According to Al Jazeera, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb said Islam is not a violent religion and that the extremists have failed to comprehend Islam and that is why they resort to violence.
He made the remarks in a recent meeting with far-right French politician Marine Le Pen, adding that misunderstandings and misconceptions about Islam in Western countries should be corrected.
Le Pen, who is known for her anti-Islam stances, said she “recognized the need to not confuse Islam with the violent acts committed” in its name.
Islamophobia and anti-Islamic acts have been on the rise in Western countries over the past few years.
Islamophobia has led to the creation of far-right factions and parties in different European countries.