The Organization’s 2025 Annual Report
22 Foreign Branches… A beacon of knowledge and giving, reaching across the world
Qualifying 888 imams and preachers from 23 countries in collaboration with Al-Azhar Training Academy
20 conferences and seminars to promote Al-Azhar’s message of moderation… and 23 workshops to clarify misconceptions
Preaching campaigns and convoys to raise awareness and foster a sense of belonging and citizenship
280 preaching activities to nurture graduates and counter extremist ideas
Spreading the Azhari approach regarding doctrine, law, and ethics
15 Community Initiatives, 600 families benefited from the organization’s support across six countries
The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates continued its march of giving abroad in 2025 through its branches spread across various countries. It successfully expanded to include more than 22 branches under the patronage of His Eminence Prof. Abbas Shouman, President of the Organization and Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars. Notably, its mission is to disseminate the moderate Azhari approach and confront deviant ideas. The Organization intensified preaching activities and campaigns to counter extremist ideologies through seminars, conferences, workshops, and various preaching and awareness convoys aimed at correcting misconceptions, refuting extremist thought, and addressing suspicions propagated by extremists.
During the past year, the organization’s foreign branches organized 280 academic and preaching activities aimed at nurturing graduates and countering extremist ideas. The organization’s training courses experienced a qualitative leap, with intensified activity, graduating 888 preachers in cooperation with Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams across 23 countries, qualifying them to serve as the best ambassadors of al-Azhar. Additionally, it successfully organized 20 conferences and seminars to promote al-Azhar’s message of moderation…and 23 workshops to clarify misconceptions, in addition to 15 community initiatives. Additionally, 600 families across six countries have benefited from the organization’s support. The organization has also succeeded in intensifying preaching campaigns and promoting the Azhari approach regarding doctrine, law, and ethics. For example, in the Cameroon branch, the branch participated in the conference “Peaceful Coexistence between Religions”, held in Douala under the supervision of the Cameroonian government. Sheikh Mohamed Malek Farouk, head of the branch, delivered a speech outlining the approach to peaceful coexistence followed by the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (PBUH), in dealing with non-Muslims, emphasizing the rights and duties of all segments of society regardless of their religious differences. Additionally, the branch organized a training course on teaching methods in the Adamawa region. The course focused on developing Islamic school teachers’ pedagogical skills, effective teaching tools, and the selection of age-appropriate curricula. It also equipped teachers to prevent students from adopting extremist ideologies or joining extremist groups and guided them in responding to students’ questions regarding extremist claims using arguments and evidence from the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Furthermore, the branch of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates in Cameroon participated in a broad meeting that included regional imams and heads of Islamic associations, entitled “The Concept of Moderation.”
The organization’s branch in Cameroon held a training course entitled “Preparing Primary School Teachers to Refute Extremist Ideology” for 150 male and female teachers in Douala. The course aimed to equip teachers to counter extremist ideology and to protect young people from the misconceptions promoted by extremist groups. Additionally, the branch organized a lecture on citizenship, accompanied by a reading from the book ‘The Concept of Citizenship,’ one of the organization’s publications, as part of its efforts to refute extremist ideology.
The organization’s branch in Nigeria organized numerous events, the most prominent of which was an awareness campaign within refugee camps. The campaign included several activities, such as introducing the true teachings of Islam, delivering a series of lectures to refute extremist ideology, promoting the positive integration of refugees into society, and fostering a sense of citizenship, as well as highlighting the role of women in societal development.
Furthermore, the organization’s branch in Chad conducted a preaching convoy in the Lake Chad region, visiting border areas with Cameroon and Nigeria and meeting with tribal elders to correct misconceptions and address the claims of Takfiris. The branch also organized a lecture entitled “The Danger of Terrorist Groups” at Balama Mosque in the capital, N’Djamena. The lecture focused on correcting misconceptions and extremist ideas and mitigating the influence of ideologies that deviate from the moderate Islamic approach. Additionally, the branch held a lecture entitled “Manifestations of Peaceful Coexistence” at Dar Twami Secondary School, also in N’Djamena.
Likewise, the organization’s branch in Pakistan also organized numerous events, the most prominent of which was, in cooperation with the Corner of Islam at Majdiyya University, a series of workshops on Islamic law held in Hyderabad. The branch conducted mosque visits and delivered lectures presented by trainees from the organization’s training courses for Pakistani imams and preachers, who had received their training at the organization’s headquarters. The lecture topics included “The Doctrine of Monotheism,” “Al-Azhar’s Moderate Message,” “Zakat,” “Fasting,” and “Muslim Women and Their Role in Building Society and Educating the New Generation.” Additionally, the branch organized a course to promote the Arabic language at Aleemia Masjid in Karachi.
