A graduation ceremony was held on 9 May 2026 for a group of distinguished shiekhs and religious leaders who successfully completed a specialised training program in November 2025. Conducted in collaboration with Al-Azhar Academy, one of the world’s leading institutions in Islamic scholarship and moderate religious education., the 57 graduates came from across Australia including 40 from New South Wales (NSW) to participate in the the program.
The ceremony was attended by a number of religious, diplomatic, political, and community leaders, including Sheikh Salim Alwan, Chairman of Darulfatwa Islamic High Council of Australia; Haj Mohammed Mehio, President of the Islamic Charity Projects Association; His Excellency Hani Nagi Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; His Excellency Fahad Obaid Mohamed Altaffag Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates; Mr Muthanna Al-Subaihi Consul General of the Republic of Iraq; Mr Nabil Hamzah Vice-Consul Consulate of Malaysia; Ms Charishma Kaliyanda MP Member of the Legislative Assembly Member for Liverpool; Ms Kylie Wilkinson MP Member for East Hills; Ms Ola Hamed Mayor of Cumberland Council; Ms Rachelle Harika Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown City Council; and Mr Richard Ammoun Representing Mayor Ned Mannoun Liverpool City Council.
The course provided participants with comprehensive and contemporary training in key Islamic sciences, including creed (^Aqidah), jurisprudence (Fiqh), and inheritance law (Al-Mirath), Alongside traditional Islamic studies, the program addressed current social challenges and highlighted the important role religious leaders play in strengthening community harmony and social cohesion.
A major focus of the training was preparing teachers and sheikhs to address abhorrent extremism, challenge harmful ideologies, and promote the Islamic values of tolerance, moderation, mercy, and peaceful coexistence. Throughout the program, participants also discussed a number of important topics, including:
* The understanding that extremism contradicts the true teachings of Islam, which are based on mercy, justice, and wisdom.
* Protecting young people from extremist ideas and misinformation.
* The importance of peaceful coexistence and cooperation within society
* Promoting civic responsibility and national unity
* Encouraging dialogue, compassion, and social harmony among communities.
The graduation reflects an ongoing commitment to preparing qualified religious leaders capable of addressing modern challenges with wisdom, knowledge, and moderation while serving their communities.
Speakers at the ceremony emphasised that Islam calls for justice, mercy, and respect for human dignity, and highlighted the important role trained scholars play in promoting peace and rejecting all forms of violence, harmful ideologies, and division. During the ceremony, His Excellency Hani Nagi presented certificates to the graduates in recognition of their successful completion of the program.
Professor Abbas Shuman, President of the World Association of Al-Azhar Graduates, also congratulated the graduates, conveying the greetings of His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar.
The organisers congratulated all graduates and expressed confidence that they will continue to serve their communities through positive leadership, constructive engagement and proactive ambassadors of moderation.
