Two joint preaching caravans from Al-Azhar University and Egypt's Ministry of Religious Affairs departed on Friday, 21 August 2026 for the provinces of Fayum and Port Said. The caravans included the participation of twenty imams and preachers, according to information provided by the institutions.
Grand Imam Ahmad al-Tayeb, the highest authority at Al-Azhar, and Osama al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Affairs, backed the caravans. According to the institutions, the missions form part of continuing cooperation between Al-Azhar and the ministry, as well as the latter's efforts to implement its preaching plan.
The authorities indicated that the caravans seek to counter terrorism and extremism, as well as combat different forms of ideological extremism. They also aim to address what the authorities describe as secular extremism, linked to the erosion of values and morality.
According to the institutions, the missions aim to contribute to civilisational development, raise awareness among young people and other sectors of society, and promote the value of science, discovery and creativity. The authorities maintain that these initiatives strengthen the role of mosques in forming conscious Egyptian citizens capable of actively participating in civilisational development.