Al-Azhar Chief, Iran Envoy Discuss Muslim Unity
The meeting between Mahmoud Farazandeh and Shiekh Ahmad al-Tayeb took place at the latter's residence in the German capital.
Al-Tayeb warned that the current differences and divisions among Muslims stem from non-Islamic conflicts that the Quran cautioned against. He said that these conflicts lead to the loss of Islamic unity, fragmentation of the Muslim community, and absence of a common Islamic vision.
He added that despite the differences, Muslims still share common Islamic goals that they can refer to. He stressed that the most urgent challenge for the Islamic world today is to persuade politicians and decision-makers that Islamic interests and values are more important than anything else. He said that all Muslims must agree on this principle.
He also said that Islamic scholars have repeatedly emphasized the importance of Islamic unity, but political powers often act against the logic and reason of Islam.
He suggested that the solution to this crisis is to adopt a binding moral and human framework that prioritizes human interests over selfish interests.
Farazandeh expressed his pleasure with meeting al-Tayeb and praised his efforts to unite the Muslim world. He said that Iran recognizes al-Azhar's role in uniting Muslims and guiding them to the right path against those who try to distort the image of Islam.
He also said that Iran accepts al-Tayeb's invitation to participate in an Islamic dialogue during the IISS Manama Dialogue in November 2023.
Source: Agencies
