Elite Egyptian University To Build Islamic Institute In Afghanistan

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

March 18, 2009

KABUL -- Egypt's Al–Azhar University, one of the world's most important centers of Sunni Islamic learning, has announced that it will build an Islamic institute in Kabul.

Sheikh Muhammad Sayed al–Tantawi, the imam of Al-Azhar, said the center will encourage peace building and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.

In a meeting with Afghan Education Minister Faruq Wardak in Kabul, Tantawi called on all sides involved in the conflict to put aside their disagreements and unite in order to stabilize Afghanistan.

Wardak told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan on March 17 that Al-Azhar leaders are very passionate toward peace, security, and developing education in Afghanistan, especially Islamic education.

They promised to assist Afghanistan to build a center for Islamic education that is unique. Wardak said the center will be called the Al–Azhar Institute for Islamic Education and is of great importance to Afghanistan. Al-Azhar University is named after the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, Fatimah, who was called Al-Zahra (the brilliant).