the historic visit

by
al-Azhar ash-Sharif
to Australia
in 2015

Darulfatwa - Islamic High Council

40 Hector Street, Chester Hill NSW, Australia, 2162
Phone: +612 9793 3330
Fax: +612 9793 9103
www.darulfatwa.org.au

Praise be to Allah who raised minarets for knowledge, that crystallized

the foundations of civilization. May Allah raise the rank and protect the
nation of our Master Muhammad ^, the Master of those who dwell in
the heavens and the earth our Master Muhammad, ^, and who came
with brilliant miracles. May Allah raise the rank of his Al and companions,
equal the number of shining stars and planets
On 20th of December 2015 Dr. Abbas Shouman the Deputy Chairman
of Al-Azhar visited Australia accepting the invitation of Darulfatwa Islamic High Council of Australia. The visit was intended to review the
situation of Muslims in Australia and share with them the festivities
commemorating the birth of the Prophet of mercy, Muhammad, ^
(peace be upon him).
The visit had a profound impact on the hearts of the Muslim
community who regard Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif as a major religious
reference and voice of moderation; something we are in desperate need
of replicating and spreading to all corners of the globe.

This unprecedented
visit
was
warmly
welcomed
and
witnessed by crowds
of
Muslims
from
linguistically
and
culturally
diverse
Arab and non-Arab
communities, as well
as by local, state and
federal
politicians,
dignitaries,
society
representatives, heads of associations and representatives of the Arab
and Australian media.

7
Thousands celebrate at the 2015 Mawlid Concert held by Darulfatwa Australia with
the slogan O Muhammad, everything about you is great

Launching a series of major events for his official tour was the
Multicultural Mawlid Concert the largest event held annually in Australia
to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, ^. The event
took place at the Olympic Park Sports Centre, Homebush, under the
patronage of Darulfatwa Australia.
People from different backgrounds and a number of Australian states
all came in love for Allah and express thanks for the blessing of our
Master Muhammad, ^ .

Muslims rushed in jubilation to commemorate the birth of

Muhammad the Master of mankind and the best of creation, whom Allah
sent as a mercy to the world.
The Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre in Homebush is one of the
largest indoor arena in Sydneys inner west, but it was jam packed with
thousands who attended.
The Concert and the event inspired the audience and captivated the
attending dignitaries.

Heading the assemblage of distinguished figures, his Eminence,

the Chairman of Darulfatwa Australia, Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan and,
for the first time in Australia, the Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar, His
Eminence Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman.
The impressive guests of honour included national, state and local
politicians, key Muslim and non-Muslim community figures, local and
interstate, diplomats, sheikhs and others. Prominent figures were:
Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency General David
Hurley AC, DSC, the former senior officer in the Australian Army
Senator, the Hon. Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, representing the
Australian Prime Minister;

Hon. Phillip Ruddock MP;

President of the Islamic Charity Projects Association (ICPA), Dr.

Ghayath Al-Shelh OAM;

Chairman of Muslim Community Radio, Mr. Rafic Hussein;

Ambassador of Morocco, His Excellency Mohammad Mael-Ainin;

Consul General of Egypt in NSW, Youssef Shawki;

Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh, Mr Anthony Khoury;

Consul General of Iraq, Mr. Bassam Dawud;

Honorary Consul General of Syria, Mr. Maher Dabbagh;

Jordanian Charge daffaires, Mr. Hamze Al-Omari;

Leader of the Opposition in NSW, Luke Foley

Julia Finn MP

Paul Lynch MP

Key influential businessmen;

Media representatives and journalists.

Sheikhs, Imams and leaders from almost every Muslim

community in Australia, including Iraqis, Syrians, Egyptians, Lebanese,
Jordanians, Moroccans, Palestinians, Somalians, Sudanese, Indonesians,
Afghans, Pakistanis, Indians, Turks, Bosnians, Hararis, Africans, and
Bangladeshi.
The Concert commenced with a blessed recitation from the Holy
Quran, followed by a charming stage play, narrating the story of the
honourable birth of the Prophet ^, performed by our talented youth.

