Algiers – The Rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, paid a visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers on Friday, marking a significant exchange between prominent religious institutions. He was received by the Rector of the Grand Mosque of Algiers, Sheikh Muhammad al-Ma’mun al-Qasimi al-Hassani.
The visit, described as a courtesy call, coincided with the Rector of the Paris Mosque’s presence in Algeria, according to a statement from the Grand Mosque of Algiers. It underscores the ongoing communication between influential religious bodies both within Algeria and abroad.
Simultaneously, the Rector of the Grand Mosque of Algiers met with a delegation of Algerian expatriates, reflecting the mosque’s commitment to engaging with Algerians worldwide. This initiative aligns with the Algerian government’s broader policy of strengthening ties with its citizens living abroad and reinforcing a unified religious and national identity, while respecting cultural diversity and adapting to contemporary needs.
The meeting with the Algerian youth is part of a comprehensive program designed for fifty-two university students from various countries. The program aims to strengthen the connection of younger generations to their homeland, fostering lasting bonds between Algeria and its diaspora.
The program includes an extensive tour of the Grand Mosque of Algiers, allowing the visitors to explore its diverse facilities and spiritual, scientific, and cultural institutions. This highlights the mosque’s multifaceted role as a center for worship, knowledge, and dialogue, embodying the national religious authority in both its historical and modern dimensions.
Furthermore, the program features an interactive academic session, jointly organized by the Grand Mosque of Algiers and the Secretariat of State for the National Community Abroad under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session will be led by professors and imams from the mosque, with presentations in Arabic, English, and French, followed by a discussion with the students.
The students will also participate in a collective recitation of Surat Al-Kahf before Friday prayers, demonstrating the presence of religious identity in its practical and emotional dimensions. This visit highlights the ongoing efforts to connect with the Algerian diaspora and promote national and religious values.
