UAE calls upon scholars to speak out against extremism

19 September 2014

General Shaikh Mohammed said Al Azhar has been playing a tremendous, commendable role in maintaining the tolerant message of Islam.

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has commended the academic, cultural and civilisational role of Al Azhar Al Sharif in the Islamic world over centuries.

Gen Shaikh Mohammed said Al Azhar has been playing a tremendous, commendable role in maintaining the tolerant message of Islam and promoting its fine principles of moderation, tolerance, goodness and peace.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi made his remarks during a visit to Al Azhar in Cairo where he was welcomed by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb, and a number of senior scholars.

Gen Shaikh Mohammed said: “We are glad to be in one of Islam’s forts and a minaret of science and civilisation to express our profound appreciation and respect for the message of this grand institution in promoting the tolerant image and teachings of Islam and its role in preserving Egypt’s national fabric as a united and coherent entity as well as its honourable role and stand against deviated ideas, extremists and fanatic trends.”

Gen Shaikh Mohammed stressed the vital role of scholars in speaking out against misconceptions and ideas that distort the truth about religion and in correcting wrong beliefs that contradict the tolerance and spirit of Islam, emphasising that it is a core responsibility and top priority for scholars, especially at a time when solidarity is needed among Arabs and unity among Muslims.

Gen Shaikh Mohammed also expressed appreciation for other Islamic and academic institutions which stand as a staunch defence line against violence, extremism and terrorism, preaching the true message of Islam for peace, safety and building of man and nations, abhorring destructive ideas and misleading sabotaging slogans which target tolerance of Islam and stability of “our Arab and Muslim countries.”

Grand Imam of Al Azhar maintains tolerance of Islam

19 September 2014

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, left the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Thursday after his two-day state visit to Egypt. During his visit, he held meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi; Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab, and a number of senior officials over bilateral cooperation, issues of mutual interest and latest regional developments. He also met the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb.

General Shaikh Mohammed commended the academic, cultural and civilisational role of Al Azhar Al Sharif in the Islamic world over centuries.

He said Al Azhar has been playing a commendable role in maintaining the tolerant message of Islam and promoting the fine principles of moderation, tolerance, goodness and peace.

He made these remarks during a visit to Al Azhar Sheikhdom in Cairo where he was welcomed by the Grand Imam and a number of senior scholars.

“We are glad to be in one of Islam’s forts and a minaret of science and civilisation to express our profound appreciation and respect for the message of this grand institution in promoting the tolerant image and teachings of Islam and its role in preserving Egypt’s national fabric as a united and coherent entity as well as its honourable role and stand against deviated ideas, extremists and fanatic trends,” said Gen Shaikh Mohammed.

He stressed the vital role of scholars in speaking out against misconceptions and ideas that distort the truth about religion and in correcting wrong beliefs that contradict the tolerance and spirit of Islam, emphasising that it is a core responsibility and top priority for scholars, especially at a time when solidarity is needed among Arabs and unity among Muslims.

He also expressed appreciation for other Islamic and academic institutions which stand as a staunch defence line against violence, extremism and terrorism, preaching the true message of Islam for peace, safety and building of man and nations, abhorring destructive ideas and misleading sabotaging slogans which target tolerance of Islam and stability of “our Arab and Muslim countries.”

He stressed the vital need for supporting Al Azhar in its quest to safeguard true Islamic values and its standing against intimidation, violence and destruction, indicating that the UAE is keen to bolster its cooperation with Al Azhar and continue its support it in all areas that serve Islam and Muslims in scientific, religious, educational and knowledge fields.

The Grand Imam of Al Azhar appreciated the visit of Gen Shaikh Mohammed. “This visit is an extension of the ties established by the late founding father, Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with Egypt and its people. It follows the sustained historic stances of the UAE which left a good impression in hearts of the Egyptian people as they sourced from a kind heart that loves Egypt and its people.”

He expressed his gratitude to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his support for Egypt at a time when it is in desperate need of support from its brothers, saying that this is what the UAE leadership and people have always proven in reality with Egypt and other countries.

Dr. Al Tayeb presented a commemorative shield to Gen Shaikh Mohammed in honour of his visit.

‘Extremism will not hijack Islam’

DUBAI — Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash has said the visit of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to Al Azhar in Cairo and his meeting with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb is significant and that “we will not let extremism and terrorism hijack Islam by ISIS or other extremists.” In his page on Twitter, Dr Gargash said it is natural that Al Azhar plays its central and historic role at a time when hardliners have tarnished Islam, and “it is time now to replace the calls of sidelining and terming others as infidel.”

He added that Al Azhar has to take the lead in the present times.

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