A group of talented multicultural vocalists then took the stage

captivating over 5,000 spectators as they sang in praise of the Prophet
in their mother tongues including Turkish; Urdu; Sudanese; Malay;
Indonesian; African; Bosnian and English.
In their many diverse languages, they expressed their deep love for
the chosen Messenger and distinguished Prophet ^.

The most invigorating stage performance was undoubtedly given

by the popular chanting Band of ICPA Australia, led by the master of
the stage and the star of the Concert, Hajj Mohammad Al-Kheir another
special guest who arrived from Lebanon to support the Mawlid Concert.

The world renowned nashid singer also dedicated support to AlAzhar Ash-Sharif in admiration of beloved Egypt and Al-Azhar, the land
of Kinanah, and its peaceful Nile.
Performers, both young and old, felt privileged to participate and
took part enthusiastically in the spectacular stage show leaving the
audience in awe.
Their blossoming talents adorned the stage like a bouquet of
colourful and scented flowers, expressing their eternal love for the
Master of Messengers ^ through beautiful Islamic songs of praise.
The memorable evening continued to unfold as a choir of teenage

10

11
vocalists delivered to the world a timely
message in English.
Its message was simple. It defended
clearly the great religion of Islam and its
true followers, rejecting the false image
ascribed to it by extremists.
The songs made its sensational debut
on the concert stage, connecting with
thousands and earned a standing ovation
from the cheering spectators, aptly titled,
Never in our name.
The spotlight then shone upon
Darulfatwa Australia Chairman, Dr. Sheikh
Salim Alwan who delivered a sharp and concise message. He said:
Allah the Almighty said:

[This means: We sent you only as a mercy to the world.]

Welcome to you all who have come to celebrate the birth of
the Master of the Prophets, who have come to say we love you, O
Messenger of Allah, who have come to say O Muhammad, everything
about you is great.
We at Darulfatwa Australia, and those we represent, love Al-Azhar
Ash-Sharif and agree with the teachings of Al-Azhar and its moderate
approach.
We are under its banner because we are convinced that moderation
ensures the security and safety of a country. Moderation is the protective
shield that guards our young people from going astray and from being
drawn into destructive and deviant ideologies.

Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif carries the banner

of moderation and we adhere to this
methodology, as do hundreds of millions of
Muslims, Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan said, as he
introduced the Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar,
Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman, to the Muslim
community.
His Eminence Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman,
said he had travelled from Cairo to Australia
carrying a greeting from the Grand Sheikh
of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, and
conveying his best wishes to the wider Australian society.
He described the happiness he felt in the VIP reception room before
the Concert, where he met with key Australian politicians and numerous
ambassadors of Arab and Islamic countries, as well as influential
members of the Muslim community.
The Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman
relayed three important messages.
The first emphasised Islam as a religion of moderation, humanity and
mercy. He drew upon the following Ayah of the Quran saying, Allah said
to His beloved Prophet ^ whose birth we commemorate today:

[We sent you only as a mercy to mankind], said Prof Dr. Abbas
Shouman.
The second emphasized the importance of living in harmony with the
people of a nation and a community.
The third addressed the entire Muslim nation and urged them to
demonstrate the munificence of Islam.
The Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar said: You all have to act as

12

13
ambassadors for your religion in order to correct the distorted images that
have been spread by those who affiliate themselves to our religion, when in
fact our religion is innocent of their actions and their crimes.

The Muslims passionately rushed forward to seek blessings as they

shed tears of joy, love and respect for Muhammad, ^ the Prophet of
Allah, .

He continued to express his admiration for the pioneering role that

Darulfatwa Australia has played in Australia, in guiding the Islamic
community to adhere to the methodology of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif.

The concert ended with a generous offering of sweets and beverages,

as volunteer teenagers from the Bankstown ICPA 5th Scout Group
offered an array of pastries and confectioneries to the crowd.

The evening unveiled surprise after surprise, until it reached its

pinnacle.

