President Mubarak inaugurates al-Azhar mosque after renovation

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt today opened al-Azhar mosque after being renovated and renewed for the first time since its foundation in 359 Hijra year (970 AD). The inauguration ceremony was attended by Egyptian Premier, several cabinet ministers and Imam of al-Azhar Sheikh Sayed Tantawi.

Meanwhile, on behalf of the Syrian republic's Mufti, Sheikh Ahmad Kiftaro, Syrian ambassador in Cairo Issa Darwich received on Sunday an award granted by President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. President Mubarak's honoring of the Syrian Mufti and other Muslims is to reward them for their contributions to reflecting the appeal of Islam.