His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has received His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania, to discuss strengthening mutual cooperation.
His Eminence stated that the world today is in dire need of seeking paths that unite peoples and bring them closer together, particularly at this challenging time when major global policies are fueling hatred and polarization between East and West. He emphasized that the issue is not a conflict between faiths, noting in this regard Al-Azhar’s openness—and that of the Muslim Council of Elders—to engagement with various Eastern and Western churches, including the Vatican, the Church of England, and the World Council of Churches. Rather, he explained, the real challenge lies in finding a path where major global policies align with the ethics and teachings of religion. He remarked: “When religion is not exploited to serve political or colonial agendas, religions come together in harmony, and genuine coexistence among their followers becomes possible.”
His Eminence further affirmed that the world places great hope in wise and concious leaders and decision-makers worldwide to confront the humanitarian tragedies afflicting the world today—challenges that require collective efforts to address them effectively.
For his part, His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania expressed his deep appreciation for His Eminence’s efforts to promote global peace and spread the culture of fraternity and coexistence. He noted that the separation of politics from the moral guidance and teachings of religion, along with a failure to properly understand the true purpose of religion and a decline in moral ideals within Western societies, has been a major factor behind the conflicts the world is witnessing today.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Royal Highness Prince Radu presented His Eminence the Grand Imam with a copy of the translation of the Holy Qur’an into the Romanian language, as an expression of his nation’s appreciation for the true teachings of Islam.