Darulfatwa Australia extends a special thank you to the organizing

committee of the Multicultural Mawlid Concert and to the Heritage
Choir ICPA. It asks Allah, the Exalted, to bless us with the return of this
event and to restore safety and security to our lands of origin. Ameen

That was undoubtedly the moment when a glimmering light

filled the venue with the honourable relics of the Prophet ^, whose
authenticity was supported by a chain of authority and confirmed by
seals of sultans and sheikhs.
Encased in a diamond studded hexagonal treasure box with a glass
lid, the honourable relics in their grandeur were unveiled to the excited
audience, carried by his eminence, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Shafie and his
entourage of imams and Islamic preachers.

As a prelude to the concert, a VIP reception, hosted by Dr. Sheikh

Salim Alwan, took place in the Stadium lounge.
At the reception, Darulfatwas special guest, the Deputy Chairman
of Al-Azhar, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman was introduced to a party of
politicians, diplomats, organisation and association leaders, imams,
preachers, community representatives, media personnel and dignitaries,
invited to the Concert.
There were extensive talks and speeches about the occasion of the
Mawlid and the purpose it serves.
In his address, the NSW Governor, Mr Hurley, confirmed the critical

14

15
role Darulfatwa Australia plays, in the wider Australian society. He
commended it for its constructive contribution in sponsoring large
religious events in addition to the range of services it offers to the
Muslim community

The Deputy of Al-Azhar visits NSW Parliament House

Additionally, Senator Fierravanti Wells, representing the Australian

Prime Minister Mr. Malcom Turnbull, expressed her great appreciation
for the leadership displayed by Darulfatwa Australia, its services to
the Muslim community and its leading role in educating the younger
generations on how to love doing good.
The grandfather of Australian politics, Mr. Philip Ruddock MP, and
Opposition Leader Mr. Luke Foley, all echoed similar sentiments.
They also acknowledged the efforts of Darulfatwa Australia in
teaching its cohorts to live in harmony in Australias multicultural society.
They said that this Mawlid Concert is an example and clear evidence of
the benefits of multiculturalism.

* (Top) (with the intervention

of Darulfatwa Australia), NSW
Parliament House opened its doors
to Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif.
* (Right) Shadow Minister for
the Treasury Mr Michael Daley,
said: happy about the efforts
exerted by Al-Azhar to bring peace
to the world.

Day two of the memorable visit, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman and Dr.
Sheikh Salim Alwan headed to the NSW Parliament House, accompanied
by the President of the Islamic Charity Projects Association of Australia,
(ICPA) Dr. Ghayath Al-Shelh OAM.
They were welcomed by the Shadow Minister for Treasury and the
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mr. Michael Daley, who opened
the parliamentary chambers.
In private talks, Mr. Daley explained to the Deputy Chairman of

16

17
Al-Azhar
key
parliamentary
procedures and official dealings
between parties.
Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman stated
that Al-Azhar, the largest religious
institution in the world, adopts
a methodology of moderation
and tolarence and represents the
voice of over a billion Muslims
who, by consensus, reject the
destructive extremism, repulsive
radicalism, abhorrent violence
and criminal acts occurring in
parts of the world.
Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman
stressed that Al-Azhar firmly
believes that such abhorrent
violence does not solve the
problems faced by societies and
that is it more productive to seek
solutions through discussion and
debate.

In response, Mr. Michael

Daley said that Australians
appreciate the work of Darulfatwa
Australia in representing the true
image of Islam, despite media
misrepresentations. He pointed
out that abhorrent extremism
has many causes, ignorance is
the main one. He said that certain
people who have influence over
communities are sending out a
misleading message about Islam
to the wider community.
He added that he is happy
with the efforts of Darulfatwa
Australia and Al-Azhar and their
contribution to the quest for
peace and harmony in the world.

The Deputy of Al-Azhar visits Muslim Community Radio

Following his visit to the NSW Parliament House, Prof Dr. Abbas
Shouman and the Chairman of Darulfatwa Australia, Dr. Sheikh Salim
Alwan, made their way to the Muslim Community Radio, Sydney studios
for a live to air interview.
The live interview with Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman included the delivery
of a message from Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif in Egypt, in which the Grand
Sheikh of Al-Azhar his Eminence Dr. Ahmad Attayyeb, greeted the
Australian Muslim community and supplicated for them that they may
live a peaceful life of co-existence in a land they have chosen to call their
home.
Dr. Abbas Shouman asserted that events which gather Muslims such
as Congregational prayers, assist in social cohesion, building together
relationships and supporting community networks.
He said: The gathering of Muslim communities around the world is a
matter that we encourage because it opens the door for Muslims to expand
their networks and alliances, and enhances social bonding.
It also helps to put Islam in a good light extinguishing the flames of evil
extending from people who know nothing about the true Islamic Shari^ah,
the Shari^ah, of mercy and balance, rather than revolting violence and
condemned terrorism.

