Al-Azhar to Open Arabic Language Center in Bosnia’s Capital, Sarajevo
It will also open a regional office for the Council of Muslim Elders in Sarajevo to support Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Europe.
According to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb, the Sunni Islamic institution is prepared to open an Arabic language teaching center in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. The aim is to educate Muslim children in the language of the Quran, aiding them in preserving their Islamic identity.
During a meeting in Cairo on Monday, Sheikh El-Tayyeb announced that Al-Azhar University will be providing unlimited scholarships to Bosnian students who wish to study there. This generous offer was disclosed during his discussion with Denis Bećirović, the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition, the institution has plans to host and provide training for Bosnian imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy. This initiative aims to empower them with the necessary skills to effectively navigate and address modern-day challenges, with a specific focus on promoting integration and fostering coexistence within their communities.
The Bosnian president expressed his pleasure at visiting Al-Azhar and meeting Sheikh El-Tayyeb, highlighting the significant contributions of Al-Azhar graduates to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development and their deep impact on the nation’s history.
He conveyed his country’s admiration for Al-Azhar’s Islamic identity and commitment to pluralism and diversity, ensuring an inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy their rights fully.
President Bećirović officially invited Sheikh El-Tayyeb to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressing his nation’s happiness and anticipation for this historic visit.
The grand imam welcomed the gracious invitation, confirming his intention to come at the earliest opportunity.
During the meeting which included discussions on the key issues and challenges facing the Islamic world, especially the Gaza situation, El-Tayyeb also stated that factories in America and the West are leveraging the Arab and Islamic world resources.
Sheikh El-Tayyeb warmly welcomed the Bosnian president to Al-Azhar, emphasizing that this visit holds special significance in light of the ongoing genocide committed by Israel in Gaza.
He said the atrocity in Gaza is a stain on humanity, which reminds the world of the genocide suffered by Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina, urging Muslims to unite to overcome these successive crises.
The real problem lies in the weak response of Islamic and Arab nations due to the division and fragmentation that afflicted them, he added.
Following his arrival in Cairo earlier Monday, President Bećirović met with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, where they held talks followed by a press conference.
Bećirović’s visit to Egypt is the first in over 14 years.
Egypt was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
