Prof. Nazir Ayyad, “Human development is the cornerstone in Islam for cultivation of the earth and achieving social progress.”

Prof. Mohamed Hussein, “Human development is a fundamental pillar in building the new republic.”

   Tanta University hosted today Prof. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, in a symposium titled "Human Development in Islam". The event was part of the activities held under the presidential initiative "A New Beginning for Human Development". Prof. Ayyad was welcomed by Prof. Mohamed Hussein, Acting President of the University; Prof. Mahmoud Selim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Hatem Amin, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Mamdouh El-Masry, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Political Communication Advisor at the University, and coordinator of the symposium. The event, held in the University Conference Hall, was attended by many deans, academic staff members, employees, journalists, media professionals, and a large number of students and representatives of student unions and student groups.

At the beginning of his speech, the Grand Mufti expressed his gratitude to MG. Ashraf El-Gendy, Gharbia Governor, and Prof. Mohamed Hussein, Acting President of Tanta University, for their warm reception. He voiced his great pleasure at being in Tanta, a city with which he has a spiritual connection, having spent his early university years there, which added a special significance to this symposium for him.

   After that, Prof. Ayyad started discussing the main topic of the lecture, "Human Development," affirming that this is a great value in Islam. He declared that the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet have laid down comprehensive educational principles that aimed to develop individuals and society relying on strong, stable foundations. He added, "From the very moment of human creation, God Almighty prepared humanity for an important role in stewardship on earth", indicating that human development is essential for cultivation of the earth and community growth.

   In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Hussein, the Acting President of the University, expressed his great delight in hosting Prof. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, congratulating him on being appointed as the Grand Mufti. He indicated that today's symposium is an exceptional event, organized in line with directives given by Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to conduct a series of lectures and meetings with university students as part of a project launched by the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta in coordination with Ministry of Higher Education and Egyptian institutions to raise awareness among university students. The initiative aims to promote a correct understanding of religious values and moderation. He highlighted the university's commitment to participation in presidential initiatives, foremost among them being "A New Beginning for Human Development." He pointed out that the Egyptian state, under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, has adopted a strategic and comprehensive vision focused on human development in various aspects, aimed to build a new republic encompassing all sectors and institutions to support human development.

   At the end of the symposium, Prof. Mamdouh El-Masry facilitated an open dialogue with the audience. Prof. Ayyad answered questions about the role of the Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta in combating rumors, particularly amid the information and communication revolution, renewing religious discourse, and whether fatwas change with time and place and the factors influencing them. Prof. Mohamed Hussein granted the university shield to the Grand Mufti, Prof. Nazir Ayyad, in appreciation of his visit.