

As part of the activities of the 15th Da’wa Week, organized by the Education and Student Affairs Sector at Ain Shams University in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Committee for Da’wa Affairs at the Islamic Research Complex, a seminar entitled “The Youth Dilemma: Between Extremism and Moral Decline” was held yesterday at the Faculty of Law.

The event was held under the auspices of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar; Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, with generous hosting by Prof. Yassin El-Shazly, Dean of the Faculty of Law. Administrative supervision and coordination were provided by Mr. Ibrahim Saeed Hamza, Assistant Secretary of the University for the Education and Student Affairs Sector.

The seminar featured lectures by Prof. Mahmoud El-Hawary, Assistant Secretary for Da’wa and Religious Media, and Prof. Dr. Youssef El-Mansi, member of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Committee for Da’wa.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Yassin El-Shazly welcomed the guests, expressing gratitude to the university administration and the Student Welfare Sector for their support, and emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by youth between extremism and moral decay.

Prof. Mohamed Ibrahim El-Shafie, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, also expressed his appreciation to the university leadership for hosting purposeful seminars that raise student awareness.

During the seminar, the speakers discussed the youth crisis between extremism and moral decline, highlighting the root causes of the problem and the impact of lack of awareness. They emphasized the role of religion in cultivating ethical behavior and promoting moderate values that protect youth from extremism.

The seminar also addressed the university’s role in fostering sound awareness, developing critical thinking among students, and safeguarding them from deviant ideas. The importance of societal awareness was stressed, along with the role of educational and Da’wa institutions in delivering messages rooted in wisdom and correct understanding.

The discussion further warned against blind Westernization and attempts to erode identity and distort values by imitating Western practices without discernment. Students were encouraged to embrace their authentic Egyptian identity while adopting a conscious and positive openness that balances modernity with core values, avoiding the pitfalls of moral decline.

The seminar also explored ways to counter Westernization by promoting belonging, adhering to national constants, and raising awareness of the risks posed by targeted content on media and social platforms. The event witnessed active student engagement and in-depth discussions, reflecting their awareness and the university’s commitment to nurturing enlightened thought and protecting youth from contemporary challenges.

The seminar was organized by the General Directorate of Student Welfare – Cultural Activities Department.