Muhammad Jabrinn Al-Hasnaa Al-Makhzoumi, known as the "Ambassador of Love and Peace," has shared his remarkable story of traveling from Libya to Egypt's Al-Azhar University in search of knowledge. Born in Libya, Al-Makhzoumi was drawn to Al-Azhar's renowned scholars and their ability to effectively communicate with people. He left his life in Libya, including his job as an Imam and Khateeb, to pursue his studies in Egypt.

Al-Makhzoumi began his educational journey at Al-Azhar in the secondary stage, then joined the College of Islamic Da'wa, where he earned a Master's degree with honors for his thesis on the "Farewell Sermon and its comparison to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." He is now preparing to pursue his Ph.D. The cleric's decision to leave Libya was motivated by his desire to acquire knowledge and improve his skills in delivering impactful sermons.

Before joining Al-Azhar, Al-Makhzoumi met one of the university's graduates in Libya, who spoke highly of the institution. This encounter sparked Al-Makhzoumi's interest in Al-Azhar, and he became determined to be part of it. Despite the challenges he faced, including taking level-determining exams and embarking on a long academic journey, Al-Makhzoumi was convinced that his efforts would be worthwhile.

During his time at Al-Azhar, Al-Makhzoumi was actively involved in various extracurricular activities. He co-founded the Arab Students' Union and was elected as its first president. He also participated in Quranic competitions, cultural and Dawah activities, and delivered lectures and sermons. Additionally, he wrote articles to counter extremist ideologies and authored a book titled "Live Your Life Happily," which received recognition and an award in the field of cultural creativity.

Al-Makhzoumi's experiences extended beyond academics. He earned the title of "Ambassador of Peace" after participating in programs and conferences for Arab youth focusing on sustainable development, citizenship, and peace. These events brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, teaching him that peace begins with accepting and respecting differences.

The cleric's nickname "Beloved of Millions" originated from his interactions with students from various nationalities at the City of Academic Residences. As they faced difficulties with language or navigating the system, they would seek his assistance, leading to his room becoming a hub for students from different countries. His friends jokingly referred to his room as the "Embassy of the Beloved of Millions."

Reflecting on his journey, Al-Makhzoumi credits his upbringing and his father's values for his passion for serving others. His father, a respected Sheikh in Libya, instilled in him the importance of helping people, which has guided Al-Makhzoumi's actions. The support he received from Al-Azhar and the sense of community he found in the City of Academic Residences helped alleviate the challenges of being away from home.

Key points

  • Muhammad Al-Makhzoumi, an Egyptian cleric from Libya, has become known as the "Ambassador of Love and Peace" through his inspiring journey and dedication to serving others.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.