Al-Azhar strongly condemns the heinous terrorist crime that targeted the Church of Mar Elias in al-Duwaila area, east of Damascus, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent civilians and injured many others. The attack was carried out by a brutal terrorist devoid of all sense of humanity and compassion.
Furthermore, al-Azhar affirms that such brutal crimes stand in stark contradiction to the objectives of divine religions and the principles of human morality. These acts also represent a flagrant violation of the human right to life, security, and worship, and they serve only to inflame sectarian strife among the nation’s citizens. Al-Azhar calls on all parties to confront this dark terrorism in all its forms, and to exert every effort to stabilize the region, protect civilians, and rescue them from the grip of violence and abhorrent sectarianism.
In light of this painful circumstance, al-Azhar extends its heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, and affirms its support for the brotherly Syrian people in their great affliction, praying to Allah Almighty to inspire patience and solace to all, and to hasten the healing of the wounded and injured.
