Grand Imam Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb leads senior delegation of scholars of Egypt on official trip to Kuwait featuring attendance at Qur’an awards ceremony and meeting with the Emir.
On 17 February 2014, the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, led a delegation of scholars from Egypt on an official visit to the Kingdom of Kuwait. He was accompanied by Dr Muhammad Mukhtar Jumu’ah (Federal Minister for Religious Endowment), Shaykh Mufti Dr Shawqi Allam (Grand Mufti of Egypt), Dr Ahmad Abdul Kareem (Member of the Supreme Council of Al-Azhar Scholars), Councillor Muhammad Abdul Salam (Legal Advisor to the Grand Imam) as well as some other senior dignitaries.
Commenting on the makeup of this delegation, the Minister for Religious Endowment, Dr Muhammad Mukhtar Jumu’ah, said, “The selection of this delegation by the Grand Imam has a clear indication in it which reflects the unity of religious institutions in Egypt under the banner of Al-Azhar and the leadership of the respectable Shaykh al-Azhar, especially during these fragile times in the history of the country. Contrary to what has been attempted through regulations to curtail the role of Al-Azhar; nonetheless, Al-Azhar has proven to all that it is united against any penetration and attempts of destabilisation. Al-Azhar plays a leading role nationally in confronting all forms of militancy and extremism and it stands as a serious obstacle in the face of any attempts to trade religion, and it will, God-willing continue as such.” Dr Jumu’ah further stressed that the people of Kuwait have praised the moderation message of Al-Azhar and its determination to spread the tolerance of Islam and its great civilisation and they have also praised the clear and bold stance taken by the Grand Imam.
During the visit, the Emir of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, honoured the Grand Imam Shaykh al-Azhar and the Egyptian delegation with a state reception and dinner which was attended also by Prince Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah among many dignitaries and scholars of Kuwait. The Emir of Kuwait greatly appreciated and welcomed the contribution of Al-Azhar towards moderation and stated, “Al-Azhar is a minaret of knowledge, scholars and scholarship. No doubt, Al-Azhar is regaining its historical position under the shade of the leadership of the Grand Imam Shaykh al-Azhar, who has taken a great deal in the struggle of his nation. The betterment of Egypt is the betterment of Kuwait and the issue of Egypt is the issue of Kuwait. This is because Egypt is in our hearts and its esteemed role in the Arab world is clear.” From his part, the Grand Imam Shaykh al-Azhar appreciated the stance of Kuwait stating that this reflected the deep relations between the two countries in matters of supporting the Arab and Islamic world. He said, “Although Al-Azhar is geographically in Egypt, it belonged to all Arabs and Muslims in the world.”
The Grand Imam Shaykh al-Azhar also visited and met with officials at the Religious Endowment authority in Kuwait and the Ministry was honoured to host the Grand Imam. He also attended the national awards ceremony of Kuwait’s Qur’an competition as well as meeting the former Prime Minister of Kuwait, Al-Naser Muhammad Al-Sabah. Ambassadors of Muslim countries in Kuwait also had a chance to meet the Grand Imam in a special session. An informative visit was also organised at Kuwaits ‘House of Zakat’ where the Grand Imam was welcomed by Kuwait’s Minister of Justice and the Minister of Religious Endowment.
