As part of its enlightening mission and its leading role in building religious and intellectual awareness among its students, the Education and Students Affairs Sector, under the patronage of Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, and the supervision of Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdo Amasha, Vice President for Education and Students Affairs, organized today, Monday, 3 November 2025, an outstanding scientific seminar titled “Between Truth and Falsehood: A Sharia Perspective on Countering False Claims.”

The seminar was delivered by His Eminence Professor Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Secretary-General of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, at the Farouk Shousha Hall at the university.

The seminar began—introduced by Professor Dr. Mohamed Maher, Head of the Arabic Language Department at the Faculty of Arts—with the playing of the national anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Professor  Dr. Nabil Mabrouk, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology for Postgraduate Studies and Research.

The event was attended by Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdo Amasha, Vice President of the University for Education and Students Affairs;

Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdel Hamid Shehab, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research;

Eng. Shaimaa El-Seddik, Deputy Governor of Damietta;

Brigadier Mohamed Mostafa Khalifa, Military Advisor of Damietta Governorate;

Professor Dr. Ramadan El-Tantawy, Former President of Damietta University;

Professor Dr. Mamdouh Ne’matallah, Former President of the University;

Professor Dr. Mamdouh Sufan, Former President of the University;

Professor Dr. Talaat Sahloul, Former President of the University;

Sheikh Hany El-Sebaei, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf in Damietta;

Sheikh Ashraf Abu El-Wafa, Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Region in Damietta;

In addition to a number of faculty deans, vice deans, academic staff, and students. The speeches began with remarks by Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdel Hamid Shehab, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, who expressed his pleasure in participating in this enlightening event that brings together religion and science to confront intellectual challenges affecting society. He affirmed that Damietta University constantly strives to promote the values of truth and integrity, and works to develop the religious and scientific awareness of students so they can distinguish between truth and falsehood.

For his part, Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdo Amasha, Vice President for Education and Students Affairs, welcomed His Eminence the Mufti and all attendees, emphasizing that organizing such seminars reflects the university’s keenness to build genuine awareness among young people and to support enlightened, moderate thought in the face of misleading narratives and rumors. He stressed that the university aims to be a center of sound thinking and a space for responsible dialogue.

This was followed by a speech by Eng. Shaimaa El-Seddik, Deputy Governor of Damietta, who expressed her delight in participating in this meaningful event and extended her thanks to Damietta University for its continuous commitment to fostering students' awareness and developing their intellectual and human character.

She emphasized that Egyptian youth form the first line of defense for the nation’s awareness, and that confronting false claims requires a true understanding of national and religious values. She commended the university’s role in instilling these concepts through cultural activities and awareness seminars.

During the seminar, His Eminence Professor Dr. Nazir Ayad presented an in-depth Sharia-based perspective on the dangers of spreading lies and rumors without verification. He stressed that Islam places truthfulness as a fundamental pillar in building societies, and that words are a trust and a profound responsibility for which individuals are accountable before God and the community. He noted that seeking the truth is not merely an option but a religious and moral obligation.

He explained that rumors are among the most dangerous weapons targeting the stability of nations and the unity of their peoples, calling for awareness of their risks and the necessity of verifying information sources before sharing them—especially in light of the enormous flow of news through social media. He emphasized that sound religious awareness is the first line of defense against misinformation and distortion.

His Eminence also pointed out that confronting falsehood and lies can only be achieved through knowledge, honesty, and sincerity. He urged young people to embody these values and contribute to building society’s awareness of truth and goodness, noting that nations are not built by numbers but by consciousness, knowledge, and sincere faith.

In a statement, Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, expressed his pride in hosting the Grand Mufti on campus and praised the high-level scholarly and religious guidance he provided.

He affirmed that Damietta University will continue to serve as a beacon of enlightenment and a builder of conscious Egyptian citizens, and as a center of sound thinking that combines religion and science in service of the nation. He stressed that awareness and knowledge are the true lines of defense for protecting society and ensuring its stability.

The seminar also featured an open dialogue between the Grand Mufti and the students, marked by strong interaction and constructive questions, which His Eminence answered with great openness. He emphasized the importance of calm dialogue and enlightened thinking in shaping a generation aware of the issues of its homeland and faith.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the university shield was presented to His Eminence Professor Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in recognition of his pioneering scholarly and religious role, his sincere efforts in promoting values of moderation and enlightened thought, and his distinguished contributions to correcting misconceptions and enhancing societal awareness of issues related to religion and the nation. His Eminence expressed his deep gratitude for this kind gesture, praising the university’s role in supporting dialogue and fostering conscious thinking among its students.