Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has commended the work of Al Azhar Al Sharif in the Islamic World, one of the world’s oldest universities, for its important role in maintaining the tolerant message of Islam and promoting its principles of moderation, tolerance, goodness and peace.
Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by the Islamic studies’ institution’s Grand Imam, Dr Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb and several senior scholars during a visit to Cairo on Thursday before flying to Belgrade on an official visit to Serbia, reported Wam, the state news agency.
“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,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
His highness stressed the vital role of scholars in speaking out against misconceptions and ideas that distorted the truth about religion and in correcting wrong beliefs that contradicted the tolerance and spirit of Islam.
Sheikh Mohammed also expressed appreciation for other Islamic and academic institutions that stood against violence, extremism and terrorism, preaching the true message of Islam for peace, safety and building of man and nations, abhorring destructive ideas.
The Crown Prince stressed the need to support Al Azhar in its quest to safeguard true Islamic values and its standing against intimidation, violence and destruction, indicating that the UAE was keen to bolster its co-operation with Al Azhar and to continue its support for it in all areas that serve Islam and Muslims in the fields of science, religion, education and knowledge.
The Grand Imam said: “This visit is an extension of the ties established by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with Egypt and its people.”
Dr Sheikh Al Tayeb expressed his gratitude to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, for his support for Egypt at a time he said was vital for the nation.
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