Minister of Religious Affairs of Pakistan Extends an Official Invitation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Visit the Nation

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, welcomed Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony of Pakistan, on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam noted that the Islamic world is currently facing a challenging period due to divisions and fragmentation that have weakened it. He emphasized that the only remedy for this issue lies in adhering to the guidance of Allah Almighty, as stated in the Quran: "And do not dispute and [thus] lose courage" (Quran 8:46). The present circumstances highlight the urgent need for unity, cohesion, and solidarity within the Islamic world.

Minister Hassan expressed his delight at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, acknowledging the positive role played by Al-Azhar graduates in Pakistan in safeguarding the country from the dangers of ideological extremism and promoting the true teachings of Islam. These graduates are highly respected and credible among the people, occupying significant positions in religious institutions and organizations.

Additionally, the Minister of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Pakistan, expressing the nation's eagerness for this important visit, which would have a significant impact at various levels. His Eminence graciously welcomed the invitation, expressing his readiness to accept it at the earliest opportunity, and looked forward to reconnecting with scholars in the country and revisiting the places he had previously visited over a quarter of a century ago when he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Usuluddin at the International Islamic University in Islamabad.