Al-Azhar condemns the terrorist incident that targeted a gathering of Australian Jewish civilians near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, resulting in several casualties.
Al-Azhar affirms its firm position on the sanctity of civilian life, regardless of gender or belief. This position stems from a profound understanding of the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), both of which categorically prohibit aggression against human life in general. Allah Almighty says, “Because of that, We decreed for the Children of Israel that whoever slays a soul for other than a soul, or for corruption in the land, it shall be as if he had slain mankind altogether.” [Q. 5:32] Furthermore, a funeral procession once passed by the Messenger of Allah, and he stood up. When it was said to him that it was the bier of a Jew, he replied, “Is it not a soul?”
It is noteworthy that al-Azhar ash-Sharif has condemned this terrorist incident and commended the heroic stance of the young Muslim, Ahmad al-Ahmad, who did not hesitate to risk his life by taking the initiative to disarm one of the attackers before being struck by two bullets. Likewise, al-Azhar stressed that this noble humanitarian act reflects a deep understanding of the true teachings of Islam and affirms that Muslims are advocates of peace and compassion, not violence and hostility, contrary to the false narratives promoted by some.
