NEWS

Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament: The Grand Imam’s visit to the Indonesian Parliament is a support for Indonesian women

Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament: We rely on Al-Azhar to maintain moderation and diversity in our country

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: Indonesia represents a pioneering model in diversity, religious tolerance, and social peace

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: The exclusion and marginalization of women from social participation is due to the mixing of societal traditions with religious rulings

Puan Maharani, Speaker of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, received His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Parliamentary Complex of Indonesia which was established by Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president in 1965.

The Speaker expressed her great pleasure at this cherished visit by the Grand Imam to Indonesia and the honor it brings to the Indonesian Parliament. She noted that this visit sends a message from His Eminence supporting Indonesian women amid the spread of incorrect fatwas about women’s empowerment and leadership roles, falsely accusing Islam of being anti-women. “As the first woman to chair the House of Representatives of the largest Muslim country, Indonesia, I thank you for your consistent positions that emphasize Islam’s respect for women, its preservation of their status, and its elevation of their role as partners and equals with men in all aspects of life,” she said.

The Speaker affirmed the Indonesian people’s trust in Al-Azhar as a scientific beacon and a moderate religious reference and noted that Al-Azhar’s stance against the aggression on Gaza reflects the deep bitterness felt by Indonesians who also look forward to Al-Azhar’s continued role in raising awareness of the suffering in Gaza. She emphasized that Indonesia and Al-Azhar share common goals of promoting religious and moral values, combating Islamophobia, and creating global Islamic entities capable of defending Muslim issues on a global level.

She further stated that Indonesia has adopted a path of pluralism, acceptance of others, and providing an environment conducive to mutual coexistence and respect. This approach stems from the belief that diversity is a gift and wisdom from God intended for this universe. She explained that Indonesia relies on Al-Azhar to maintain Islamic moderation in the country, with its graduates and students serving as a soft power to uphold their cohesive social fabric. Hence, Indonesia invests in Indonesians studying at Al-Azhar and has a genuine desire to double their numbers.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his happiness at visiting the Indonesian Parliament, highlighting the strong Egyptian-Indonesian relations, noting that Egypt was one of the first countries to support and recognize Indonesia’s independence in 1946. He explained that Al-Azhar has been a crucial factor in strengthening these relations, with over 14,000 Indonesian students currently studying at Al-Azhar’s institutes and university and that Al-Azhar also offers 200 scholarships, and this number will be increased during this visit in appreciation of the Indonesian people.

The Grand Imam praised Indonesia’s development and progress, alongside its commitment to preserving religious and moral values. He noted that Indonesia serves as a pioneering model of pluralism, religious tolerance, and social peace, maintaining stability within the framework of unity. He stressed that the moderation of Islam is the secret to its endurance and distinction, keeping it far from extremism and excess.

His Eminence also emphasized that the history of excluding women and marginalizing their participation in social life is long, rooted in a mix of societal traditions with religious rulings, resulting in biased jurisprudence that hindered women’s progress out of fear of societal judgment. He pointed out that proper education and highlighting women’s role in building Muslim society alongside men have liberated women from long-standing fears and anxieties.

Grand Imam to Vice President of Indonesia: The Islamic World Lacks Coordinated Efforts and a Unified Islamic Voice Involving Political Decision-Makers and Religious Scholars

Grand Imam to Vice President of Indonesia: Efforts to Combat Islamophobia Will Only Succeed if Driven by Genuine Desire and Coordination Between Politicians and Religious Scholars

Vice President of Indonesia: We Coordinate with Al-Azhar to Combat Islamophobia and Highlight Islam’s Moderation to the West

Dr. Ma’ruf Amin, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, received His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

Dr. Ma’ruf Amin emphasized the importance of His Eminence’s visit due to the deep affection and respect the Indonesian people have for him. He highlighted that Al-Azhar is highly trusted by Indonesians as their primary religious and scholarly reference, playing a crucial role in shaping the relationship between Egypt and Indonesia. He noted Indonesia’s intention to elevate its academic relations with Al-Azhar by establishing an office for the development of education for incoming students in Indonesia to prepare them before they commence their studies at Al-Azhar University, considering these students as the future scholars and leaders of their communities.

