AhlulBayt News Agency: Christine Zahir Hanna is an Egyptian Christian woman who teaches Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University’s branch in Port Said.
This Christian professor teaches Islamic studies to students at Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Islamic Studies, reflecting the cultural and religious diversity of Egypt.
Twenty-three years ago, Christine decided to pursue a scientific path in exploring the intricacies of a religion she did not follow.
At the time, Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy, the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, supported her ambition. His words in her appointment application significantly altered her academic trajectory: "In honesty and fairness, do whatever you know is necessary about Christine."
With this endorsement, Christine began her career at Al-Azhar University as a teaching assistant in the Islamic Studies Department.
Her path was not without challenges, as she faced academic and social hurdles, but she persevered and pursued a master’s degree and then a doctorate.
In 2006, she was appointed assistant professor, and in 2023, she achieved the prestigious title of professor in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Throughout her journey, Christine immersed herself not only in theoretical Islamic studies but also in Quranic verses and prophetic hadiths.
She insisted on being judged by merit, rather than receiving privileges based on her faith.
In an interview, Christine emphasized that her academic contribution to Islamic studies enriched her human and ethical experiences, reinforcing the notion that all religions share a foundation in values and mutual respect.
Christine recalled that her decision to major in Arabic and Islamic studies in the 1990s surprised her teachers and classmates.
One of the prerequisites for studying Islamic studies was memorizing three chapters of the Quran along with their commentary. She memorized Surahs An-Nur, Al-Isra, and An-Naba, successfully meeting the requirement.
She noted that her entry into the field was filled with obstacles, but with the support of her family, colleagues, and her father’s friends, she was able to overcome difficulties.
Her father’s friends helped her memorize and comprehend Quranic verses and hadiths.
As a student, she was the only Christian in a class of 92 Muslim students. Despite this, she earned top honors, excelling in her studies.
Her professors offered to exempt her from Quranic memorization, but she refused and diligently memorized the required Surahs, mastering Tajweed as well.
Christine maintained her top-ranking position in the Arabic and Islamic studies department throughout her university years, and with dedication and faith, she remained at the forefront of her class.
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