Egyptian president reaffirms freedom of belief and urges moderate religious outreach, as Al-Azhar, the Ministry of Religious Endowments and the Church outline initiatives to strengthen ethics and social cohesion
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Thursday called for balanced religious education, particularly among children, as part of efforts to counter extremism and promote positive social values, reaffirming that freedom of belief is guaranteed and religious outreach must be conducted with tolerance and respect.
Speaking during a session on religious discourse and its impact on societal values on the fourth day of Egypt Forum 2026, El-Sisi stressed that raising public awareness must go hand in hand with the enforcement of the rule of law, according to presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy.
The president said that while awareness helps shape individual conscience, the organisation of society and the management of state affairs ultimately depend on laws and their implementation.
Addressing the challenge of extremism, El-Sisi underscored the importance of establishing a balanced understanding of religion from an early age, particularly in the hearts and minds of children. He called for confronting extremes across the ideological spectrum, from terrorism to atheism.
El-Sisi also reiterated that freedom of belief is guaranteed, stressing that religious outreach should take the form of a gentle and well-intentioned invitation, regardless of whether it is accepted.
The president further emphasised the need for the government to communicate its activities and policies effectively to the public.
The session was attended by several senior officials, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly; Minister of Religious Endowments Osama El-Azhari; Mohamed Abdel-Dayem, secretary-general of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy; and Bishop Mikhail of Helwan, Maasarah and 15th of May City.
Religious Endowments Ministry Targets 41 Behavioural Challenges
During the session, El-Azhari outlined the ministry’s efforts to strengthen ethical values, encourage positive behaviour and develop religious discourse based on competence and merit.
He said consultations with various ministries and Egyptian institutions had identified 41 behavioural problems among employees, prompting the launch of the “Correct Your Concepts” initiative to reinforce ethical standards and promote responsible conduct.
Launched in July 2025, the campaign addresses a range of social and workplace challenges, including bullying, bribery, cheating in examinations and damage to public property.
El-Azhari also announced that the ministry’s artificial intelligence centre is scheduled to open next week. The centre has produced films exploring the wonders of God’s creation through five different approaches tailored to various segments of society, as part of broader efforts to encourage positive behaviour.
He further announced that the second season of the Dawlat Al-Tilawa Quran recitation programme will begin in November 2026.
Al-Azhar Expands Education and Counters Extremism
For his part, Abdel-Dayem reviewed Al-Azhar’s efforts to strengthen academic education and training, improve religious outreach and expand community guidance programmes.
He said the institution continues to monitor and counter extremism through awareness campaigns designed to promote a sound understanding of religious teachings.
Abdel-Dayem also highlighted initiatives to publish and preserve religious heritage, alongside expanding partnerships with international educational institutions to further develop academic programmes and educational standards.
Church Highlights Citizenship and Social Peace
Meanwhile, Bishop Mikhail outlined the Church’s role in character-building, promoting social peace and strengthening national cohesion.
He identified four key areas of focus: developing the spiritual and psychological well-being of younger generations, expanding church education and youth activities, building partnerships, and reinforcing the values of citizenship.
The bishop said the Church consistently stresses the importance of national stability and protecting Egypt’s social fabric, emphasising the need to preserve a homeland where all citizens can live together.
Egypt Reaffirms Commitment to Freedom of Belief
El-Sisi has previously reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to freedom of belief and worship, including during an October 2025 meeting in Cairo with a delegation from the World Council of Churches.
Efforts to expand the educational role of religious institutions have also included a July 2025 agreement to introduce preschool education programmes in mosques, beginning with a pilot initiative in Qena Governorate.
The latest discussions at Egypt Forum 2026 highlight the government’s emphasis on religious awareness, ethical conduct and cooperation among religious institutions as part of broader efforts to promote social stability and strengthen shared national values.