The Vice President of Indonesia also expressed his appreciation for the efforts made in coordinating cooperation between the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House, Al-Azhar’s charitable arm, and the Indonesian Zakat and Charity Authority, particularly in organizing humanitarian aid convoys to Gaza. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people, as demonstrated by Indonesia’s advocacy against the oppression, displacement, and violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza at various international forums.

Dr. Ma’ruf Amin emphasized the need for continued collaboration with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to accurately present Islam globally, especially in an era where Islam is falsely accused of promoting violence and extremism. He stressed the importance of clarifying Islam’s moderation and compassion and addressing the false allegations against it to Western youth, pointing out the rising threat of Islamophobia in Western countries and its impact on the security and stability of Muslim communities.

For his part, the Grand Imam underscored Al-Azhar’s ongoing efforts to promote Islam’s moderation and that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders have conducted dialogues between the East and West and held international conferences on the status of women in Islam to go with advocating for the use of the term “citizenship” instead of “minorities,” promoting equality and empowerment regardless of religion, race, gender, or color. Al-Azhar has also introduced positive integration among all citizens within a country, drawing on the example of the first Islamic state established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which included the “Constitution of Medina” that ensured everyone’s rights. This document remains a pure Islamic stance on the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, based on respect, affection, coexistence, and integration.

The Grand Imam also highlighted the lack of coordinated efforts among Islamic countries and institutions, stressing the need for a unified Islamic voice to address its challenges and crises. He warned that efforts, no matter how substantial, would only be effective if driven by a genuine desire for change, which can only be achieved through full cooperation and coordination. Excluding any party would only lead to further fragmentation and disorientation, hindering the Islamic world’s path to progress and prosperity.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar likens “Islamic civilization” to “a glowing ember” that never extinguishes despite what is heaped upon it.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: No civilization has endured for 14 centuries despite devastating blows, except for Islamic civilization 

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: The nation that placed humanity on the clear path has now reached a point of weakness and retreat

From Indonesia, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar emphasizes that division and internal strife are the weak points through which colonizers penetrated Muslim lands 

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, warns of a phenomenon capable of demolishing Muslim society and destroying it from its foundations

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar warns against the audacity of declaring others as infidels, corrupt, or heretical, and justifying the violation of lives, honor, and property

From Indonesia, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar calls for diligence and action, following the example of nations that operate and strategize in silence 

The Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta held a public meeting today with His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the occasion of his visit to Indonesia. The event was attended by university professors, researchers, Indonesian students from various universities, several ministers, ambassadors, and heads of religious institutions, and was under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia.

In his speech during this public event, which focused on “The Unity of the Ummah in Facing Challenges,” the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that the Muslim nation illuminated the entire world after it had been engulfed in darkness from all sides. This Ummah, he noted, corrected the course of humanity with its Noble Quran and its Great Messenger, setting humanity once again on a clear path, a path as bright as daylight, from which only the doomed deviate. “The Muslim Ummah is currently afflicted, as you know, with symptoms akin to those of endemic diseases,” His Eminence added. “Addressing one symptom often leads to grappling with a myriad of others, leaving the efforts exhausted.”

He stated that those who contemplate the greatness and strength of Islamic civilization, which was founded on justice and fairness, will be greatly astonished when they look at what it has now become. Although it has not disappeared or vanished, it has undoubtedly reached a state of weakness and withdrawal that is hard to miss by the eyes of Muslims themselves before non-Muslims.

His Eminence further stressed that one of the marvels of this civilization is that, even while it suffers from frailty, it inspires boundless hope for recovery, revival, and renewal. It resembles a glowing ember that never extinguishes despite the layers of thick ash that accumulate on it from time to time throughout its long, bright history. People are unaware, even to this moment, of any civilization that has persisted and remained steadfast for fourteen centuries despite the deadly blows it has faced and continues to face, other than the civilization of Islam and Muslims.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar continued, stating that this civilization, with its glorious history, now finds itself begging from the West for its philosophies, cultures, educational methods, social structures, and economies. It is as if its people, once custodians of knowledge, literature, philosophy, legislation, history, and arts, have been reduced to a primitive nation emerging from the graves of history. They seem to have lost all knowledge of humanity, having not been illuminated by a refined civilization in the East or West for centuries. He identified the affliction of this nation as internal division, discord, and conflict—a pernicious malady that historically served as the weak point through which colonizers infiltrated Muslim lands in the past two centuries. This same insidious malady now allows Western colonization to creep in afresh in the twenty-first century.

Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam warned that the maxim “divide and conquer,” which we learned as children, is now being repurposed under banners of clash of civilizations, creative chaos, globalization, and the end of history, raised here and there in Muslim countries to either subjugate them under it or to incite them to fight each other, acting as proxies for the new colonizers. This occurs despite our constant recitation of the Qu’ran every morning and evening, our competitive spirit in teaching it to children, and our pride in their ability to memorize and recite it. The Quran warns Muslims relentlessly, echoing day and night with the verse: “Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute with one another, or you would be discouraged and weakened. Persevere! Surely Allah is with those who persevere” [Anfal: 46].

His Eminence the Grand Imam posed a poignant question that everyone concerned about Da’wa must address: How can Muslims reconcile among themselves? This pressing query casts a shadow over the current landscape, where Da’wa discourse, entrusted to du’āh (callers to Islam), often fuels division and fragmentation among Muslims rather than fostering unity. This has led to intense animosity among the youth: How many sects in the realm of da’wa now stand behind the mutual antipathy among Muslim youth, inciting them against each other? Where have the critical issues of the Muslim nation gone from the concerns of these young male and female preachers and du’āh? Do these major issues not deserve a single slot in their agendas that almost forbid what is lawful and allow what is forbidden?

He further questioned whether the Muslim youth are as informed about Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque and their plight as they are about the doctrinal disputes between Ash’aris, Salafis, and Sufis. Do they devote as much research to the reality of their nation as they do to trivial disputes that have outlived their relevance? Do they accept their academic syllabi as readily as they accept the books or pamphlets of this preacher or that? How do we steer our youth away from imposed division, towards Muslim unity, and engage them in a fiqh (jurisprudence) where the voluntary blends with the obligatory, and the disliked with the prohibited?

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar pointed out that the distinctions among the five Sharia rulings have blurred or nearly disappeared, with families in the Islamic community preoccupied with minor issues not mandated for action, neglecting critical issues of profound consequence in Islamic law. These include honoring parents, kindness to neighbors, the value of work and time, cleanliness, mercy towards people, and other moral and social duties that have been relegated to the margins in this strange jurisprudence. He highlighted another factor driving the nation towards this bleak path: the blatant manipulation of the jurisprudence of the four Imams, imposing a new legal framework that obliges people with what is not obligatory and what cannot be reasonably considered obligatory, such as optional prayers before Maghrib or specific types of grains for Zakat al-Fitr, unfamiliar to the majority of the nation and not practiced in their mosques as endorsed by our trusted jurists.

His Eminence emphasized the urgent need to address a phenomenon that could severely undermine Islamic society and dismantle it from its foundations if left unchecked by proper jurisprudence and clear, pure knowledge. This phenomenon is the audacity of declaring others as infidels (takfir), corrupt (fasiq), and innovators (mubtadi’), along with the reckless behavior that justifies violating lives, honor, and property. How can such ideas proliferate in a community where scholars and leaders from all three schools of thought have universally agreed on foundational principles? We were taught these in the corridors of Al-Azhar as young students. These principles include the following: “We do not declare anyone from the people of the Qibla (direction of prayer) as non-believers. We pray behind every righteous and sinful person, and nothing expels one from Islam except the denial of what brought them into it.” Such principles have preserved the cohesion and unity of the Muslim nation throughout history, rooted in the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in an authentic hadith: “He who prays our prayer, faces our Qibla and eats our slaughtered meat is a Muslim under the protection of Allah and His Messenger. Do not betray Allah in his protection.”

At the conclusion of his speech, the esteemed Grand Imam urged the nation’s people to commit to diligence and action, stressing that the time is now for serious work, not just speeches and sermons. The nations around us operate in eerie silence, with intense cunning and strategy, and we have grown weary of words that do not translate into action on the ground. I remind you of the golden words of Imam Malik, the Imam of Dar al-Hijrah – may Allah be pleased with him and grant him peace – who said, “I dislike speaking about matters that are not accompanied by action.”

President Joko Widodo of Indonesia received Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

At the beginning of the meeting, President Widodo expressed the deep affection and respect the Indonesian people have for him and his scientific and humanitarian efforts and noted that Al-Azhar serves as the primary reference for Muslims in Indonesia and appreciated the Grand Imam’s efforts in spreading and promoting the values of dialogue, fraternity, and peace among all people.

