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.