Grand Imam of Al Azhar and UAE President Discuss ‘Religions for Development’ Initiative

Grand Imam of Al Azhar and UAE President Discuss ‘Religions for Development’ Initiative

CAIRO – July 13, 2024: UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb in Abu Dhabi. They discussed the “Religions for Development” initiative launched by the Muslim Council of Elders.

Arrival in Abu Dhabi

Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. He had just completed a tour of Southeast Asia, visiting Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. This was shared in a statement by Al Azhar Sheikhdom early Saturday.

Initiative for Development and Peace

The Council of Muslim Elders has launched an initiative to enhance the role of religious scholars. This initiative, named “Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace,” aims to support global development and peace efforts. It is being conducted in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia.

Enhancing Cooperation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb discussed ways to enhance cooperation between several key entities:

• Al Azhar Institute: One of the top Islamic Sunni institutes in Egypt and the Arab world.
• The United Arab Emirates: Represented by its leadership and commitment to religious and cultural initiatives.
• The Muslim Council of Elders: An organization committed to promoting peace and understanding among Muslim communities and beyond.+

Promoting Common Values

They also focused on consolidating common human values. They aim to establish a culture of coexistence, civilizational dialogue, and peace among different cultures and peoples worldwide. These efforts are rooted in the principles of the “Human Fraternity” document. This significant document was signed by Sheikh Al-Azhar and Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

Praise for Efforts in Tolerance and Coexistence

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb for his relentless efforts in spreading tolerance and promoting human coexistence. He highlighted Al-Azhar’s crucial role in presenting the true image of Islam. He emphasized its tolerant message that calls for goodness, peace, and harmony. The President acknowledged the significance of Al-Azhar’s contributions in fostering a culture of respect for others.

Appreciation for UAE’s Commitment

Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s commitment to addressing issues pertinent to the Islamic nation. He particularly noted the UAE’s support for the Palestinian cause and its assistance to the Palestinian people at various levels. The Grand Imam emphasized the importance of such support in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Efforts in Promoting Peace and Confronting Extremism

The Grand Imam also highlighted the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Council of Muslim Elders in promoting the values of peace, coexistence, and human brotherhood. He stressed the significance of confronting hate speech and extremism. He pointed out the need for religious scholars to play an active role in addressing contemporary human challenges. This involves working towards solutions that promote peace and understanding across different cultures and societies.

The meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb was a significant step towards strengthening the collaboration between key religious and cultural institutions. Their discussions underscored the importance of united efforts in promoting development, peace, and coexistence in a world increasingly challenged by division and conflict. The “Religions for Development” initiative stands as a testament to the power of faith in fostering a better, more harmonious world.