Sisi praises military academy's role in preparing a new generation of imams

Egypt Today

22-04-2025

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
CAIRO - 22 April 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the graduation ceremony of the second training course for imams of the Ministry of Awqaf from the Egyptian Military Academy today at the Al-Manara International Conference Center.
The official spokesperson for the Presidency stated that the graduation and qualification of this new batch of imams, comprising 550 individuals who underwent a 24-week training period, comes within the framework of President El-Sisi's directives to the Ministry of Awqaf, in coordination with relevant state institutions, including the Egyptian Military Academy, to develop a comprehensive training program.
This program aims to enhance the capabilities of imams at various levels, contributing to the advancement of religious discourse and the development of communication mechanisms, particularly in combating and refuting extremist ideology, as well as reinforcing awareness, knowledge, and understanding of various intellectual issues and current challenges.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, the official spokesperson, added that the ceremony included a documentary film titled "Course Success Report," followed by a presentation of the imams' group research on the encyclopedic knowledge of a scholar and preacher and its impact on their duties (with Imam Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti as a model). The graduation results were announced, and the graduates took the oath of allegiance, a newly established oath for imams and preachers, administered by Dr. Ahmed Nabawi, a member of the technical office of the Minister of Awqaf.
The event also featured a poetry recital by a graduate and a religious chant. Lieutenant General Ashraf Zaher, Director of the Egyptian Military Academy, and Dr. Osama al-Azhari, Minister of Awqaf, delivered speeches highlighting the importance of integration and cooperation among relevant state bodies to implement the political leadership's vision in preparing a new generation of imams who combine in-depth knowledge of religious sciences with mastery of modern communication tools, thereby enhancing their role in spreading moderate thought and consolidating national values.
President El-Sisi delivered a speech on this occasion, the text of which follows:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
My graduating imams, esteemed guests,
Today, we celebrate the graduation of a new cohort of imams who will bear the responsibility of the word, spread the light of guidance, and consolidate the values of mercy, tolerance, and awareness.
I had directed the Ministry of Awqaf, in cooperation with national state institutions, foremost among them the Egyptian Military Academy, to develop a comprehensive training program concerned with refining the scientific, cultural, and behavioral skills of imams. This aims to elevate the level of preaching performance and enhance communication tools with society, so that the imam is a beacon of awareness, eloquent in expression, proficient in persuasion, honest in transmission, and present with keen awareness and deep understanding of various intellectual issues and current challenges, while preserving constants.
Today, we stand before the fruits of this constructive cooperation, seeing this bright elite of imams who have received quality preparation that blends the established principles of religious sciences with modern communication tools, armed with a خالص national vision, loyalty to God and then to the nation, and conscious awareness of the challenges and changes of the era, while preserving constants.
Esteemed guests… my imams…
In an era where the need for enlightened religious discourse, sound thought, and responsible speech is increasing, your position as bearers of the banner of this upright approach becomes evident. We realized from the very first moment that the renewal of religious discourse can only be achieved by enlightened preachers, rich in knowledge, broad in horizons, aware of the challenges, honest in their faith and patriotism, and capable of providing practical solutions to people that heal their problems and address their challenges, in a way that achieves the purposes of religion and preserves its ancient constants.
The task of renewing religious discourse is not limited to correcting misconceptions but extends to presenting the bright and true image of the true religion, as manifested in the life of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, as conveyed by the honorable companions, and as its landmarks were established by the guiding imams throughout the ages.
Today, as you graduate and take your first steps on this noble path, the greatest thing we expect from you is to uphold the covenant with God and then with your nation to be advocates for good, spreaders of mercy, and ambassadors of peace to the entire world.
Egypt, with its ancient history, distinguished scholars, and established institutions, has been and will remain a beacon of enlightened moderate Islam, which values humanity, honors reason, respects diversity, and establishes the meanings of justice and mercy.
What we witness today confirms the steady and determined progress of the Egyptian state in its national project to build the Egyptian person in an integrated manner, taking into account the mind and the conscience, and making religion a pillar of advancement and progress, within the values of belonging, moderation, and wisdom.
In conclusion… I salute every mind, thought, and hand that contributed to the completion of this great work, from the Ministry of Awqaf, from the Egyptian Military Academy, and from every national institution that believed that building the human being is building the nation, immunizing a future generation, and paving the way for a brighter future.
May God grant you all success, bless your efforts, and always make us in the service of truth, goodness, and humanity.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
After concluding his written speech, President El-Sisi directed several messages embodying the state's vision in preparing a balanced and responsible individual, capable of contributing positively to society. He pointed to the importance of emulating Imam al-Suyuti as a role model, who made an exceptional contribution by authoring 1164 books during his lifetime.
President El-Sisi affirmed that words alone are not enough to make an impact on society but must be translated into positive and effective actions that form a followed and implemented path. He cited the example of using mosques, in addition to being places of worship, to provide educational services to students. He also stressed the necessity of treating neighbors well, paying attention to the upbringing of children, and keeping pace with development without compromising constants.
President El-Sisi concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of preserving the Arabic language and the role of preachers in being guardians of freedom, reflecting a comprehensive vision of societal development. His Excellency emphasized that the course the imams received at the Egyptian Military Academy was prepared by specialized scholars in psychology, sociology, media, and all relevant fields. Finally, President El-Sisi reiterated his condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican, affirming that humanity has lost a great figure with his death.