Al-Azhar Alumni UK

02/06/2026

26/05/2026

20/05/2026

Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif strongly condemns the terrorist attack carried out by two armed extremists driven by hate speech and incitement against Islam, targeting the Islamic Center in San Diego, California, United States. The attack resulted in the killing of three mosque attendees and a security guard. Al-Azhar affirms that this brutal assault constitutes a heinous crime that demonstrates the grave danger posed by unchecked incitement and hate-driven rhetoric.

Al-Azhar stresses that the perpetrators’ criminal intent — evidenced through public manifestos and inflammatory writings — as well as their deliberate targeting of houses of worship, educational facilities for children, and innocent civilians, constitutes “dark terrorism” that demands a firm and decisive response. Al-Azhar further emphasizes that failure to confront the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia and tolerance toward platforms promoting racism and hatred only fuels extremism and violence within societies. It therefore calls for immediate and stringent measures to safeguard houses of worship and their congregants and to prevent the recurrence of such tragic acts of bloodshed.

Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif extends its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the families of the victims. It also mourns with profound sorrow and respect the center’s security guard, whose courageous and heroic actions embodied the highest ideals of sacrifice as he gave his life protecting worshippers and confronting the attackers. Al-Azhar prays that Almighty Allah envelop the victims in His infinite mercy, grant the injured a swift recovery, and protect humanity from the evils of extremist ideologies and their devastating consequences.

20/05/2026

𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝘇𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿, 𝗗𝗿 𝗜𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗹-𝗛𝘂𝗱𝗵𝘂𝗱, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝘇𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗨𝗞

On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Al-Azhar Alumni UK hosted an online lecture and dialogue session on the important theme of peaceful coexistence and countering extremist narratives. The session featured an insightful lecture by the esteemed Prof. Dr Ibrahim al-Hudhud, former President of Al-Azhar University, currently serving as one of its senior scholars and as Special Advisor on Academic and Intellectual Affairs to the global network, the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates. Participants in the session, engaging in the dialogue, included executive and non-executive members of Al-Azhar Alumni UK, as well as other graduates of Al-Azhar University and Jamia Al-Karam, selected for this meaningful discussion.

Dr Ibrahim al-Hudhud emphasised the foundational importance of the Prophetic biography (sirah) and the centrality of Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace) as a ‘mercy to all the worlds’; significant emphasis, he noted, is needed on grasping the broader meanings of the term ‘worlds’. He presented practical examples of the Prophet’s character and attitude towards all people, regardless of faith or background, exploring the Constitution of Madinah as a basis for a sound approach to pursuing social cohesion. He further delved into the factual context behind several verses of the Qur’an and Prophetic traditions (ahadith) that are misrepresented and misconstrued by extremist forces. Dr Ibrahim’s reflections on tradition, covering freedom of religion, the foundations of citizenship and maintaining cordial relations with others, provided insightful reference points for sound judgement in understanding the religion of Islam.

On behalf of Al-Azhar Alumni UK, President Bakhtyar H. Pirzada extended his gratitude to Dr Ibrahim al-Hudhud and the administration of the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates in Cairo for arranging this important session in a timely manner. In his remarks, Bakhtyar H. Pirzada welcomed the discourse of Dr Ibrahim al-Hudhud and reflected on the enduring importance of the Prophetic biography, emphasising that it cannot be overlooked and remains essential in contextualisation and the correct formulation of legal rulings in contemporary times.

Al-Azhar Alumni UK looks forward to similar future collaborations for the common good and remains committed to preserving and promoting the message of Islam rooted in tradition and moderation, free from extremism and fanaticism, as proclaimed by the historic institution of Al-Azhar University.

[ENDS]

19/05/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗹-𝗔𝗱𝗵𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹-𝗔𝘇𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗺

The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, received Reverend Dr Andrea Zaki Stephanous in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, 18th May 2026. Dr Andrea Zaki is President of the Protestant Community of Egypt and the General Director of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services.

Dr Andrea Zaki congratulated Muslims on Eid al-Adha and praised the Imam’s role in promoting peace, diversity, and coexistence. The Grand Imam and Dr Andrea Zaki highlighted the necessity for strong Muslim–Christian relations, the importance of human fraternity, and the need to restore religious values to address conflict, spread compassion, and support global peace.

04/05/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲

The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, reflects on women’s rights and explores the delicate balance between Islamic teachings and modern societal challenges. He examines how Islam granted women unprecedented rights in inheritance, education, financial independence and equal dignity more than fourteen centuries ago.

The article, al-Mar'at bayn Ta'alim al-Din wa Tawajjuhat al-Hadathah, by the head of al-Azhar al-Sharif is a worthy read. it looks at the value that Islam offered women from three angles: the Islamic, the cultural and modern perspectives.

01/05/2026

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 - 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

International Workers’ Day is observed annually on 1st May or on the first Monday of May in many countries around the world. Emerging from demonstrations, protests and strikes in the 1880’s that demanded an eight-hour working day, it is now a day celebrating labourers and the working class and their historic struggles and achievements. It is also known as Labour Day or May Day.

