His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received a group of reformists and conservatives in the European Parliament, during their visit to Cairo. The Grand Imam averred that we cannot hold religions accountable for the misdeeds of a few of their followers. He added that Al-Azhar works on consolidating the relationship between Egyptian Muslims and Christians, who have lived for fourteen centuries in security and peace. The Grand Imam then explained that the Egyptian society makes up one fabric, and that the Egyptian Family House represents a successful Egyptian model under whose umbrella scholars and priests gather to establish the principle of citizenship and peace among all the Egyptians. He also asserted that Islam by no means permits transgression against any religion’s places of worship. He added that Islam works on bringing about human interest, which is given precedence over all other types of interest. Islam also links human behavior with morality, which is the umbrella for all laws and legislations. Hence, the Grand Imam maintained, Islam respects all cultures and civilizations, allowing no specific culture or civilization to prevail over another.

For their part, members of the European Parliament delegation expressed their appreciation for Al-Azhar, asserting that their visit to the Headquarters of Al-Azhar is meant to discuss ways to promote the welfare of all peoples.