Al-Azhar University to Offer Fully Sponsored Training for 25 Malaysian Imams

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) - The Al-Azhar University will offer a fully sponsored training programme to 25 selected imams from Malaysia, starting this year.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Professor Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ahmad El-Tayeb, said the training programme will be conducted either online or in-person in Cairo, Egypt.

The announcement was made during the Grand Imam’s courtesy visit to the board of directors of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in his speech, the Grand Imam expressed concern over conflict among Muslims such as the phenomenon of Takfir (excommunication of a Muslim by another) and Tabdi’ (accusations of heresy).

He explained that differences in schools of thought and ideology within Islam should not be a source of conflict among Muslims.

"I am worried about hidden hands trying to incite discord among Muslims. Moreover, enemy exploitation has tarnished the image of Islam with elements of violence, he said.

He also advised Muslims to maintain good relations with non-Muslim communities in the country and to preserve the existing harmonious relationships.