The Indonesian President also praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting global values of fraternity and peace, expressing his delight at the opening of a regional office for the council in Indonesia. He also emphasized his confidence that this branch will serve as an excellent platform for supporting Muslims in Southeast Asia.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s significant efforts, led by President Widodo, in promoting and enhancing the values of peace and tolerance and commended Indonesia as an inspiring model of diversity, plurality, development, and coexistence. The Grand Imam noted that the Muslim Council of Elders is currently discussing the launch of an international initiative titled “Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace,” in collaboration with Indonesia, to enhance the role of religious leaders in supporting development and peace efforts. He highlighted that Indonesia represents a pioneering Islamic model that combines development and prosperity while maintaining religious values.

The Grand Imam added that the Muslim Council of Elders is keen on involving religions in promoting and enhancing human values and contributing positively to finding effective solutions to global issues and challenges. He noted the launch of the “Al-Azhar Global Declaration on Citizenship” in Cairo along with the historic “Document on Human Fraternity” in Abu Dhabi in 2019, the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate,” and the “Faith Pavilion at COP28”, marking the first time such an initiative was included in the history of the Conference of the Parties.

Finally, President Widodo expressed his nation’s great welcome for this important initiative, not only for Indonesia but for Southeast Asia and the world. He also affirmed Indonesia’s readiness to host and fully support the initiative, noting the crucial role of religions in efforts to achieve development and peace due to the significant influence of religious leaders on millions of people worldwide.

At the Invitation of the President of Indonesia – Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Arrives in Indonesia on the Third Leg of His Southeast Asia Tour

Official Reception Ceremony for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Upon His Arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta

In response to an official invitation, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia which marks the third leg on his Southeast Asia tour, which also included Malaysia and Thailand. 

The Grand Imam is scheduled to meet with several officials in Indonesia, including President Joko Widodo, Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, as well as various religious and cultural leaders. These meetings will focus on discussing ways to enhance Al-Azhar’s role and leverage its academic and clerical expertise.

Additionally, the Grand Imam is keen to engage with Indonesian youth and discuss contemporary issues, and answer their questions. He will also hold several public meetings with Indonesian university students, imams, and preachers.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, departed Thailand on Monday afternoon, heading to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, for an official visit lasting several days.

In Indonesia, the Grand Imam is scheduled to meet with several officials, including President Joko Widodo, Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, along with various other officials and religious leaders. The visit will include various events aimed at enhancing communication with all segments of Indonesian society.

On Monday, the Grand Imam concluded an official visit to Thailand, during which he met with His Majesty the King of Thailand, the Prime Minister, the President of the Thai Parliament, and several leaders, officials, and members of the Muslim community in Thailand. This visit was the second stop on the Grand Imam’s Southeast Asia tour, which includes Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Grand Imam to Prime Minister of Thailand: Global Efforts Must Be Mobilized to End the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Srettha Thavisin, has received His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation. Both sides emphasized the urgent need to stop the aggression on Gaza and find a just solution to the Palestinian cause.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Thai Prime Minister expressed his country’s appreciation for the Grand Imam, noting that this historic visit would contribute to fostering constructive cooperation between Thailand and Al-Azhar. He highlighted that Thai students studying at Al-Azhar play a positive role in the development of Thai society and that the meetings and events held during the Grand Imam’s visit to Thailand were warmly welcomed and celebrated by all segments of Thai society.

The Thai Prime Minister praised the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He affirmed that Thailand seeks to strengthen its cooperation with Al-Azhar to contribute to global peace.

In response, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the leadership and people of Thailand, commending the Thai students studying at Al-Azhar. He confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to increase the number of scholarships for Thai students, send more Al-Azhar emissaries to Thailand, and intensify training courses for Thai imams to equip them to address the challenges and issues relevant to their communities, in line with the nature of Thai society. He also indicated Al-Azhar’s readiness to establish a center for teaching Arabic in Thailand.

The Grand Imam called for intensified international efforts to support the Palestinian cause, end the aggression on Gaza, and stop the bloodshed of innocent civilians. The Thai Prime Minister expressed his support for the Grand Imam’s positions advocating for a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, which has persisted for decades. He stated, “We stand with Your Eminence and with humanity to end this crisis,” emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in obtaining their legitimate and just rights.

