The Grand Imam extends greetings to the people of Egypt, the Arab world and the global Muslim community.
In his annual address to the Muslim world delivered recently on the occasion of the Mawlid, honouring the birth of the final Messenger, the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, emphasised the following key points:
- We reject and warn against the commotion created by a mind-set and attitude that rejects and ignores tradition, heritage and all that is old.
- Those who are adamant on destroying heritage and tradition have nothing new to offer the world. All they offer is destruction, shallowness and chatter.
- Humanity today lacks and is in dire need of the tradition, heritage and treasures that exist within the biography (Seerah) of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Many of the young think that they possess statures with which they can attain the walks and ride the excellences of the great individuals, reformers and elite personalities the likes of whom are not found all the time; they appear only time after time.
- Many of those whose hearts and minds have been inflated by a perverted ideology and understanding regarding the meaning of the term ‘equality’ feel that they have the right to deny excellence and greatness of those who have been bestowed with it.
- The noble Prophet (peace be upon him) who presented his whole noble life for the support of truth, unfortunately, he is not fully taken as the source of guidance and inspiration for the life of Muslims today and their concerns.
- By neglecting the guidance of their Prophet (peace be upon him), the Muslim community has not reaped anything except bitter outcomes and contempt that is difficult to tolerate and be patient over.
- It is essential beyond all measures that the Muslims take a deep and long pause at the remembrance of his birth, deeply pondering and reflecting on his methodology and approach that paved the way towards renaissance, determination, facing challenges and remaining patient over crises.
- It is necessary that we pay heed and take benefit from the teachings and commandments of the one whose birth is being honoured (peace be upon him) as we face our battles against incapacity, underdevelopment, dependence and humiliation.
- I am filled with hope and confidence that have no limit in this Muslim community; it shall continue to be a torchbearer of truth and goodness, and it shall remain.
- It is hoped that the youth of this Muslim community will take it out of its motionless and state of being asleep, and will move forward in the race of civilisations embarking towards advancement and progress.
- I urge everyone to place the youth and our young in their minds and at the heart of their endeavours.
Read the full Arabic text of the Grand Imam’s address.
