Al Azhar Grand Imam His Eminence Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb affirmed that the Islamic nation has solid foundations for unity, based on shared factors such as common geography, one language, a common ethnicity and a shared religion. He noted that the number of Muslims exceeds one and a half billion, united by one God, one Qibla, and one creed.
In his programme Al Imam Al Tayeb, the Al Azhar Grand Imam and Muslim Council of Elders Chairman spoke about the significance of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, which was hosted in Manama.
He emphasised that Islam has instilled the etiquette of difference, stressing that the loss of this etiquette among Muslims has led to confusion and division. He explained that true difference is based on mutual respect.
He continued saying, “This is the first step we call upon both Sunnis and Shi’ites to take together. We will urge both sides to cease offending each other and to put an end to mutual hostility, as this enmity has turned a single nation into adversaries. Just look at what is happening in Yemen and Iraq.”
The Grand Imam pointed out that the quickest trigger for conflict is the revival of sectarian strife between Sunnis and Shi’ites – something that the enemies of the Muslim nation actively seek to exploit.
He highlighted that this aligns with the colonial policy of ‘divide and rule’.
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