At the end of the meeting, the Grand Imam presented Prime Minister of Thailand with the Al-Azhar Shield and the Medal of the Muslim Council of Elders, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the council’s establishment.

During his reception of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Speaker of Thailand’s House of Representatives: We appreciate the pioneering efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace and human fraternity

In a Historic Visit – Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Visits the House of Representatives of Thailand and Meets with the Speaker and Several Members

Speaker of the Parliament of Thailand: The Visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders is a Historic Page in the Records of the House of Representatives of Thailand

Speaker of the Parliament of Thailand: I Feel Proud and Grateful to Welcome the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to the House of Representatives of Thailand for the First Time in History

Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Hosts Luncheon in Honor of the First Visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to the Parliament of Thailand

In Response to the Request of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, the Grand Imam Decides to Increase the Number of Al-Azhar Emissaries to Thailand

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We are Ready to Establish a Center for Teaching Arabic in Thailand

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Presents the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand with the Al-Azhar Shield and the Muslim Council of Elders Medal

His Excellency Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, received Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, today, Sunday, at the Thai House of Representatives. The meeting was attended by the Thai Minister of Justice and several members of the House of Representatives to discuss ways to enhance mutual relations.

The President of the Thai House of Representatives welcomed the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizing that today’s visit is a historic milestone in the records of the Thai Parliament. He expressed his pride and gratitude, noting that this visit is the first by a Sheikh of Al-Azhar to the Thai Parliament and will be remembered by the Thai people and etched in the memory of the Thai House of Representatives. He also assured that he has been following the activities and meetings held by the Grand Imam in Thailand and is confident that these events will strengthen the cooperation between Al-Azhar and various cultural and educational institutions in Thailand.

The President of the Thai House of Representatives expressed his appreciation for the 70-year-old Egyptian-Thai relations, highlighting Al-Azhar’s significant role in the development of these relations. He thanked the Grand Imam and Al-Azhar for their hospitality towards Thai students, who number more than 3,000, and for offering 160 annual scholarships to Thai Muslims. He also appreciated Al-Azhar for hosting delegations of Thai imams for training at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imams and Preachers. He noted that most, if not all, Al-Azhar graduates in Thailand hold prominent positions in various ministries and institutions, serving as senior scholars, imams, judges, teachers, and doctors.

The Speaker of Thailand’s House of Representatives requested the Grand Imam to increase the number of scholarships and Al-Azhar emissaries to Thailand, emphasizing their crucial role, especially in universities and secondary schools in Thailand. He mentioned that he received his education at the Islamic University in Thailand and studied Arabic under an Al-Azhar teacher sent to Thailand at that time.

Speaker of Thailand’s House of Representatives expressed his nation’s appreciation for the significant and pioneering efforts made by Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading the values of diversity, dialogue, respect, and acceptance of others, which contribute to enhancing mutual coexistence and human fraternity.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his gratitude to the Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives for the warm welcome and his appreciation for the mutual relations between Egypt, particularly Al-Azhar, and Thailand. He was delighted to hear about the excellence of Al-Azhar graduates in Thailand, their positive integration into society, and their contributions to the country’s development through leadership in Islamic institutions and centers. The Grand Imam affirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to increase scholarships for Thai Muslims, establish a center for teaching Arabic to Thais to learn the language of the Quran, and expand cooperation to meet the needs and future aspirations of the Thai community.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam announced an increase the number of Al-Azhar emissaries to Thailand from 15 to 21, in response to the request of the Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives. He also pledged to intensify the training courses for Thai imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imams and Preachers, with a special program designed by senior scholars and professors of Al-Azhar to suit the nature of Thai society.

At the end of the meeting, the Grand Imam presented the Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives with the Al-Azhar Shield and the Medal of the Muslim Council of Elders, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the council’s establishment.

Thousands of Thai Muslims from 45 Provinces Meet the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders in Bangkok

The Grand Imam to Thai Muslims: Islamic Heritage is Worthy of Being Described as the Heritage of Human Fraternity

Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars of Thailand: Words Cannot Describe the Joy of Thai Muslims at the Historic Visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

The Islamic Center in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, organized a public meeting for Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, with Thai Muslims. Thousands of Thai Muslims from 45 provinces attended the event, along with Sheikh Aaron Boon Shum (Mohammed Jalaluddin Bin Hussein), Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars of Thailand, and other senior religious leaders and imams from Thailand.

