It is indisputable that the main deficiency of our Islamic and Arab nations is their frequent and constant negligence of their divine book, whether by accident or design. Indeed, that divine book “Quran” is what created that united Islamic nation that led the whole world and enlightened it with its knowledge and moral principles of justice, fraternity and equality and how to own elements of strength whether the materialistic or moral ones.
In fact, Quran, according which all Muslims will be held accountable, in life and hereafter, is an explicit cohesive book that forbids Muslims and those responsible for them, including scholars – the inheritors of prophets- from conflicts, divisions and differences. Moreover, Quran warns Muslims against failure, weakness and shame, which are inevitable outcomes, if they disobey that “Divine Law”, which other nations knew its value, held firmly to, and their major interests found common grounds because of it, despite their diversity in language, color, culture and beliefs; Allah Almighty says: “and do not quarrel with one another, lest you falter and your strength fade“. [Q:8:46]
If division is the main cause of that deficiency, then, truthfulness necessitates adding another reason that misuses these divisions which is: the international and regional ambitions and designs that still bear the colonial mentality or the thinking of those who aspire to restore a past in which ethnic domination and sectarian expansion prevailed. Indeed, these sick ambitions are not acknowledged by any religion or human morals, rejected by all international covenants and despised by honest and wise-men of the civilized world.
Truly, al-Azhar has recognized the dangers threating the nation’s youth; hence, al-Azhar established an e-observatory to combat the extremist thinking, correct the misconceptions and protect the youth against the violent and hatred ideology. The observatory includes more than one hundred of al-Azhar young scholars, posting their messages in eleven different languages. This comes within a new strategy aiming to employ all modern communication means to combat the terrorist thinking.
My message today to the nation’s youth is to hold firmly to their religion, Islam, that truly respects humanity, prohibits murder and protects people’s honor. O Muslim youth, be proud of our Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who said about himself: “O people; I am but a mercy gifted to you“.
Be aware, Muslim youth, that people may renounce religions and declare their disbelief, in a time where extravagance and extremism prevail and killing is their style. Be aware that terrorists and extremists are the first to deviate from religion, and history shall curse those who seek nations’ destruction; indeed, they will pass and nations will remain as witnesses to their deviations.
O Muslim youth, know well that Quran has, precisely, identified ways of spreading Islam, by wisdom, fair exhortation and arguing in the best kind way, not with explosive belts and bombs.
