The UK Branch of the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates (WAAG UK) and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Shaykh Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb, strongly condemn the terrorist attack that took place last night in Manchester, killing 22 people and injuring more than 50 others.
The Vice-President of WAAG UK, Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari, issued the following statement: “We are deeply saddened, shocked and horrified at the attack that took place last night in Manchester. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families and loved ones. We stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens as we come to terms with this appalling crime and display of evil. An attack on any one of us is an attack on all of us. An attack on any child is an attack on all our children. Pain felt by one parent is a pain shared by all us parents. There are no words to describe this abhorrent event and our grief-stricken feelings at this time.
“The emergency services, the medical professionals and the people of Manchester have shown the best of this nation at the most evilest and tragic of moments. Their compassionate response and resilience in the aftermath of this tragedy reflects the spirit of this nation that will prevail. In the face of this national spirit, the divisive, murderous and chaotic intents of criminals cannot at all succeed. We stand with Manchester. We stand together in the national spirit.
“At this no doubt difficult time, we again reiterate our commitment towards one another as one human family. We stand together to remove hatred that lies at the very root of evil. Atrocities that seek to divide us and create chaos in our world can be countered by us seeking to unite ourselves and create harmony in our world. Extremism in all its forms and terrorism of every kind cannot be allowed to triumph. Evils need to be eradicated with the power of love and compassion. It is human greatness and a shared sense of humanity that can keep us all together and defeat the common enemy that is terrorism, which has no identity except indiscriminate murder and mayhem.”
In his statement, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Shaykh Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb, renewed his call for the development of a global strategy to counter terrorism and rid the world of this barbarity. Al-Azhar – the highest seat of Islamic learning in the world – reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of such terrorist acts, which violate the tolerant teachings of Islam, all divine religions, traditions, humanitarian norms and international covenants. The Grand Imam extends his sincere condolences to the British government, people and the families of victims and prays for the quick recovery of those injured. The Grand Imam issued his statement from Berlin where he is attending the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and the establishment of the Protestant Church in Europe. Invited by the German government, he is scheduled to deliver a discourse on tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
