Call for reform of Islamic education during the graduation of Makassed nursing, health and Islamic studies students

The Makassed University in Beirut organized a commencement event for graduates from its nursing, health sciences and Islamic studies programs. The event was attended by the representative of the Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Amin el Kurdi, as well as the Mufti for Zahleh and the Bekaa, Sheikh Khalil el Meiss. The president of the Makassed Association, Amin al Daouk, referred to a quote by the Mufti of the Republic who had said earlier that there is a serious need to revise higher Islamic studies as well as Islamic education in schools.  He hoped that such a process will be successful as Lebanon is in dire need of a reformist mentality to counter extremism and fundamentalism.  For his part Daouk hoped that the infrastructure of the administration of higher education will be put in place so that it can undertake the much needed quality control as well as oversee the necessary certification. Daouk further added that institutions need to step in line with the global trends of the job market and the quality requirements in higher education both in scientific and humanities divisions. The event was concluded by the distribution of certificates followed by nursing and health students reciting their professional oath. (Al Mustaqbal, 28 July 2015)