French Foreign Minister meets Shaykh al-Azhar in Cairo to ease tensions; Shaykh al-Azhar responds:
*”My talk is beyond diplomacy when it comes to Islam and the Prophet of Islam.”*
On Sunday, 8 November 2020, France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, visited the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, Shaykh al-Azhar, at his office in Cairo, Egypt. The meeting took place amid tensions following the publication of cartoons by the French magazine Charlie Hebdo and comments by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Foreign Minister Le Drian emphasized the importance of respecting Islam and all religions while underscoring the necessity of combating extremism and terrorism in all forms. The Grand Imam welcomed the discussion, describing it as a voice of reason and wisdom.
### Key Points from the Grand Imam’s Response:
– *”My talk is beyond diplomacy when it comes to Islam and the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him).”*
– *”If you consider insulting our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as freedom of expression, then we reject such freedom outright. I am the first to oppose freedom of expression if it offends any religion, not just Islam.”*
– *”We refuse to accept insults directed at our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and will seek justice through international courts, even if it takes a lifetime.”*
– *”Europe is indebted to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to Islam for the knowledge and enlightenment that benefited the world.”*
– *”We reject the labeling of terrorism as ‘Islamic.’ This term offends Muslims worldwide and contradicts the truth.”*
– *”Muslims, both leaders and citizens, reject terrorism committed in the name of religion and affirm Islam’s and the Prophet’s innocence from such actions. Al-Azhar represents the voice of Muslims, and I have declared in international forums—Paris, London, Geneva, the United States, Rome, and Asia—that terrorists do not represent us.”*
– *”European officials must recognize that these acts do not represent Islam or Muslims, especially since Muslims suffer the most from terrorism. I personally carried roses in Bataclan Square to denounce all forms of terrorism.”*
– *”Every religion has followers who commit transgressions. Just as Christianity is not blamed for the New Zealand incident, Islam should not be blamed for terrorism committed in its name.”*
– *”Al-Azhar has historically confronted terrorism through education and curricula that unequivocally condemn extremism.”*
– *”Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a mercy for humanity. Is it wise to provoke the feelings of millions for the sake of an offensive publication?”*
– *”We are ready to collaborate with you to correct misconceptions about Islam and combat extremism in France and Europe. Al-Azhar is prepared to establish a platform to spread Islam’s true moderation and tolerance.”*
– *”I am open to dialogue and cooperation, but I firmly state that insulting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is entirely unacceptable.”*
