His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) received today, Thursday, at Al-Azhar Headquarters, Dr. Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity.

 

His Eminence the Grand Imam stressed the urgent and pressing need to harness all efforts to support the less fortunate and most needy groups, stressing that among the best acts of worship for people is striving to fulfill other people’s needs in difficult circumstances. He stressed the necessity of being familiar with the living conditions of the needy, and imagining how it feels to be in their position. His Eminence stated, “I am deeply moved by people and their circumstances, and I constantly pray that Almighty Allah enable us to fulfill the needs of those in need and entrusts us with this noble mission.”

 

The discussion also addressed the problems of high dowries and imposing societal restrictions on marriage, which made it an unattainable dream for young men and women and their families. His Eminence stressed the need for a national strategy for education and media to address these social customs that contradict religious values which encourage facilitating marriage. Such a strategy should shed light on inspiring models that help people change the stereotypical view of these matters in a manner consistent with religion and the circumstances surrounding young people and society.

 

Dr. Maya Morsi, for her part, affirmed her happiness at meeting the Grand Imam again, her appreciation for Al-Azhar’s role in supporting the neediest groups, and her aspiration to combine efforts with the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House, the charitable arm of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, through a number of initiatives and projects that serve the neediest groups.