The organization’s branch in the UK held several important seminars on combating extremism at the Eaton Hall campus, focusing on a detailed introduction to al-Azhar’s methodology, particularly in relation to countering extremism and terrorism. Additionally, Imam Shahid Taniz, a member of the branch, conducted a multi-religious ceremony at the Dhaya al-Ummah Center, aimed at promoting consensus, unity, and community cohesion.
Additionally, the organization’s branch in the UK conducted a series of intellectual seminars in several cities, including the capital, London, on the topic of “Islam Between Truth and Challenges.” The seminars addressed how to confront contemporary challenges and how society can progress to achieve success.
In Libya, the organization’s regional offices continued a variety of activities aimed at consolidating the concept of moderation, fostering a sense of citizenship, promoting coexistence, and nurturing young people. The branch conducted a workshop at the Adra Municipality Office – Al-Shati in southwestern Libya on child labor, as well as a lecture entitled “Moderation in Islam,” delivered by several sheikhs who had received training at the organization’s headquarters for Libyan imams. Additionally, the branch organized a seminar on “The Elements of Nation-Building” and hosted many other events.
Sheikh Zayed Center: The Premier Destination for Arabic Language Learners from 82 Countries Worldwide
A pioneering educational institution successfully equips students with high-quality linguistic competencies
3,500 students enrolled from African, Asian, and European nations, with 2,000 graduates to date.
15 specialized workshops supporting Arabic language learning, listening comprehension, and curriculum preparation.
Comprehensive training for Arabic language instructors to master “The language of Dhad”.
An enduring legacy of excellence emanates from al-Sheikh Zayed Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers, where international students represent the foremost priority of the Board of Directors of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Abbas Shouman, President of the Organization and Secretary-General of al-Azhar Council of Senior Scholars. The Center is dedicated to supporting and nurturing students in their pursuit of knowledge and the embodiment of al-Azhar’s moderate methodology, while dedicating comprehensive efforts to facilitating the educational process, advancing the academic performance of international students, and preparing them for university enrollment.
Al-Sheikh Zayed Center’s leadership position comes as no surprise, as the institution stands as a pioneering one in teaching the Arabic language, accredited in accordance with international quality standards. The Center currently serves more than 3,500 male and female students from African, Asian, and European countries. It has successfully graduated 2,000 international students equipped with linguistic competencies meeting the highest quality benchmarks. Additionally, the center has organized 15 workshops dedicated to Arabic language instruction, listening comprehension, and curriculum development, while training and qualifying Arabic language instructors using cutting-edge global methodologies and strategies. This enables them to teach with maximum effectiveness and enriches the educational landscape with competent educators proficient in addressing the challenges of teaching Arabic as a second language, through diverse dimensions encompassing all language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—to elevate their competency and enrich the educational process.
The center employs distinguished teaching faculty and qualified specialists to implement and deliver the latest curricula and educational materials, utilizing optimal teaching approaches, methodologies, and techniques, while activating contemporary educational media and technologies. The ultimate goal is to enable learners to master Arabic—in listening, speaking, reading, and writing—at a level that qualifies them for studying at al-Azhar ash-Sharif and for utilizing Arabic with native speakers across the diverse fields of human endeavor. Additionally, this extends to Arabic language programs for specialized purposes (political, diplomatic, medical, economic, commercial, etc.). The Center further contributes to developing language proficiency assessments and electronic educational programs.
The Center’s vision emphasizes several foundational pillars, most prominently: developing students proficient in Modern Standard Arabic across all four skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing; preparing students to pursue their studies at al-Azhar University faculties; developing core educational materials, primarily represented in a foundational textbook issued under the auspices of al-Azhar ash-Sharif; and preparing diverse educational materials tailored to various nationalities, languages, and objectives.
The Center also facilitates the utilization of modern teaching and learning technologies and e-learning programs, administers rigorous scientific assessments for admission, level advancement, and completion, develops an international language proficiency examination (a standardized unified assessment), and delivers training programs for educators aspiring to teach Arabic to non-native speakers who possess the requisite qualifications.
The Center aims to: provide services to international students learning Arabic in preparation for enrollment at al-Azhar University; serve non-Arab researchers seeking to learn Arabic; accommodating members of diplomatic missions wishing to learn Arabic.
Further, the Center serves international students at other universities, provides cognitive and professional training and qualification for instructors, expands services internationally through establishing overseas branches, develops and refines an international standardized assessment, prepares Arabic language curricula appropriate to students’ nature, characteristics, and requirements in accordance with the latest educational frameworks, and advances Arabic learning programs via e-learning.