18

19
The Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar rejected the fatwas issued by some
people deeming the commemoration of the Mawlid prohibited.

He said: For this reason, it is imperative that we separate between the

religion of Islam and those who commit abhorrent acts of terror.

Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman said: Commemorating the birth of the

Prophet ^ is a praiseworthy deed and we endorse it.

He continued to say that Al-Azhar has repeatedly and consistently

called for people to stop using general statements that associate the ISIS
terrorist group with the establishment of a so-called Islamic State, and
statements that name such armed terrorist groups, Muslim troops.

Also, commemorating the birth of the best of creation is a gathering

of love for the best of creation who changed the world with the merciful
Shari^ah revealed and which lit civilized society.

He expressed how peculiar and odd that some people accept

celebrating events that show no trace of the Shari^ah of Allah, yet reject
celebrating the birth of the one who is an illuminating guide and mercy
to the World.

He reassured that Al-Azhar is on a balanced and moderate path. It

abhors radicalisation or extremism. He clarified that such extremists
cannot draw support from the Holy Quran or from the Prophetic Sunnah
for their horrific actions. He continued that these murderers are either
agents fulfilling orders or are completely arrogant to the true meaning
of Islamic scripture. He stressed the importance for people to know that
Islam, through its fairness and balance, is the only guaranteed path by
which we can achieve world peace for all and that it is imperative that
Islam is understood correctly.

The Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar also said: The principle taken by

Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif as a religious and an academic institution, is to uphold
moderation and balance.

He said: Let those who are misguided, refer to the credible scholars
of the past to correct their understanding in matters about which they are
confused or do not understand.

This approach he said is not owned by Al-Azhar, but is the methodology

of Islam and all Muslims.

Some people falsely claim to be knowledgeable and affiliates of AlAzhar. Then they publicize their scandalous opinions and controversial
thoughts which are against the approach and value of Al-Azhar.

Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman continued to motivate Muslims to keep

celebrating the birth of the Prophet ^ and not to pay attention to
deviant opinions.

The one who adheres to the true form of Islam will inevitably adopt the
path of moderation.
Al-Azhar is committed to the path of moderation depicted in the Book of
Allah and the Sunnah (traditions) of His Messenger. We shall not divert from
this path.
Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman stressed that the terror which nowadays is
repeatedly attributed to the religion of Islam, cannot be based on our
Shari^ah, nor indeed to the Shari^ahs of any Prophets from the past.
This is because all the Shari^ahs were revealed to guide the people to
what is in their best interest.

The value framework of Al-Azhar is far from abhorrent extremism and

it disowns anyone who ascribes to such, said the Deputy Chairman of
Al-Azhar.
We urge the youth to live in harmony and productivity with their fellow
Australians and to diligently work for peace and engage with the wider
Australian society. This will enable their religion to shine and exhibit the
beauty of Islam, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman said.

20

21
The Deputy of Al-Azhar visits the schools of Al-Amanah College.

An entertaining multimedia
achievements of both campuses.

presentation

showcased

the

Mr. Alwan then expressed his profound gratitude to the teachers

of Arabic, religion and Quran studies. He spoke about their efforts
in implementing the schools combined system of language and
religious studies and their commitment to educate the students of the
community about Islamic concepts and to distance them from revolting
extremism.
He commended the educators for their enthusiasm in teaching
knowledge that calls for moderation and harmony.

The Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman, was

accompanied by Chairman of Darulfatwa Australia, Dr. Sheikh Salim
Alwan, as they made their way to the two campuses of Al-Amanah
Colleges, Liverpool and Bankstown, and then to the Masjid Abu Bakr
As-Siddiq.
Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman and Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan met with the
academic team of administrators and teachers. They were introduced
by Mr. Mohammed El Dana, the Principal of Al-Amanah College and
the Head of the Office of Education, ICPA Australia. They also met with
students and their parents who were present specifically to greet and
welcome the Deputy of Al-Azhar, despite it being the school holidays.
At the Liverpool campus of Al-Amanah College, the party of
dignitaries were welcomed by its Principal, Mr. Ayman Alwan, who spoke
about the achievements of Al-Amanah College. Some school students
present recited verses from the Holy Quran by heart and narrated
honourable hadiths of the Prophet ^ and the Creed of Ahlu-Sunnah, as
articulated in the Creed of Sheikh Fakhruddin Ibn ^Asakir which used to
be recited in Jerusalem, as well as the poem of Imam ^Abdul-Ghaniyy anNabulsiyy which talks about Tawhid (i.e. the Oneness of Allah).

Towards the end of the gathering, Mr. El Dana presented the Deputy
of Al-Azhar with a plaque of gratitude along with Islamic Books, certified
by Al-Azhar University, and used within the curriculum at Al-Amanah
College as the main source of reference.
He also gave the Deputy of Al-Azhar the Schools Year Book and a
souvenir pen.
The Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar, Dr. Abbas Shouman thanked
the school officials and supervisors, including the administrators and
teachers, for their efforts in preparing a generation of upright Muslim
students, who hold in their hearts the pure knowledge of Ahlus-Sunnah
and reject horrendous extremism in all its forms.
The gathering ended with
group photos of the dignitaries,
teachers, students and managers.

22

23
* The Deputy of Al-Azhar at a private
sitting in the new offices of Darulfatwa
Australia with Senator representing the
Prime Minister, Concetta Fierravanti
Wells, discussing ways to collaborate on
an educational exchange programme
between the two countries.

Australia, at Olympic Park Sports Stadium, a few days earlier.

In tribute to the Deputy of AlAzhar, Dr. Abbas Shouman, the

party of dignitaries proceeded
in the afternoon to the Salamah
College complex and to a private
opening of the new Sydney office of
Darulfatwa Australia.

Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman said, Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif is an academic

institution of religious jurisprudence, disciplines and cultural studies
with more than 80 faculties, teaching half a million students, 80,000 of
whom come from 117 foreign countries.

For the occasion, the Deputy

Chairman of Al-Azhar presented the
Chairman of Darulfatwa Australia
with a commemorative gift on
behalf of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif.

Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman highlighted that the methodology of AlAzhar is based on disseminating moderate and balanced thought and,
to that end, Al-Azhar is ready and prepared to cooperate with Australian
universities to counter corrupt ideologies.

Senator Fierravanti Wells confirmed that she has been working on

this matter for some time and is trying to amplify moderate voices in
the Muslim community with a view to stopping the spread of extremist
ideologies that disturb the harmony between Muslims and other people
in the wider Australian society.

He also noted the many branches of Al-Azhar around Egypt and

other parts of the world as well as numerous Al-Azhar delegates and
missionaries in over 70 countries.

Following
the
opening
ceremony, at the request of the
Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator
Concetta Fierravanti Wells, discussions took place with the Deputy of AlAzhar, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman, the Chairman of Darulfatwa Australia,
Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan and the President of the Islamic Charity Projects
Association (ICPA) Australia, Dr. Ghayath Al-Shelh OAM.
Talks included discussing ways to establish a mutual academic
exchange program between the Australian government and Al-Azhar
Ash-Sharif.
Senator Fierravanti said that her interest in requesting such a sitting
was triggered by comments made by the Deputy of Al-Azhar at the
Multicultural Mawlid Concert held under the patronage of Darulfatwa

At the VIP Luncheon held by Darulfatwa Australia to welcome the Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar.

