Training Program for Contemporary Preachers: A Specialized Course for Pakistani Imams at the Al-Azhar Alumni Organization
Today marked the launch of the training course titled “Preparing the Contemporary Preacher and Deconstructing Extremist Thought,” organized by the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates in cooperation with the Al-Azhar Global Academy for the Training of Imams and Preachers. The program is specifically designed for Imams and preachers from Pakistan.
The multi-day course addresses a range of scholarly and professional development topics aimed at strengthening the methodology of moderation (wasatiyyah), correcting misconceptions, and enhancing the juristic and preaching skills of participants. The initiative reflects Al-Azhar’s continued commitment to equipping religious leaders with the intellectual tools necessary to address modern challenges.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Abdel Dayem Nasser, Secretary-General of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates, warmly welcomed the Pakistani Imams and preachers to what he described as their “second home,” Egypt. He expressed his sincere wishes for their success and emphasized that the course forms part of Al-Azhar’s broader mission to promote authentic Islamic teachings and combat extremism.
He further highlighted that, in light of contemporary global challenges and complex issues, there is a pressing need for thoughtful scholarly engagement to dismantle extremist ideologies and expose the misconceptions of radical elements. He reaffirmed that true Islamic thought is a civilization-building force—one that guides humanity toward development, balance, and prosperity.
For his part, Dr. Aziz Mahmood, Head of the Organization’s Pakistan Branch, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to learn among the scholars of Al-Azhar, describing the institution as a fortress of moderation and balance. He underscored the urgent need for such programs to effectively convey authentic Islamic teachings in accordance with the balanced Azharite methodology.
The program commenced with a lecture delivered by Dr. Hassan Al-Saghir, Head of the Al-Azhar Global Training Academy, titled: “The Juristic Formation of the Preacher and the Application of Fiqh Discourse in Da‘wah.” In his presentation, he outlined key frameworks for developing the intellectual foundation of the contemporary preacher and addressed methods for engaging with emerging issues through sound juristic principles.
This training initiative stands as another significant step in strengthening scholarly cooperation between Al-Azhar and Pakistan, while reinforcing the shared commitment to moderation, intellectual clarity, and constructive religious leadership.