“Al-Azhar Graduates”: A Journey of Dedication in 2025
22 local branches across Egypt’s governorates disseminate sound awareness and promote the values of belonging and citizenship.
533 activities encompassing cultural, religious, and educational programs.
Seminars, awareness convoys, and workshops consolidating al-Azhar’s moderate approach and correcting the misconceptions.
Sustained efforts in fostering moderation, confronting extremism, and serving the community.
The year 2025 witnessed extensive and productive activity by the branches of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates across Egypt’s governorates, under the generous patronage of His Eminence Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar ash-Sharif, and pursuant to the directives of the Organization’s Board of Directors, chaired by Prof. Abbas Shouman, in collaboration with all sectors of al-Azhar ash-Sharif.
Throughout this year, the local branches have been committed to strengthening their intellectual, preaching, and social roles through implementing a comprehensive array of activities designed to combat violence and extremism, consolidate al-Azhar’s moderate approach, and address the pressing social issues of public concern.
The Organization successfully expanded its branch network to encompass more than 22 branches distributed throughout Egypt’s governorates, reaffirming its role as al-Azhar’s “ambassador of peace” in every location.
The Organization’s local branches demonstrated remarkable activity across multiple domains, cultivating productive collaboration with all sectors of al-Azhar ash-Sharif, governmental institutions, and civil society organizations. These efforts yielded a diverse array of activities and events aiming at combating violence and extremism, consolidating al-Azhar’s moderate approach, and intensifying cultural, religious, and educational programs and events, with activities exceeding 533 in total.
Within the framework of the Organization’s interest in community engagement, the local branches intensified their collaboration with governmental bodies and civil society institutions, thereby expanding their sphere of influence and enhancing their capacity to serve the society. Numerous community activities and seminars were conducted addressing significant social topics, including the promotion of family values, confronting bullying and addiction phenomena, raising awareness regarding youth and women’s issues, alongside launching initiatives supporting social cohesion, citizenship, and national belonging.
The local branches also devoted considerable attention to qualification and training programs across governorates, conducting specialized courses targeting the enhancement of youth leadership and preaching capabilities, and equipping community workers with skills and knowledge that strengthen their capacity to address intellectual and social challenges.
Through its local branches, the Organization continued to provide an integrated model for disseminating al-Azhar’s moderate values, safeguarding community members from destructive ideologies, and promoting the spirit of tolerance and acceptance of others. Joint events with Christian brethren, hosting influential religious figures, reciprocal visits, and charitable initiatives all contributed to consolidating coexistence values and supporting national unity.
Within this framework, numerous forums were organized, most notably “Moderation as a Way of Life,” attended by several distinguished figures, including the branches’ presidents, where challenges facing the branches were discussed, and ways of enhancing coordination with al-Azhar institutions were explored.
The branches organized numerous training courses and workshops targeting al-Azhar students and graduates, encompassing topics related to life skills enhancement, researchers’ qualification, in addition to courses in religious sciences.
The branches also conducted cultural and social events addressing current societal issues and awareness-raising strategies, including: the risks of early marriage, dowry exorbitance, water conservation, and confronting blood feud practices. Furthermore, the local branches implemented awareness campaigns in schools, institutes, and universities regarding the dangers of social media, the adverse psychological effects of the bullying phenomenon, and raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and drugs, with the distribution of booklets and brochures from the Organization and “Noor” magazine.
The World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates launched a series of preaching convoys aimed at spreading moderate thought, combating extremist ideas, and promoting true Islamic values. These convoys included visits to places of worship, which contributed to enhancing the spirit of cooperation and fraternity among community members. It also sent convoys to various governorates entitled “Perfecting Prayer,” in cooperation with the Islamic Council for Da’wah and Relief. Moreover, the convoys included a range of educational activities in a number of villages to promote the observance of the five prayers and highlight their importance in a Muslim’s life, in addition to providing financial assistance to families in need.
The Organization held seminars to protect youth from extremist and destructive ideas, highlighting al-Azhar’s role in protecting young people from intellectual deviation. The seminars emphasize that youth represent the most sensitive segment of society due to their energy, vitality, and enthusiasm, but their limited experience may render them more susceptible to being influenced quickly by deviant ideas. It also warns that intellectual threats are often no longer obvious, but have come to hide behind flashy slogans and false masks that target young minds and seek to dismantle society.
These activities reflect the Organization’s commitment to carry out its societal role, promote human and Islamic values, and spread the values of peace as well as peaceful coexistence.
Al-Azhar Ambassadors
Al-Azhar Ambassadors promotes its training role by implementing 100 programs and workshops.
15,000 students, graduates, and faculty members benefit from various training courses.
