The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar issues his strong statement in light of the recent violence on the streets of Egypt addressing all factions of society.
On Saturday 17 August 2013, the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, released his highly significant statement in view of the continuing bloodshed and violence on the streets of Cairo and other cities across Egypt addressing various factions of society, nationally and internationally. In his statement, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the swift recovery of all those injured and then stated, “Despite attempts to polarise and politicize Al-Azhar and to gain influence over its scholars as well as trying to distort its national significance by some, Al-Azhar transcends and remains above all such efforts.”
Addressing the security and armed forces of Egypt, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb said, “The peace and security of the nation and state – internally and externally – is a matter entrusted to you and you are answerable for it before the majesty of Allah. Al-Azhar urges you to be cautious and precise as you proceed in bringing peace and security in the land and that you exercise extreme caution in differentiating between who is demonstrating peacefully and who is rioting in order to create discord, violence, murder and destruction. Protecting the lives of the peaceful is indeed your utmost responsibility. I urge you to adopt patience in the sight of the demonstrators’ emotions and if they perpetrate any transgression that you deal with the situation within the framework of the law.”
Speaking to the factions of Egyptian society and various political forces, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb clarified, “Difference is the practice of Allah in the universe and in the creation. Difference of viewpoint does not nullify any individual’s patriotism nor does it justify hostility or treason. I appeal to you to open the doors of reconciliation and seek the horizons of cooperation in order to build unity and secure the future stability of Egypt.”
To supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and their allies, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb stated, “Scenes of violence will not earn a right for anyone. Political legitimacy does not require the flowing of blood and the spreading of chaos in the land and among the people. We have great confidence that there is still an opportunity and there is still hope and room for many of you who have not resorted to violence and sabotage in pursuit of peace to sit at the table looking for a peaceful solution. And for you to move swiftly towards protecting Egypt, your country and nation in which you were born, nurtured, grew up on its soil and drank from its Nile. Come forward to preserve this land from falling into blind discord as what has occurred in other parts of the world. We must all agree that the future of Egypt is not for one faction against the other, rather every faction has the right to share in building its future. We must all acknowledge the prestige of the state and the rule of law in order to maintain the security and lives of all citizens. There is no security and no peace if these two red lines are crossed.”
Addressing the Copts of Egypt and the Christian community, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb reiterated, “Al-Azhar does not spare any effort in emphasising the sanctity of your Churches and the role of your worships. Sabotage and transgression against these is not part of Islam at all. Islam is free from all these transgressions which are rejected by all religions and customs, laws and human civilizations. It is not hidden from us and you that these are attempts of a foreign satanic plan to drag this country into religious and sectarian discord and these attempts are indeed doomed to disappointment and failure. Allah-willing, Egypt has and will reject such despicable onslaughts.”
Finally, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb had the following remarks for ‘the friends outside Egypt’, “Egypt with all its citizens has the ability to overcome this situation. Returning its internal affairs to their original state can be achieved easily if the countries of the world observe the laws of the United Nations, mutual agreements and international norms; in particular by not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. You ought to know that Egypt is greater than any dictation and conspiracy, no matter who the dictator or the conspirator. I remind you that Allah is Greater than you, His power is overwhelming and He has control over His affairs, but most people do not know. We ask Allah to preserve Egypt and its people and to shield it from each evil, every ill and all hatred.”
From his part, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shaykh Dr Shawqi ‘Allam, welcomed the statement of Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb saying, “These precise points of the Grand Imam reflect the view of Al-Azhar which we have known to be a reference point for the enlightening religious thought, a protector of the values of the nation which are satisfying for all Egyptians irrespective of their background and affiliations. Moreover, the national and patriotic role of the Grand Imam is crystal clear and he is honorable for all society, internally and externally, for his defense of the dignity and values of the religion and the land.”
The full Arabic text of the statement of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, can be viewed here: http://onazhar.com/page2home2.php?page=3&page1=6&page2=4180
