Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism

A Journey of Self-Purification 🤍 'Arafah🤍

The Day of ‘Arafah: When miracles happen

If the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are a crown, the Day of ‘Arafah is its brightest jewel. It is a day of profound emotional and spiritual breakthrough.

Imagine a day where Allah expresses pride in His servants, and freeing countless souls from burdens and hardships. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of two whole years.
But beyond the numbers, ‘Arafah is the day of deep, raw connection. Pour your heart out in Du’a (supplication to the Almighty Allah. Do not hold back. Ask for guidance, ask for peace of mind, and ask for a pure heart.

Prepare your Du'a list tonight. Your soul deserves this moment of ultimate connection.

Al-Azhar condemns terrorist attack on Islamic Center in San Diego and calls for decisive action for combating Islamophobia and Protecting houses of worship

Al-Azhar Al-Sharif condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack carried out by two armed extremists, driven by hate speech and incitement against Islam, which targeted the Islamic Center in San Diego, California, USA, resulting in the killing of three Muslim worshippers and its security guard. Al-Azhar emphasizes that this brutal assault represents a heinous crime that demonstrates the danger of incendiary ideas left unchecked by hate speech.

Al-Azhar also stresses that the proven criminal intent of the perpetrators—through documents and public inciting speeches, their direct targeting of houses of worship and educational facilities for children, and the shedding of the blood of peaceful, innocent people—is a "black terrorism" that requires a decisive confrontation. It underscores that complacency in combating the phenomenon of "Islamophobia" and leniency toward platforms of racism fuel tendencies of extremism and violence in societies, demanding that strict and immediate measures be taken to protect houses of worship and their visitors to prevent the recurrence of such bloody tragedies.

Al-Azhar Al-Sharif extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and mourns with profound sadness and appreciation the center's security guard, who embodied a heroic and brave stance, sacrificing his life to protect the worshippers and repel the attackers. It supplicates to the Almighty—Glory be to Him—to bestow His vast mercy upon the victims, to grant the injured a speedy recovery, to safeguard human life, and to protect the world from the evils of extremist ideas and their dire consequences.

South Australian Islamic Society: Women ‘egged’ and assaulted as Islamophobic abuse rises
Latest figures show Islamophobic incidents in South Australia have grown 20-fold in four years, including a woman being attacked to remove religious dress.

A Journey of Self-Purification 🤍
Lightening the baggage your soul carries

​We all carry invisible weight—old grudges, past mistakes, or habits we are not proud of. True self-purification (tazkiyyah) begins when we choose to lighten this baggage.

​The best deeds in the best days include sincere repentance and forgiveness. Use these blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah to make peace with your past. Turn to Allah with a humble heart, knowing that His Mercy in these days is boundless.

​And remember, purifying the soul also means clearing it of resentment toward others. Forgive someone today, look forward, and let Allah heal your heart.

​A lighter soul flies higher.