The Grand Imam: We seek to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among the components of the nation and unite it.

Aga Khan V: Al-Azhar is a beacon of moderation and centrism in the Islamic world.

Aga Khan V: We follow the Grand Imam's efforts to promote peace and dialogue around the world.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, received today, Tuesday, Shah Rahim Aga Khan V, Imam of the Shia Nizari Isma'ili Muslims and head of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), to discuss ways to enhance cooperation. The Grand Imam said that Al-Azhar's mission is based on spreading peace and strengthening brotherhood among all. Therefore, Al-Azhar has opened up to religious and cultural institutions around the world, enabling this great mission to be achieved. He pointed out that Al-Azhar took the initiative to hold the first edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain, to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among the fabric and components of the Muslim nation, turn the page on the past, and work towards establishing a platform capable of uniting the nation's scholars and religious institutions, and developing a unified scholarly position on the crises and challenges facing the Muslim nation.

His Eminence affirmed Al-Azhar's readiness to cooperate with the Aga Khan Development Network on joint development and awareness-raising projects, particularly those targeting youth and addressing contemporary challenges. He pointed out that the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), which he chairs, has extensive experience in such unique projects in cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. He explained that Al-Azhar has been distinguished throughout its history by moderation, stemming from its correct understanding of the truth of Islam and its great commitment to communicating true Islam to people, which has been the reason for people's attachment to Al-Azhar throughout its long history.

His Eminence also expressed his sorrow over the recent state of weakness and humiliation of Muslims, which was a direct cause of the enemy’s dominance over us. He explained that the division and discord the Muslim nation is witnessing is what has created the false strength of this enemy. He emphasizied that Muslims will possess all the means of strength if they heed the call of their Lord in His Almighty’s words: “And hold firmly together to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you—by His grace—became brothers” (Quran, 3:103).

Shah Aga Khan V, for his part, expressed his happiness at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and his appreciation for His Eminence's great efforts to present the true image of the Islamic faith and disseminate the values of brotherhood, as well as His Eminence's initiatives aimed at uniting the Muslim nation and unifying its voice. He affirmed his close follow-up of the activities of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and His Eminence the Grand Imam to promote coexistence and dialogue. He expressed his endeavor to establish broad partnerships with Al-Azhar, and to benefit from its extensive experience in promoting the moderation and tolerance of Islam, particularly among young people in Europe.

Shah Rahim Aga Khan V said: “I am very honored to meet Your Eminence and to be given this great opportunity. We are pleased to have opportunities to cooperate with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in all fields. We have a large development network working in the field of culture, awareness, and education in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. We are also working - through a number of projects - to enhance awareness about the tolerance of Islam in many European countries.” He added that all eyes are focused on Al-Azhar Al-Sharif as a platform for moderation and centrism in the world. This is a fact of which he became certain after his numerous meetings with many officials in Arab and Islamic countries, who rely greatly on Al-Azhar Al-Sharif to spread peace and brotherhood, and to enhance dialogue globally.”