Training programs and workshops in cooperation with national institutions and entities.
Success partners:
Ministry of Youth and Sports
INJAZ Egypt
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
Close cooperation with:
Franciscan Cultural Center for Coptic Studies and Cultural Heritage
Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
AMAK Center at Al-Ahram
Al-Azhar Ambassadors project was launched in 2012 to be one of the qualitative projects aimed at developing the skills of Azhari students and graduates and preparing them to perform their societal and professional roles with competence and capability. With the conclusion of the project’s thirteenth year, it continues to add new achievements to its record, supported by the Organization’s leadership, foremost among them His Eminence Prof. Abbas Shuman, President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates and Secretary-General of al-Azhar Council of Senior Scholars.
Al-Azhar Ambassadors continues to consolidate its position as one of the leading models in the field of training and capacity building within al-Azhar University, affirming its active role in qualifying students and graduates scientifically and practically in line with contemporary requirements and the labor market.
During 2025, al-Azhar Ambassadors successfully carried out 100 training programs and workshops, benefiting approximately 15,000 students, graduates, and faculty members from various faculties of al-Azhar University; an achievement that reflects a clear vision and sustainable work strategy.
The training programs are carried out in cooperation with multiple national institutions and entities, most notably the Ministry of Youth and Sports, INJAZ Egypt, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Franciscan Cultural Center for Coptic Studies, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the AMAK Center at al-Ahram.
The training fields encompass linguistic, cultural, religious, and educational aspects, legal, medical, and agricultural fields, as well as life skills development and craftwork, meeting the needs of various segments of students and graduates. These programs were carried out through multiple training formats, combining in-person attendance and online training, allowing broader participation opportunities for Egyptian and international students.
In the context of concern for national issues and enhancing public awareness, al-Azhar Ambassadors organized an educational seminar entitled “Determination and Victory… October 1973,” celebrating the glorious 6th of October war victories and emphasizing the importance of anchoring values of belonging and national awareness among youth.
The above-mentioned confirms that al-Azhar Ambassadors continues to fulfill its mission, year after year, based on a clear vision that combines authenticity and modernity, to remain a model of institutional work that transforms training into an effective tool for building people and shaping the future.
International students
100 workshops to develop international students’ capabilities and skills to keep pace with developments.
Qualifying Azharis for the labor market and spreading the moderate thought to prepare them to be ambassadors of al-Azhar.
50 training courses to develop technical and personal skills, effective communication, openness, and peaceful coexistence.
Training 5,000 male and female students from various nationalities.
Holy Quran memorization and recitation competitions for international and Egyptian students, children, and people with special needs.
Alleviating living burdens and promoting the spirit of solidarity to ensure psychological and social stability
Springing from the role of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates in developing the intellectual and academic level and promoting the capabilities of international students studying at al-Azhar University, and in cooperation with al-Azhar sectors, the International Students Department at the Organization provided practical training for thousands of international students. The number reached 5,000 male and female students in 2025 from various nationalities, most notably Chad, Tanzania, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Yemen, Sudan, Niger, Mali, Bangladesh, and Benin, to consolidate the moderation of Islam, confront extremist ideas, and establish ways of coexistence in the homelands of international students. The total number of training courses reached 50 to develop technical and personal skills, effective communication, openness, and peaceful coexistence.
Among the most prominent of these activities:
Training courses in computer skills for international students from various nationalities.
English language skills program for international and Egyptian students, both in-person and online via Zoom platform at the Organization’s headquarters, aimed at enabling international students to acquire language communication skills that help them understand modern academic curricula, interact with different cultures, represent al-Azhar, and spread the message of moderate Islam worldwide.
The International Students Department organized training courses in developing personal skills for international students from various nationalities, covering presentation skills, effective communication skills, and CV writing skills.
Video recordings of international students expressing their culture and national identities, contributing to spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence, highlighting cultural diversity within al-Azhar University, and confirming its role in establishing the concept of peace, coexistence, and openness to peoples.
Publication of “Minbar al-Wafideen” magazine, a monthly electronic publication, with 17 issues containing articles expressing the opinions of international students from various nationalities and training them in journalistic writing, which occupies an important space in spreading the call for moderation and balance.
Supporting international students and alleviating their living burdens to ensure their psychological and social stability during their study period at al-Azhar University, and promoting the spirit of solidarity and compassion that al-Azhar is keen to establish among its international students from various nationalities.
Holy Quran memorization and recitation competitions for international and Egyptian students, children, and people with special needs, aimed at instilling love for the Holy Quran, encouraging its memorization and recitation among various groups, developing a spirit of competition, and highlighting distinguished models among international students.