Prof. Al-Hudhud Warns Students About Hate Speech Claims on Social Media
Prof. Ibrahim al-Hudhud, academic advisor to the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates and former president of al-Azhar University, emphasized that the Charter of al-Madinah—established by the Noble Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)—has no parallel among modern human rights charters. He explained that the charter embodied principles such as justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence, all of which are core values in Islam. As such, it served as a pioneering constitution that laid the foundation for sound governance, grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility among all segments of society.
This statement came during the activities of a series of workshops entitled “Tolerance in Islam”, organized by the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates at its headquarters in Cairo. The workshops were attended by some international students from various nationalities and focused on the value of tolerance in Islam, one of the most essential pillars of moderation, and explored ways to reinforce the moderate Azhari approach.
The academic advisor of the organization emphasized that the misinterpretation of the verses of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) has contributed significantly to the rise of intellectual deviation and the emergence of extremist ideologies. He warned students against repeating the mistakes of previous generations. He further stressed that such misinterpretations—whether due to ignorance, lack of proper knowledge, or driven by personal motives and desires—have led to the distortion of Islam’s image, the spread of chaos, and the promotion of hatred and intolerance within societies.
Likewise, Prof. Ibrahim al-Hudhud warned against calls for sedition and the deliberate spread of hatred through social media platforms, particularly as these efforts are often organized and financially supported with the intent of destabilizing societies. In conclusion, he emphasized that any call or fatwa promoting hatred or discrimination should be rejected outright, as it does not represent the true spirit of Islam or its message of moderation.
