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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.

King of Thailand Affirms His Country’s Pursuit to Strengthen Academic and Religious Relations with Al-Azhar

King of Thailand: Al-Azhar is a Global Beacon of Moderation and the Reference for Thai Muslims

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Affirms Al-Azhar’s Readiness to Establish Centers for Teaching Arabic in Thailand

Grand Imam Expresses Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ Readiness to Organize a Global Conference on Coexistence in Thailand

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand along with Queen Suthida have received Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. His Majesty the King of Thailand welcomed the Grand Imam and expressed his happiness with the visit, praising the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

The King of Thailand also emphasized that Al-Azhar is highly respected by the Thai people, who live in harmony and unity. He expressed Thailand’s eagerness to strengthen cooperation and relations with Al-Azhar by increasing the number of incoming students and Al-Azhar emissaries, expanding the accreditation of religious institutes that teach the Al-Azhar curriculum, and coordinating between Al-Azhar and Islamic centers in Thailand. He noted that Al-Azhar is not only a reference for Thai Muslims but also a global beacon of enlightened and moderate thought.

His Majesty highlighted the keen interest of all Muslim families in Thailand to send their children to study at Al-Azhar, where its graduates hold significant positions in Thai society. He expressed confidence that this historic visit by the Grand Imam would result in the launch of many inspiring initiatives and projects and that Thai Muslims would benefit from the public meetings to be held by Al-Azhar institutions during the Grand Imam’s stay in the country.

In response, the Grand Imam expressed his happiness with his visit to Thailand and appreciation for the warm welcome. He affirmed that Thai students studying at Al-Azhar set an example in ethics and diligence in their studies and have made notable social contributions in various faculties of Al-Azhar University. He emphasized that Al-Azhar not only graduates students but also strives to maintain communication with its alumni worldwide, making them ambassadors of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Grand Imam also confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to establish centers for teaching the Arabic language in Thailand, serving Muslims in learning the language of the Quran, intensifying training courses for Thai imams at Al-Azhar Academy, increasing scholarships for Thai Muslims to continue their studies at Al-Azhar, and increasing the number of emissaries to meet the needs of the Thai community.

The Grand Imam further expressed Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ willingness to organize a global conference on coexistence in Thailand, with the participation of several religious leaders and figures from around the world, to emphasize the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence and human fraternity.

Amid a warm reception from Muslims in Thailand, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, performed Friday prayers at the Thailand Islamic Center at the beginning of his visit to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok.

The congregation, led by Shafi’i Abdulqadir, the Imam and preacher of the Islamic Center Mosque in Bangkok, eagerly welcomed the Grand Imam and took commemorative photos with him, expressing their immense happiness with this historic visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to their country.

Earlier today, the Grand Imam arrived in Bangkok, the second stop on his tour of Southeast Asia. The visit aims to strengthen connections with Muslims and promote the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Grand Imam: Today’s Honor from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Is an Honor for Al-Azhar Institution, Its Scholars, Students, Graduates, and Its History

The Grand Imam Delivers a Speech at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) on the Occasion of Receiving the Honorary Doctorate

Malaysian Prime Minister: The Grand Imam Is a Renewer and Educator of This Ummah, and I Was Impressed by His Speech on Islamic Moderation

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) awarded an honorary doctorate in Quranic and Sunnah Studies to His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders which was presented by Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Crown Prince of Negeri Sembilan as well as Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Professor Mohamed Ridza Wahidin, President of USIM, along with a number of ministers, scholars, professors, researchers, and Malaysian students.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb delivered a speech expressing his pride in being in Malaysia, a Muslim nation that serves as a living model of urban and economic development. He praised the university as a haven for scholars and a beacon of education, where academic discussions and debates take place, and the opinions of intellectuals and researchers are heard.

His Eminence added that speaking at USIM makes him feel a deep sense of gratitude to the people of Malaysia, who have been pioneers in establishing methodological and intellectual foundations in the field of Islamic studies. He pointed out that this approach relies on “instilling and reinforcing ethics in human consciousness through the discipline of both mind and spirit.” This vision has greatly contributed to protecting Malaysia from the dangers of ideologies that oppose Islamic moderation, a hallmark of the nation since it embraced Islam as its faith and way of life, enriching Islamic civilization and contributing to building a resilient cultural model throughout history.

He concluded, “As I stand here among you to receive the honor of an honorary doctorate, I express my deep appreciation for this generous initiative from USIM for two reasons: first, this academic title is related to the study of the noble revelation, the Quran and the purified Sunnah, which are the most esteemed and noble of studies; second, this honor is not limited to my humble self but is a recognition of the esteemed institution of Al-Azhar, its scholars, students, and graduates, and its academic history that spans over a millennium, during which it welcomed countless students from around the world, especially from your esteemed country, Malaysia, which has the lion’s share of international students at Al-Azhar.”

In his speech, Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Crown Prince of Negeri Sembilan expressed the deep relationship between Al-Azhar and Malaysia, stating his pride in presenting the honorary doctorate to His Eminence and his happiness with the strong relationship between USIM and Al-Azhar University.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed the Malaysian people’s appreciation for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He shared his immense joy in listening to the Grand Imam’s speech, which reflected profound wisdom from one of the greatest scholars of the Ummah, always influencing with his wisdom and deep insights that resonate with everyone. He noted that Malaysia has greatly benefited from Al-Azhar’s scholars, with thousands of students graduating with enlightened and moderate views, spreading these values throughout Southeast Asia.

