Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the Ministers and Muftis of various countries, along with heads of Islamic Councils and a group of scholars participating in the 36th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, hosted by Egypt on January 19-20, 2026. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Religious Endowments Dr. Osama Al-Azhari and Dr. Ahmed Nabawi Makhlof, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
According to State Information Service Egypt, spokesperson for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that President El-Sisi delivered a speech during the meeting. He welcomed the attendees and expressed his wishes for the success of the conference in achieving its goals through the formulation of unified strategies to combat extremist ideologies. He also discussed the role of religious institutions in enhancing societal stability and explored ways to utilize digital means in the call to Islam.
The President highlighted that the timing of the conference reflects the need to bridge deep-rooted Islamic values with the prospects of the digital future. He emphasized that Islam is a living religion, integral to the realities of life and the developments of the age. President El-Sisi also stressed that nation-building is achieved through developing individuals, and the Egyptian state is committed to investing in its people to develop an enlightened generation capable of facing modern challenges.
President El-Sisi elaborated on the Egyptian state's vision for religious discourse, aiming to save religion from conflict or controversy and preventing extremist movements from turning it into terrorism or violence. He highlighted the need for scholars to confront extremist thoughts, especially on digital and social media platforms, and to elevate religious discourse to ensure construction and security.
Moreover, the President emphasized the need for careful selection, training, and monitoring of preachers, ensuring they have a broad cultural foundation and decent living conditions. He also stated the importance of mosques functioning as comprehensive religious, educational, and service-oriented institutions. The President concluded by underscoring the need for a conscious and inclusive religious discourse that confronts extremism and promotes nation-building.
In an interactive dialogue with participants, President El-Sisi emphasized the promotion of moderate thought, combating extremism and terrorism, and elevating the status of the Islamic world. He reaffirmed the importance of training scholars and instilling a true understanding of Islam at all levels, highlighting Egypt and Al-Azhar's pioneering role in the Arab and Islamic worlds.