His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received a delegation of the European People’s Party of the European Parliament, during their visit to Cairo. The Grand Imam averred, “The Muslim-Christian relations are old enough to date back to the advent of Islam, when Abyssinia (Ethiopia) was the first host protecting vulnerable Muslims immigrating to it from Mecca.  Then, the Muslims immigrated to Abyssinia because “nobody was wronged under its Christian king”, Negus. Our Noble Messenger sustained these relations when he received a Najran Christian delegation in his blessed mosque and allowed them to say their prayers there.” The Grand Imam added that Muslim-Christian relationship in Egypt is a model of coexistence among the citizens of one country, indicating that the Egyptian Family House is a unique example, under which umbrella Muslim scholars and Christian priests gather to disseminate the spirit of fraternity and peace among all Egyptians. He explained that Al-Azhar has close relations with Christian institutions around the world, such as the Church of Canterbury, the Vatican and the World Council of Churches. Hence, the Grand Imam noted, Al-Azhar holds conferences and dialogue sessions with these parties, since dialogue and communication among faith leaders is the only way to establish peace around the world.

For their part, the EPP’s delegation praised the Grand Imam’s speech that promotes peace and coexistence and disavows extremist ideas which fuel violence around the world. They expressed their pleasure with the programs offered by Al-Azhar to train imams and preachers in Europe to address contemporary issues, like integration of Muslims in their Western societies and confronting extremist ideas.