The Prime Minister added that the Grand Imam is a renewer and educator of this Ummah, and he was impressed by his speech on Islamic moderation. He personally draws guidance from the Grand Imam’s words on many issues and situations. He praised the efforts of the Grand Imam in promoting the unity of the Ummah and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among Muslims and others. He called on Malaysians to emulate the Grand Imam’s stances, which establish values of respect and human understanding. He added, “On behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia, I would like to express our deep love for the Grand Imam and our desire for him to visit us again.”

King of Malaysia to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: I Cut Short My Visit to Johor to Meet and Welcome You Today

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Praises the Malaysian Model in Development, Ethics, and Plurality

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Iskandar, the King of Malaysia, received His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual cooperation in promoting the values of dialogue and coexistence.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Majesty the King of Malaysia expressed the Malaysian people’s appreciation for the Grand Imam’s efforts in spreading the message of tolerance, respect, and acceptance of others. His Majesty noted that he had cut short his tour of Johor to welcome the Grand Imam and also praised the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace, presenting the true image of Islam, correcting misconceptions, combating extremist ideologies, and enhancing the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and affection he experienced during his visit to Malaysia. He commended Malaysia’s exemplary Islamic model in respecting diversity and plurality, as well as its supportive stances on the issues of the Muslim Ummah.

The Grand Imam congratulated His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Iskandar on his enthronement as King of Malaysia, praying that Malaysia will enjoy further progress and prosperity during his reign. He expressed his happiness in visiting Malaysia for the first time since assuming the position of Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, noting that he found Malaysia to be a true model of a Muslim country capable of achieving sustainable progress and prosperity. He also highlighted the strong historical ties between Al-Azhar and Malaysia, significantly shaped and developed by Malaysian students studying at Al-Azhar.

His Eminence further affirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to increase the number of Al-Azhar envoys sent to Malaysia and to provide more scholarships for Malaysian students to join Al-Azhar University while receiving and training Malaysian imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. He also emphasized opening avenues of cooperation with Malaysia to meet the needs of Malaysian society and address its internal challenges.

The Grand Imam also highlighted Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ pioneering efforts in promoting the values of dialogue and enhancing the culture of coexistence, fraternity, and positive integration. This was exemplified by the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in 2019, which revitalized the relationship between Al-Azhar and the Catholic Church. He also mentioned the Egyptian Family House project, an initiative launched by Al-Azhar with Egyptian churches, which has yielded positive results in fostering genuine integration and harmony within Egyptian society. He also stressed that Al-Azhar, in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, places great importance on unifying the ranks of the Islamic Ummah and promoting intra-Islamic dialogue, as well as activating the role of religious leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges such as climate change, poverty, and developmental issues.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Prime Minister of Malaysia Inaugurate Majlis ilmu Madani

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Lectures Malaysian Scholars and Youth on the Moderation of Islam in the Presence of the Prime Minister

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated a special council for Malaysian scholars and young researchers to discuss the moderation and tolerance of Islam, and the Islamic approach to promoting fraternitu and harmony in societies.

In his opening remarks, the Grand Imam highlighted that one of the most distinguishing features of Malaysian society is its ethnic and religious diversity. He warned against the dangers posed by extremist and radical groups exploiting this diversity and falsely portraying it as a threat to Islam and communities. His Eminence refuted these claims by citing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding the relationship among Muslims, as summarized in the Prophet’s saying: “Whoever prays our prayer, faces our Qibla, and eats our slaughtered animals, is a Muslim who has the protection of Allah and His Messenger. Do not betray Allah by betraying those who have His protection.”

The Grand Imam explained that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established the principles and boundaries of the relationship between Muslims and followers of other religions, which are based on respect and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that Islam not only prohibits harming humans regardless of their religion, gender, or color but also prohibits harming animals, plants, and inanimate objects, except as permitted by Sharia, such as slaughtering animals for food in a specific manner. Islam has also established guidelines for protecting the environment and climate, restricting the pursuit of material desires that negatively impact the environment. Given Islam’s comprehensive care for these aspects, it naturally extends its utmost care to humans, even if they are non-Muslims.

His Eminence further stressed that the responsibility for establishing and promoting peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions lies with every individual in society. Achieving this requires a correct understanding of the message of Islam, specifically, and religions in general, which aim to bring happiness to humanity and save it from the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of desires without considering the resulting wars and conflicts. Religion is the only way to control human instincts and direct them for the benefit of both the individual and society.

The Grand Imam warned against certain groups that attempt to fuel intolerance and hatred among Muslims, incite sectarian conflicts, and divert young Muslims’ attention from more critical issues. These efforts aim to revive conflicts and issues that burden the Muslim community, weaken it, and sow discord among its members. He emphasized that, in this critical time, efforts should focus on the unity and cohesion of the Ummah to achieve its desired renaissance.

The Grand Imam was also keen to listen to the opinions of Malaysian youth, discuss their ideas, and answer their questions regarding the relationship between Islamic schools of thought and how to utilize diversity for the benefit of the Ummah. He also discussed women’s rights in Islam with some young women, explaining how Islam guarantees women’s rights to education and positive participation in social life, among other topics of interest to the participating Malaysian youth.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Malaysia expressed his pleasure at the Grand Imam’s participation in this important meeting and appreciated His Eminence’s dedication to engaging with Malaysian youth openly. He affirmed that Malaysia is grateful to the Grand Imam and the moderate teachings of Al-Azhar, which continue to disseminate both religious and worldly knowledge globally. He also.noyed that Malaysia is committed to strengthening its relationship with Al-Azhar and benefiting from the imam training programs hosted by the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. He also expressed his hopes that the Grand Imam’s visit to Malaysia would mark the beginning of numerous joint projects and initiatives with Al-Azhar.