Mansoura University Hosts Minister of Religious Endowments at Cultural Salon in the Presence of the Governor of Dakahlia

Prof. Osama Al-Azhari Affirms: Moderate Thought is the True Shield for Protecting Societies from Rumors and Strengthening National Identity

 Prof. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments, participated in the activities of the cultural salon organized by Mansoura University on Sunday, July 19, 2026, under the title: “The Role of Moderate Thought in Combating Rumors and Strengthening National Identity.” The event was held in the presence of Major General Tariq Marzouq, Governor of Dakahlia, at the university's main conference hall.

 Upon his arrival, the Minister of Religious Endowments was received by Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, in the presence of Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, Prof. Tarek Ghaloush, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, several former vice presidents, deans and vice deans of faculties, the university secretary-general, assistant secretaries, representatives of Al-Azhar, the Egyptian Church, and the Ministry of Religious Endowments, a number of executive leaders, members of the cultural salon, public figures, researchers, intellectuals, media professionals, journalists, the General Administration for Student Welfare, members of the student union, and a large gathering of university students.

 The seminar was presented by Yasmine El-Ashry and began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by reciter Mahmoud Kamal El-Naggar, a star of the first season of the "State of Recitation" program. The attendees then watched a documentary highlighting key milestones in the Minister's academic and intellectual career.

 The President of Mansoura University welcomed the Minister of Religious Endowments, expressing the university's pride in hosting him for the second time and commending his continued support for the university and its academic and cultural mission. He emphasized that the manipulation of minds is one of the most serious threats facing humanity in the modern age, and that Mansoura University believes true investment lies in human capital, through preparing generations that combine knowledge, intellect, and civilization, possessing the ability to confront risks and challenges, and instilling values ​​of belonging and national awareness.

 The university president also welcomed Major General Tarek Marzouk, Governor of Dakahlia, affirming the deep partnership and cooperation between the university and the governorate in supporting various scientific, cultural, and community initiatives. This collaboration contributes to serving the people of Dakahlia and strengthens the role of state institutions in human development and achieving the goals of sustainable development. The university president affirmed that Mansoura University operates on the firm belief that universities are no longer merely institutions of education and scientific research, but have become key partners in shaping awareness and solidifying national identity. This is achieved through hosting prominent intellectual and scientific figures and opening channels for direct dialogue with students, thus contributing to the development of generations capable of critical thinking, distinguishing between fact and rumor, and bearing their responsibilities towards the nation.

 He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Education and Student Affairs Sector, headed by Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, the General Administration for Student Welfare, and all those who contributed to organizing the event. He commended their outstanding efforts in preparation and organization, which resulted in the cultural salon being presented in a manner befitting Mansoura University's stature and its mission of disseminating awareness and building human capacity.

 The Governor of Dakahlia expressed his pleasure at participating in the cultural salon's activities. He thanked Prof. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments, for this enriching intellectual seminar, expressing his pride in their friendship. He also thanked Mansoura University, headed by Prof. Cherif Khater, and praised all the organizers of this distinguished gathering. The Governor of Dakahlia emphasized that the nation faces renewed challenges that necessitate everyone's cooperation. He pointed out that awareness and enlightened thought represent the first line of defense against rumors and attempts to destabilize the country, and that preserving homelands is a shared responsibility; once homelands are lost, they are difficult to reclaim.

 The meeting then began with Prof. Mahmoud El-Gaeedy, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Mansoura University, who welcomed the Minister and presented a brief history of the cultural salon.

 Upon taking the floor, the Minister began by thanking the Governor, the University President and its leaders, all attendees, and the organizers. He then expressed his gratitude to the historical and medical figures of Dakahlia Governorate. The Minister then commenced his lecture by highlighting the importance of its topic, stressing that moderate thought represents the true safeguard for protecting societies from extremism and rumors. He added that building awareness has become a national imperative in light of the massive influx of information through media outlets and social media platforms, which requires establishing a culture of verification, critical thinking, and avoiding the misguided acceptance of unverified news. The Minister explained that rumors are no longer merely misinformation, but have become a tool aimed at destabilizing societies and weakening trust in state institutions. He emphasized that protecting nations begins with protecting minds, and that investing in youth awareness is the true guarantee for the nation's future. He stressed the importance of cooperation between religious, educational, and cultural institutions to solidify moderate thought and enhance social responsibility among new generations.

 The Minister also outlined some facts related to digital behavior and its psychological and intellectual effects, including narrow-mindedness and damage to awareness, offering some proposed solutions for addressing these issues.

 At the conclusion of the seminar, the Minister of Religious Endowments opened the floor for discussion, listening to the attendees' comments and discussions, and answering a number of questions and inquiries related to issues of awareness, renewing religious discourse, the role of youth in confronting rumors, and developments in artificial intelligence, amidst significant interaction from the audience.

 Following the seminar, the Governor of Dakahlia and the President of Mansoura University presented the Minister of Religious Endowments with the governorate's shield and the university's shield. In recognition of his scientific and intellectual contributions and his efforts in disseminating moderate thought and consolidating the values ​​of moderation, awareness, and national belonging, the Minister of Religious Endowments presented the ministry's shield to the Governor of Dakahlia and the President of Mansoura University in appreciation of their roles in supporting the advancement of awareness, culture, and community service.

 The events concluded with the participation of the Minister of Endowments, the Governor of Dakahlia and the President of Mansoura University in honoring a number of outstanding students and those with distinguished achievements locally and globally from among the university’s students, in confirmation of support for bright examples of youth, and consolidating the culture of excellence and creativity, and building the conscious Egyptian person capable of facing challenges.