Al-Azhar is the home of the Arab and Islamic family and one of the most prominent soft powers of our beloved Egypt, President of the Egyptian Senate

Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) and MCE Chairman, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, received this morning, Wednesday, Chancellor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razeq, President of the Egyptian Senate. His Excellency was keen to offer his condolences to the Grand Imam on the death of his older sister, praying to Allah Almighty to forgive her, have mercy on her, and dwell her in His spacious Paradise. The Grand Imam thanked Chancellor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razeq for his noble feelings and for this esteemed visit.

The meeting included a friendly discussion about the authentic traditions that generations of fathers and grandfathers were raised on, and that the need of society for these traditions now is more than ever. This comes in light of the intellectual and cultural invasion that is trying to penetrate the minds of youth and children, and erase public morals and constructive traditions such as helping the needy, respecting the elderly, and respecting religious scholars and teachers. This is opposed to what we see today:  the spread of various forms of crime; attempts to exclude the system of values and morals; and limiting the role of parents, schools, educational and cultural institutions in education and reform. This comes under the guise of false progress and openness.

The discussion touched on the dangerous role of TV drama, as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar stressed the need to be aware of the danger of the Arabic drama’s dependence and imitation of Western drama. Much of the Western drama completely contradicts our religious values, customs and traditions, and seeks to spread ideas that do not represent us, as Easterners. The Grand Imam also stressed the need for Arab drama to play an effective role in reforming society and instilling positive values, by producing valuable artistic works that take into account the nature and specificity of our societies.

The President of the Egyptian Senate expressed his happiness at the renewed meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, stressing that His Eminence represents a religious symbol that we are proud of before the world. He also expressed his appreciation for Al-Azhar’s positions on various social and global issues, stating, “Al-Azhar is the home of the Arab and Muslim family, and one of the most prominent soft powers of our beloved Egypt.”