The Faculty of Islamic Sciences (FaIS), Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Pattani Campus, welcomes the Grand Mufti of Egypt with a Special speech on Moderate Islam, Reinforcing the Faculty’s Role in Bridging Academic Scholarship with the Global Community at Both International and Muslim-World Levels

On August 26, 2025, the Faculty of Islamic Sciences (FaIS), Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Pattani Campus, had the great honor of welcoming Professor Dr. Nazir Mohammed Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt. He visited the faculty to meet with faculty members, staff, and students, and to deliver a special speech titled “Wasatiyyah (Moderation) in a Diverse Society” at the Imam Nawawi Conference Hall, located on the 4th Floor of the International Islamic Studies Building.

The event drew an audience of over 400 participants, including lecturers, students, and representatives from other faculties and units across the university, as well as members of the public. The program began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Mr. Krisana Hangsabutr (Nawawi), a third-year student under the Teaching Islamic Studies Program. He recited verses 142–144 from Surah Al-Baqarah, which address the change of the Qiblah from Bayt al-Maqdis to the Ka‘bah as a test of the believers’ faith. These verses emphasize that the Qiblah signifies obedience to Allah’s command rather than merely a physical direction. Allah affirms that the Muslim community has been chosen as an Ummah Wasatiyyah—a just and balanced nation—to bear witness over humanity, with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as their witness. The designation of the Ka‘bah as the permanent Qiblah also reaffirms the Islamic identity, distinct from other religions, while continuing the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). These verses thus highlight loyalty to divine command, the justice of the Muslim community, and the unique identity of Islam.

Following the recitation, Ms. Patimoh Sadiyamu, Governor of Pattani Province, delivered welcoming remarks, which were interpreted for the audience. She was followed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Attachai Ueranantasun, Vice President of PSU Pattani Campus, reflected on the significance of the Grand Mufti’s visit.

On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Roflee Waehama, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences, presented an overview of the Faculty and its mission. He highlighted the Faculty’s roles in education, research, and academic services, stressing its key commitment to promoting Wasatiyyah (moderation in Islam) as a guiding principle, driven forward through the Center for Wasatiyyah Studies.

The highlight of the event was the special speech by Professor Dr. Nazir Mohammed Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, who elaborated on the principles of Wasatiyyah as a foundation for peaceful coexistence in diverse societies. His address was accompanied by an interpretation.

“Islam acknowledges that all human beings have freedom of belief. Likewise, Islam grants freedom in religious practice; there is no compulsion in religion. Your religion is yours, and our religion is ours,” said the Grand Mufti.

He further emphasized:
“What enables societies to cooperate, prosper, and develop lies in the foundations of love, respect, protection of life, preservation of property, safeguarding of honor, and ensuring equality within society. Believers must also understand their religious principles correctly—whether Muslim or non-Muslim—within the context of their shared humanity and coexistence in society.”

This historic visit was a profound honor for the university and a significant milestone that reaffirmed the Faculty of Islamic Sciences’ role in connecting academic scholarship with the global Muslim community, while promoting knowledge and understanding of moderate Islam as a framework for peaceful coexistence in pluralistic societies. It also showcased the Faculty’s potential and progress as an internationally recognized academic hub, particularly within the Muslim world, committed to carrying forward this mission with steadfastness—Insha’Allah.