The Establishment of the World Association for al-Azhar Graduates

The idea of establishing the World Association for al-Azhar Graduates was put forward during the First World Symposium for al-Azhar Graduates which took place in Cairo between 12-14 Rabi al-Awaal 1427 H/11-13 April 2006. The members of the symposium felt the need for establishing an entity that could play several roles. They aspired for an entity that would strengthen communication between al-Azhar and its graduates worldwide. That entity would also enhance the universal role of al-Azhar and its moderate approach. In addition, it would preserve the identity and heritage of the Islamic nation (Ummah) and protect the values and the principles of Islam by confronting campaigns wishing to distort its image. The association was founded as a non-governmental organization registered by the Arab Republic of Egypt according to the Egyptian law no. 7145 for 2007 A.D/ 1428 H. It was founded by a group of prominent scholars headed by Prof. Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi, the previous Grand Imam of al-Azhar (may God bless his soul), Prof. Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzooq, previous Minister of Endowments and Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of al-Azhar.