Islam emphasises the importance and value of work and labour. Allah has prepared and subjugated the earth for human beings, enabling them to earn a livelihood through their own effort. Among the divine wisdoms behind the creation of night and day is that human beings may rest during the night and strive for their livelihood during the day. Allah says: “And from His mercy is that He made for you the night and the day so that you may rest in it and search for His grace, and that you may be grateful.” [Qur’an 28:73] Allah says: “And We made the day for seeking livelihood.” [Qur’an 78:11]

Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace) taught that the most excellent food is the which a person earns with his own hands and efforts. He said: “Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which he earns by the labour of his own hands. Indeed Prophet Dawud (David) would eat from the earnings of his own labour.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2072] He also emphasised the importance of not becoming a burden on others when one has the ability to earn a livelihood, as work elevates a person, grants dignity and enriches them. He said: “For one of you to gather firewood and carry it on your back is better than asking someone who may or may not give to him.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2374]

The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, highlighted discipline and diligence as fundamental qualities for the development and progress of nations. He said: “Dedication to work is a fundamental value in Islam. Hard work is the cornerstone for building and advancing nations through the efforts of their people.”

01/05/2026

🔴 مكانة العمل في الإسلام.

▪️جعل الله سبحانه الأرض طيِّعة ميسرة للعمل وطلب الرزق، وذكّر عباده بهذه النعمة وحثهم على السعي والأخذ بأسباب الرزق؛ فقال سبحانه: {هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولاً فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِهِ وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُور}. [الملك: 15]

▪️هيأ الحقُّ سبحانه الكون والخلق للعمل والسعي، فأنعم على خلقه بنعمتي الليل والنهار، وجعل النهار للعمل والمعاش، والليل للسكون والراحة بعد الكد؛ قال سبحانه: {وَمِنْ رَحْمَتِهِ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ لِتَسْكُنُوا فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ} [القصص: 73]، وقال سبحانه: {وَجَعَلْنَا النَّهَارَ‌ مَعَاشًا}. [النبأ:11]

▪️قرر الإسلام أن أفضل طعام الإنسان ما اكتسبه من كده وعمل يده؛ قال سيدنا رسول الله ﷺ: «مَا أَكَلَ أَحَدٌ طَعَامًا قَطُّ، خَيْرًا مِنْ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ مِنْ عَمَلِ يَدِهِ، وَإِنَّ نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ، كَانَ يَأْكُلُ مِنْ عَمَلِ يَدِهِ». [أخرجه البخاري]

▪️علمتنا السنة النبوية الجليلة أن اشتغال الإنسان بأي عمل شريف؛ يرفعه، ويكرّمه، ويغنيه، وخير له من سؤال الناس؛ فقال سيدنا رسول الله ﷺ: «لَأَنْ يَحْتَطِبَ أَحَدُكُمْ حُزْمَةً عَلَى ظَهْرِهِ، خَيْرٌ لَهُ مِنْ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ أَحَدًا، فَيُعْطِيَهُ أَوْ يَمْنَعَهُ». [أخرجه البخاري]

▪️جاء الأمر بالتفرق في الأرض لطلب الرزق وقضاء مصالح الخلق، بعد الأمر بالسعي إلى صلاة الجمعة واغتنام فضلها؛ ليظهر شمول إسلامنا الحنيف وجمعه بين ابتغاء الدار الآخرة، وتحصيل منافع الدنيا بالبذل والعمل؛ قال تعالى: {فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ فَانتَشِرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيراً لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ}. [الجمعة: 10]

وَصَلَّىٰ اللَّه وَسَلَّمَ وبارَكَ علىٰ سَيِّدِنَا ومَولَانَا مُحَمَّد، وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ وصَحبِهِ والتَّابِعِينَ، والحَمْدُ للَّه ربِّ العَالَمِينَ.

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26/04/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗺:

"Citizenship is the greatest guarantee for applying the juristic principle governing the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, namely: 'They have the same rights as we do, and they bear the same obligations as we do.' In contemporary terms, this means complete equality in rights and duties."

- Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar.

22/04/2026

زيارة مؤسس معهد المدينة لراعي فرع المملكة المتحدة للمنظمة العالمية لخريجي الأزهر

في يوم الاثنين الموافق 13 أبريل 2026، قام فضيلة الشيخ الأستاذ الدكتور محمد بن يحيىٰ الحسيني النينوي، مؤسس معهد المدينة بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وجنوب إفريقيا، بزيارة خاصة إلى فرع المملكة المتحدة للمنظمة العالمية لخريجي الأزهر خلال إقامته القصيرة في بريطانيا.

وقد استقبله بحفاوة بالغة راعي الفرع فضيلة الشيخ محمد إمداد حسين بيرزادہ، إلى جانب طلاب العلم والأساتذة وأعضاء مجلس الإدارة للفرع، حيث أُنشدت الأناشيد ترحيباً بقدومه، مما خلق جواً من المحبة والخشوع.

وعُقد لقاءٌ مثمرٌ وممتعٌ بين الشيخين، تبادلا فيه الأفكار، وتوطدت خلاله أواصر العلم والأخوة. في هذه المناسبة، قدّم الشيخ بيرزاده أحدث مؤلفاته العربية، بما في ذلك منشوراته الحديثة في السيرة النبوية "إمداد القيادة في سيرة النبي الهداية" و"إمداد الجماعة في سيرة النبي الشفاعة"، بالإضافة إلى طبعته العربية الجديدة من كتابه التعليمي المؤثر في الغرب في قواعد اللغة العربية "إمداد الكلمة والحرف في قواعد النحو والصرف".

واختُتمت الزيارة بتناول الشاي والمرطبات، تلاها دعاءٌ صادقٌ ودعاءٌ من القلب. وعلى الرغم من جدول أعماله المزدحم، فقد خصّص الشيخ النينوي وقتًا لزيارة فرع المنظمة العالمية لخريجي الأزهر.