24

25
On Monday 21st of December 2015 following the official opening
ceremony of the new offices of Darulfatwa Australia, Deputy Chairman
of Al-Azhar, Dr. Abbas Shouman, and his associates made their way to
the VIP luncheon Hall in the Salamah complex at Chester Hill, Sydney.
Hosted by Darulfatwa Australia, the VIP luncheon was held in
honour of the special guest of the Arab and Islamic community, Deputy
Chairman of Al-Azhar, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman.
The exclusive guest list included numbers of key representatives of
the Arab and Muslim community in Sydney, leaders of cultural, social
and religious organizations.
Also present were representatives of non-Muslim groups, figures from
community schools and a large number of media representatives from
Australian and Arabic media outlets.
The formal presentations began with a word from the Chairman of
Darulfatwa Australia, Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan.
After the official welcoming he said: From the heart, we say that we
love Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and we hold tight to the moderate methodology
which we have learned from Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif. Al-Azhar is indeed a
minaret of knowledge and moderation.
The Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar did indeed travel to Australia
in response to the invitation of Darulfatwa Australia, but also to get
an opportunity to meet with the many Arab and Islamic Australian
communities, Dr. Sheikh Salim added.
In his address, the Deputy of Al-Azhar said, The Islamic Shari^ah is a
comprehensive system unparalleled in its principles of upright and peaceful
coexistence for all mankind. All Shari^ahs revealed in history, stand united
against hateful extremism, reprehensible terrorism and abhorrent violence.
He then said that this gathering reminded him of the experience of the
Egyptian Family House; a unique program established by the Grand
Sheikh of Al-Azhar.

It required figures of the church and Al-Azhar scholars to come

together to discuss current social affairs and community problems and
contribute resolutions and ideas to enrich Egypts heritage and culture.
The program outlined that the delegation of the chairperson rotates
between the Sheikh of Al-Azhar and the Pope of the Coptic Church.
Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman explained that he came to deliver several
messages at various gatherings organized over the three-day visit, but
then added to his set agenda a new message which he said should also
be translated.
He recommended that gatherings, such as this one, which represents
all denominations present on Australian soil, become part of a plan of
action applied with the aim of achieving engagement and integration at
grass roots level.
Such a move will also serve to reveal the true image of our Arab
region to the world, that it represents a land of peace and coexistence,
not a land condemned to violence and destruction.
Following the addresses, a number of leaders of association
presented plaques and souvenirs to the Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar
before taking group photos with him.

26

27
concern the nation as a whole.
On his part, the Consul General of Egypt, Mr. Youssef Shawki,
expressed his happiness and the privilege of hosting the Deputy
Chairman of Al-Azhar at his home, which he acknowledged was the first
official visit to Australia by an official from Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif.
He recognized that Al-Azhar is an institution of moderation and
tolerance that makes all Egyptians proud.
On Monday evening, proceeding the program of official
engagements, the Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar, Dr. Abbas Shouman,
accepted an invitation from the Sydney Consul General of Egypt,
Ambassador Youssef Shawki, to a welcoming dinner at his home.
The invited dignitaries included the Chairman of Darulfatwa Australia,
Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan, Bishop Daniel, head of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in Sydney and related associations, and head of the Islamic
Charitable Projects Association in Australia (ICPA), Dr. Ghayath Al-Shelh
OAM.
During the dinner, the Deputy of Al-Azhar said that he was grateful
and very happy for the opportunity made possible by the invitation of
Darulfatwa Australia to attend this gathering which ended the series of
engagements and formal functions in Sydney, .
He stated that this visit and its official engagements also served as a
way of forging a close bond between Egyptians and their expatiate.
He added that his visit to Australia had aimed to deliver several
messages to the Arab and Islamic communities in all countries of the
globe.
These centred on the importance of integrating with the societies
in which they live; working to correct misconceptions about Islam and
Muslims; not to betray the nations which they have chosen to enter and
call their home, and the need to engage on key matters and events that

He also directed a special greeting to the Chairman of Darulfatwa

Australia, Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan, and expressed his admiration at
the Multicultural Mawlid Concert hosted by Darulfatwa Australia, to
celebrate the Birth of Prophet Muhammad.

