Under the leadership of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates, based at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Christian citizens of Egypt that occurred recently at the Mar Mina Church in the Helwan district on the southern outskirts of Cairo, which left several persons dead and wounded. The Organisation emphasised that Islam, and all heavenly religions, are free from this kind of sinful acts of violence. All religions call towards peace, mercy, love and the prohibition of aggression towards peaceful citizens and places of worship.
In its statement issued in Cairo, the Organisation affirmed that this terrorist incident will not weaken the nation’s strength and resolve in the face of evil forces. Any onslaught aimed at weakening the country will be to no avail and will return to haunt the culprits themselves. The citizens of Egypt will come ever closer in their unity and collective cohesion. The statement emphasised that this oppressive and bloody theology will not succeed. It will not achieve its purpose as it faces the confidence, awareness and vigilance of the people.
The Organisation offered its condolences to the people of Egypt and prayed for patience for the families of those affected by this tragedy. On behalf of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, the Organisation applauded the efforts of the army and the police in protecting the security of the land and its citizens. The Organisation further valued the cooperation of sincere citizens towards reducing the menace of terrorism, emphasising that such collaborative efforts will lead to the eradication of terrorism and the extremism fuelling it.
