{
  "id": 2484078,
  "title": "Anwar, Sheikh Al-Azhar discuss efforts to deepen understanding of Islam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/anwar-sheikh-al-azhar-discuss-efforts-to-deepen-understanding-of-islam",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T02:55:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1516420/anwar-sheikh-al-azhar-discuss-efforts-deepen-understanding-islam"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sheikh al-Azhar al-Sharif Prof Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb discussed enhancing religious understanding and dakwah efforts during a phone call, following their conversation about Anwar's health post-surgery. Anwar expressed gratitude for Sheikh al-Azhar's prayers and guidance, noting that the surgery and his recovery were progressing well. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuing dakwah and Islamic studies, emphasizing the importance of their guidance in upholding Islamic knowledge and benefiting the wider community. They also reminisced about previous interactions, hoping to meet again in Cairo or Kuala Lumpur to further their efforts. Anwar's discussions with Council of Muslim Elders Secretary-General Mohamed Abdelsalam also included inquiries about the elder's health and his wife's wellbeing, as well as discussions on strengthening Malaysia's relationship with al-Azhar. Anwar expressed appreciation for the friendship and support shown by both Sheikh al-Azhar and Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighting the significance of their cooperation for the benefit of the people and global well-being.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sheikh al-Azhar al-Sharif Prof Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb discussed continuing dakwah efforts and Islamic studies to deepen religious understanding for the benefit of the wider community.",
  "key_points": [
    "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sheikh al-Azhar discuss deepening religious understanding.",
    "Anwar thanks Sheikh al-Azhar for prayers and guidance during surgery recovery.",
    "Both leaders reaffirm commitment to dakwah and Islamic studies."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Anwar Receives Phone Call From Sheikh Al-Azhar, Discuss Efforts On Understanding Of Islam",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/general-anwar-receives-phone-call-from-sheikh-al-azhar-discuss",
        "published": "2026-08-22T01:21:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}