Translated by: Nahed Ashraf Abdellatief
Dr. Yahya Eid, President of Kafrelsheikh University, witnessed an extensive intellectual meeting lectured by His Eminence Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Fatwa Houses and Bodies Worldwide, titled “Limits of Expressing Opinion on Social Media Platforms.” This meeting was organized by the “For Egypt” student family at Kafrelsheikh University in the Grand Conference Hall, with broad participation from university leaders, faculty members, and students.
The event was attended by Major General Adel Lubeib, former Minister of Local Development; Dr. Ismail Ismail Ibrahim, Vice President of the University for Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Amani Shaker, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs; and Dr. Ali Sabri, Secretary-General of the University, alongside members of the Board of Trustees of Kafrelsheikh Private University, deans and vice deans of faculties, in a scene reflecting the university's interest in societal and intellectual awareness issues among its students.
In his opening address, Dr. Yahya Eid, President of Kafrelsheikh University, expressed his profound pleasure in hosting the Grand Mufti of the Republic, affirming that this meeting constitutes one of the important intellectual gatherings reflecting the university's commitment to building student awareness amid the accelerating challenges imposed by the digital age.
The president of Kafrelsheikh University noted that the Grand Mufti's presence within the university carries a profound message, namely that the Islamic religion is not distant from daily life reality but is strongly present in all emerging issues, especially those linked to modern technology and social media platforms.
Dr. Yahya Eid affirmed that social media platforms have become an open arena for expression but simultaneously represent a true test of human commitment to values and ethics. He stated, “The freedom of expression we all uphold cannot be separated from responsibility, for the word written on social media may build awareness or demolish a society, may reform or corrupt, and herein lies its danger and importance simultaneously.”
Dr. Yahya Eid added that the university believes its role is not limited to graduating academically qualified students but extends to building an integrated, conscious personality capable of distinguishing right from wrong and practicing freedom with awareness and responsibility. He stressed that the “digital citizen” has become an essential part of the human building system in the New Republic.
The President of Kafrelsheikh University clarified that the Egyptian state, under the leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, pays unprecedented attention to building the Egyptian citizen and enhancing awareness in confronting rumors and misguided ideas, especially amid the widespread proliferation of social platforms. He affirmed that universities play a pivotal role in this system by disseminating a culture of critical thinking and entrenching values of dialogue and respect for differing opinions.
Dr. Yahya Eid pointed out that Kafrelsheikh University is keen to organize such events that combine enlightened religious thought and academic vision, thereby contributing to preparing a generation capable of dealing with contemporary developments without compromising constants and values.
Concluding his speech, the President of Kafrelsheikh University emphasized that this meeting represents a genuine opportunity to open a conscious dialogue between students and the Grand Mufti, contributing to correcting concepts and building rational awareness that keeps pace with era developments while simultaneously preserving societal identity and constants.
During the seminar, His Eminence Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, expressed his great pleasure at being present within Kafrelsheikh University, praising the excellent organization and the active role of “For Egypt” students in adopting contemporary intellectual issues affecting youth reality.
His Eminence affirmed that the issue of “Limits of Expressing Opinion” constitutes one of the most important issues imposed by the modern era, especially amid the significant digital transformation and the proliferation of social media platforms that have enabled every individual to become a content creator and idea transmitter.
His Eminence the Grand Mufti clarified that Islam guarantees freedom of expressing opinion but simultaneously establishes a clear ethical and legislative framework for it, ensuring no infringement on others' rights or harm to society. He noted that “freedom in Islam is not absolute freedom but regulated freedom that achieves individual benefit and preserves societal stability.”
His Eminence the Grand Mufti added that the word in Islam carries its weight and value, citing the Almighty's saying, "Man utters no word but that with him is an observer prepared [to record]” (Quran 50:18), explaining that what is written on social media platforms constitutes speech for which humans are held accountable, whether good or evil.
His Eminence pointed out that one of the most prominent challenges facing society today is the proliferation of rumors, hate speech, and cyberbullying. He affirmed that these phenomena represent a real danger to societal cohesion and stability, calling for the necessity of verifying information before publishing and not being swayed by unreliable news.
His Eminence the Grand Mufti also stressed the importance of distinguishing between constructive criticism aimed at reform and rectification versus insult and defamation. He affirmed that Islam encourages advising with wisdom and good admonition and rejects disparagement and harm.
His Eminence the Grand Mufti added that youth represent the true strength of society, and their awareness of how to use social media platforms positively constitutes a fundamental pillar in building a better future. He called upon them to invest in these platforms in disseminating knowledge, positive values, and enhancing the spirit of national belonging.
His Eminence the Grand Mufti pointed out that religious institutions, headed by the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta, work to keep pace with digital developments by providing fatwas and Sharia visions via modern media, thereby contributing to guiding users toward rational and responsible use of these means.
Organizing this meeting comes within the framework of the active role of “For Egypt” students at Kafrelsheikh University in enhancing societal awareness and organizing intellectual events that contribute to building the Egyptian student's personality, capable of confronting era challenges and aligning with the Egyptian state's vision in human building and awareness development.
