Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Malaysian Prime Minister inaugurate the Malaysian Scholars Council (MADANI)
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar talks to Malaysian scholars and youth about the moderation of Islam in the presence of the Prime Minister
His Eminence Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and MCE Chairman, and Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, launched a special council for Malaysian scholars and young researchers to discuss and dialogue about the moderation and tolerance of Islam and the Islamic approach to promoting brotherhood and harmony in societies.
At the beginning of his speech, Prof. At-Tayyeb stressed that the most distinguishing feature of Malaysian society is racial and religious diversity, warning of the danger of some radical and extremist movements exploiting pluralism and ignorantly portraying it as a threat to Islam and societies. He exposed the falsity of these allegations, citing the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) regarding inter-Muslim relationships, which he summarized in the Hadith that reads, “Whoever performs our prayers, faces our Qiblah, and eats our sacrifice, that is the Muslim who has protection from Allah and His Messenger. So, do not betray Allah’s protection,” meaning do not betray others.
Grand Imam At-Tayyeb explained that the Prophet (PBUH) established the rules and boundaries governing the relationship between the Muslims and the followers of other religions, which is based on respect, coexistence, and adherence to the morals of Islam. Such a basis not only precludes aggression against others, regardless of their religion, gender, or color, but also forbids attacking animals, plants, or inanimate objects, except for what is identified as otherwise in the Sharia, such as slaughtering an animal for eating. In this case, such practice is governed by proportionality. Islam has established rules to protect the environment and climate, in a way forbids succumbing to one’s lusts and material desires in a way that negatively affects the environment. If Islam has concerned itself with all these aspects, its care for humans, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, is even greater!
Grand Imam At-Tayyeb stressed that the responsibility for approving and promoting interfaith peaceful coexistence in Malaysia lies with every individual in society, being achievable through a correct understanding of the message of Islam in particular and religions in general. Such religions, Imam At-Tayyeb maintained, came to bring happiness to humanity and to deliver them from the dangers of deifying matter and of blindly satisfying lusts, being unaware of the wars and conflicts that may result. He added that religion is the only way to control human instincts and direct them in the interest of the individual and society.
Imam At-Tayyeb warned of some currents that attempt to fuel fanaticism and hatred among Muslims, encourage sectarian conflicts, and direct the Muslim youth’s attention to issues that distract them from important issues. Such distractions aim to nurture conflicts in the Muslim community, weaken and divide it, and spread division and discord among Muslims. He further stressed that it is preferable, at this critical time, for efforts to be directed towards the unity and cohesion of the nation to achieve its desired renaissance.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar was keen to listen to some Malaysian youth’s opinions, discuss them, and answer their questions regarding the relationship between schools of Islamic thought and ways to invest pluralism in the nation’s interest. He also discussed with female attendees women’s rights in Islam, and how Islam guarantees their right to education and active participation in social life. The discussion included other topics that were raised by the participating Malaysian youth.
For his part, the Malaysian Prime Minister expressed his pleasure with the Grand Imam’s participation in this important meeting and appreciation for his keenness to discuss with Malaysian youth their ideas and dialogue freely with them. He stressed that his country is grateful to the Grand Imam and to Al-Azhar’s moderate thought, which Al-Azhar has promoted religious and secular sciences in the world. He added that Malaysia is keen to strengthen its relations with Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and to benefit from the Imams’ training programs hosted by Al-Azhar International Academy for the Training of Imams and Preachers. He also hoped that the Grand Imam’s visit to Malaysia would be the drive from unlimited joint projects and initiatives with Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif.
