Islam A Religion of Peace, Al-Azhar Chief Stresses
Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb also stated that the policies of global domination, materialist philosophies, and unethical economic doctrines were primarily responsible for the phenomenon of terrorism -- which Islam disavows.
Al-Tayyeb made his statement on Wednesday during a UN Security Council session on "The Values of Human Fraternity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace."
The Sheikh of Al-Azhar confirmed that claiming that Islam is the religion of the sword and wars is unfair and unfounded, explaining that history testifies that Muslims fought only to defend themselves, their lands, and their honor.
In his speech, al-Tayeb called for extinguishing the "senseless" wars that have been raging in our region and our world, such as the wars that countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Yemen witnessed.
As for the Palestinian issue, he called on the Security Council and the international community to expedite the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, and protect Al-Aqsa Mosque against the daily violations.
“I am talking about my sanctities and your sanctities in Palestine and the suffering of the Palestinian people under so much arrogance, tyranny, and cruelty," he added.
The grand Imam warned of the repercussions of the ongoing war on the eastern borders of Europe, calling on the international community to immediately stop this disaster and protect the innocent from bloodshed and the destruction of cities.
In addition, he called for guaranteeing the rights of refugees fleeing the wars by rescuing and hosting them.
Source: english.ahram.org.eg
