Selangor: Professor Dr Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Awqaf, conducted a scientific discussion session with religious leaders, fatwa secretaries, and members of the Islamic Heritage Council in Selangor, Malaysia. This session aimed to activate the memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024 in Cairo, which was witnessed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting saw participation from the Malaysian side including Dr Anhar Obeir, the Mufti of Selangor, along with several fatwa secretaries, religious leaders, and students of knowledge. From the Egyptian side, Professor Dr Mohamed Abdel Rahim Al-Bayoumi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, journalist Mahmoud Al-Jallad, the Minister’s Assistant for Media Affairs, and preacher Sheikh Ahmed Hussein Al-Azhari attended the session. The discussions were moderated by Dr Mohamed Ayman Al-Akty, a member of the Fatwa Committee in Perak and Selangor and an assistant professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the religious institutions of both countries, particularly in the training of imams and preachers, exchanging scientific research in Islamic law, and discussing mechanisms to preserve Islamic heritage and promote religious awareness.

During his remarks, Dr Osama Al-Azhari emphasized the visit as a step towards activating the memorandum of understanding between Egypt and Malaysia signed last November. He stressed the need to correct misconceptions among Malaysian youth and clarified the true values of Islam, highlighting the deeper dimensions of Sufism beyond miracles and jurisprudential issues.

Dr Al-Azhari described Sufism as essential for purifying the soul and building noble morals and values, which serve as defenses against terrorism. He urged returning to the essence of true Sufism to promote moderation and tolerance, aligning with Al-Azhar’s approach.

Dr Anhar Obeir praised the cooperation efforts, considering the partnership as a gateway to new horizons for exchanging scientific and advocacy experiences. He affirmed that such meetings strengthen both countries’ positions in the Islamic world and contribute to spreading moderation and tolerance.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing cooperation through periodic scientific meetings and experience exchanges, aiming to entrench coexistence and peace values in both Egyptian and Malaysian societies, thus implementing the memorandum of understanding’s provisions effectively.