The Grand Imam expressed his happiness at being among this gathering of scholars, thinkers, and Thai imams and noted that when he sees thousands of Thais who have studied at Al-Azhar, he feels as though he has not left Al-Azhar. He expressed his joy that this visit coincides with the celebration of the Islamic New Year, allowing him to celebrate this cherished occasion with Thai Muslims. He prayed for continued security, peace, progress, and stability for everyone.

The Grand Imam emphasized that the doors of Al-Azhar are open to Thai Muslims, mentioning that Al-Azhar offers 160 scholarships annually for Thai Muslims to study at Al-Azhar University. He expressed Al-Azhar’s readiness to increase these scholarships to meet the needs of the Muslim community in Thailand. He explained that since its inception, Al-Azhar has been dedicated to explaining and interpreting the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad for Muslims worldwide, including non-Muslims. Al-Azhar’s mission is to spread the message of Islam, which is based on peace among all people, as well as peace between humans and the plant, animal, and inanimate worlds.

The Grand Imam pointed out that the Quran not only promotes peace among Muslims but also explicitly advocates for peace between Muslims and non-Muslims. The relationship between Muslims and others is based on mutual understanding and coexistence, as indicated by the verse “to know one another,” which means to exchange goodwill and good treatment.

He emphasized that the Quran established the foundations for relationships between different civilizations and religions, based on understanding, respect, and acceptance of diversity. Al-Azhar has recognized the need to practically implement this concept by taking serious steps to establish local, regional, and global peace.

The Grand Imam explained that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders aim to promote peace and affirm the culture of coexistence and mutual respect. He highlighted the local peace initiative “The Egyptian Family House,” launched by Al-Azhar in cooperation with Egyptian churches to eradicate sectarian strife and unite the national fabric of Egypt. On a regional level, Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders have adopted an approach to unify the Islamic Ummah through Islamic dialogue that brings together different schools of Islamic thought, particularly Sunnis and Shiites. On a global level, Al-Azhar has opened up to religious and cultural institutions in the West, such as the Vatican, Canterbury Cathedral, and the World Council of Churches. These efforts culminated in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity between Al-Azhar and the Vatican in 2019.

The Grand Imam asserted that Islamic heritage is rightly described as the heritage of human fraternity, citing the Prophet Muhammad’s words after his prayers: “O Allah, our Lord and the Lord of all things, I bear witness that You are the only Lord with no partner. I bear witness that all people are brothers.”

In his speech, Sheikh Aaron Boon Shum (Mohammed Jalaluddin Bin Hussein), Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars of Thailand, expressed, on behalf of Thai Muslims, their scholars, imams, and Islamic centers spread across the country, his great joy at this historic visit of the Grand Imam to Thailand. He conveyed their immense gratitude for the significant support and unlimited services provided by Al-Azhar to Thai Muslims, including scholarships, sending Al-Azhar emissaries to Thailand, hosting Thai imams for training at the Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, and establishing a branch of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates in Thailand to spread knowledge and Islamic teachings.

He noted that thousands of Thai people have graduated from the prestigious Al-Azhar University, holding prominent positions in various ministries and institutions. He praised Al-Azhar for its authenticity and the dedication of its scholars in serving Sharia and spreading enlightened, moderate thought worldwide. He highlighted that the wise leadership of the Grand Imam plays a significant and active role in promoting the values of fraternity and coexistence among followers of different religions.

The Grand Imam made a point of listening to the Thai Muslims, including scholars and imams who came from 45 provinces to meet and welcome him, answering all their questions, and engaging in discussions with them about their concerns.

Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Islamic nations, including kings, princes, leaders, and peoples, on the occasion of the Islamic New Year and the commemoration of the noble Prophetic migration. The council prays to the Almighty that He may fill this auspicious occasion on the Arab and Islamic nations and the entire world with goodness and love, making the new year a time of blessings, peace, growth, security, and safety.

On this significant occasion, the Muslim Council of Elders calls upon Muslims around the world to draw valuable lessons and insights from this blessed event, to follow the noble example of our noble Prophet (PBUH), and to actively support their faith with sincerity and action. It encourages setting a positive example by expressing love for one’s homeland, preserving its security and stability, striving for its progress, and fostering the values of fraternity and coexistence among all people.