28

29
The state of Victoria graciously welcomes
Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman.
The following day, Tuesday 21st of December, 2015, the Deputy of
Al-Azhar travelled to Melbourne, with the party of dignitaries, where he
accepted an invitation to a formal welcoming dinner organized under
the patronage of Darulfatwa Australia by the Association of Islamic
Society (AIS), Victoria.
The guest list headed by the Deputy of Al-Azhar, Dr. Abbas Shouman
and Darulfatwa Australia Chairman, Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan, included:
The host, President of the Muslim Welfare Trust of Victoria, Sheikh
Mustapha Al-Chami;
Former Consul General of Egypt in Australia, present Assistant to
Foreign Minister, Secretary General of the Egyptian Fund for Technical
Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Mohamad Khairat [senior];

Diplomat Khaled Rizk;

Consul General of Lebanon in Melbourne, Ghassan Al-Khatib;

Consul General of Malaysia in Melbourne;

Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations at Victoria Police,

Andrew Crisp;
President of the Islamic Charity Projects Association of Australia,
Dr. Ghayath Al-Shelh OAM;
Representatives and leaders of culturally and linguistically
diverse associations, religious groups, denominations, and media outlets.
The event began with an honourable recitation from the Holy Quran
and was proceeded by enchanting rendition of Islamic songs of praise,
followed by the message of the Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar.
After the formal welcomes, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman thanked

Darulfatwa Australia for

facilitating this opportunity
to meet with a wide variety
of key communities and
groups in Australia.
Following his discussion
about the institute of AlAzhar Ash-Sharif and its
objectives, he stressed the
importance of gatherings
such as this, in which key representatives of the Australian Arabic,
Muslim and non-Muslim communities gather as one.
Again, he restated the full willingness of Al-Azhar to accept
enrolments of Australian students and Muslim community members
to commence courses in Al-Azhar, through the conduit of the Egyptian
embassy.
Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman said, Al-Azhar holds strong to a message
of humanity. It does not hold to ideologies of destructive terrorism and
the condemnable radical thoughts. Instead its quest is for humanitarian
coexistence, all the more so in todays problematic climate in which Muslims
are targeted globally. Inevitably, there is fear from all cultural communities

31
30

30
of a sudden eruption of violence.
The session ended with a word from the Chairman of Darulfatwa
Australia, Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan. He thanked his guests for their
attendance and support, and directed a special thank-you to the
distinguished guest of honour.
He stressed in his message the importance of knowing about AlAzhar Ash-Sharif and its moderate and balanced path.
Gifts were presented afterwards to the Deputy of Al-Azhar, and
followed by a string of memorable photo shots.
Among the matters that stood out to those present at this private
session, was that the Deputy of Al-Azhar stood up and personally
approached each and every one who was present, shaking their hands
and greeting them.
On the margins of the gathering, SBS radio conducted an interview
with the Deputy Chairman of Al-Azhar. The party of dignitaries then
headed towards As-Saddiq Association of Egypt.

A Historic Visit was made

.
.

.
:


.


.
.

.

.

On the next day, Prof Dr. Abbas Shouman, the Deputy Chairman
of Al-Azhar boarded his plane in Melbourne and travelled back to his
homeland. This ended his inaugural and historic trip to Australia.
Needless to say, he made a great impact on many especially on those
who accompanied him during his visit.

33
28

32
29

.





.

2015-12-21


.

34
27

35
26

.

.

:
.

36
25

37
24

: ..

:


.

:



-

. /


.

38
23

39
22

. /


.

.


.
. /





.

40
21

41
20

.
.



.

.
./

.

. /

.

. / .
. /






.

42
19

43
18

.


.

.





.


.

.


.

-



.

44
17

45
16

. /

.

46
15

47
14

.




.



.

2015-12-21


.

48
13

49
12

:





.

^
.
^.


.

50
11

51
10

:
:

.


( ).

. ./

. /

52
9

53
8

(
) (

).

^.



.

54
7

55
6

-
.-

^


^
.

.

56
5

57

.

. /
.

.



.

1437 20
2015-12
.

W y z 5 y
5 z4
z

y ~ { y

4
5 z

4
~
z
4

z
-

40 Hector Street, Chester Hill NSW, Australia, 2162

Phone: +612 9793 3330
Fax: +612 9793 9103
www.darulfatwa.org.au