Al-Azhar Grand Imam calls for a unified front of scholars to confront challenges and safeguard the Ummah's identity.

Al-Azhar Grand Imam: Scholars of the Ummah must lead the “battle of the narrative” in defense of the Palestinian cause.

Al-Azhar Grand Imam: Protecting the family is a battle to preserve the Ummah's identity and confront modern-day challenges.

Delegation attending Dar ul-Ifta conference: The Grand Imam’s stances on issues concerning the Ummah reflect Al-Azhar’s historic role in championing the truth.

Delegation attending Dar ul-Ifta conference: We appreciate the Grand Imam’s efforts to disseminate the true image of Islam and support Muslims worldwide.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, received His Excellency Prof. Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, today, Thursday, at Al-Azhar headquarters. He was accompanied by a delegation of guests attending the conference organized by the Egyptian Dar ul-Ifta under the theme: “Family Challenges in Light of Major Transformations.”

His Eminence the Grand Imam welcomed the guests of the Dar ul-Ifta conference—including Muftis and scholars from around the world—and highlighted the conference’s importance given the family’s vital role in preserving the identity of the Ummah (Muslim nation). He noted that concerns regarding the challenges and threats facing the family are shared by all, and that the situation has evolved from mere concern to a matter of responsibility before Allah Almighty. His Eminence stated: “The question we must pose and seek answers to is: What shall we do for the Muslim family in the face of this tidal wave sweeping in from East and West—a wave that targets the Ummah’s sanctities and seeks to normalize social and behavioral ailments among our youth and the rising generation?”

His Eminence added that social media has claimed much of the minds of our youth and children—and even the potential of our scholars—leaving us preoccupied with matters that increase our agitation and distance us from our religious values and ethical framework. He added that serious steps must be taken to confront this global onslaught aimed at usurping our identity, uprooting our foundations, severing our youth from their nation’s history and the realities of their homelands and societies, and leaving the doors wide open to anyone seeking to spread malicious ideas among our communities.

His Eminence addressed the paramount cause of the nation, the Arab world, and Muslims—the Palestinian cause—describing it as an open, unhealed wound. He noted that the situation has deteriorated due to the nation’s fragmentation and disunity, and he emphasized the vital role of the nation’s scholars and muftis worldwide in raising awareness of this just cause and disseminating historical facts—a role no less significant than diplomatic efforts. He stated, “Esteemed scholars, I look to you to assume your role in leading the battle of the narrative against the counter-narrative that the enemy seeks to propagate and mainstream, despite the falsity of its claims. Is there a way to achieve this?”

His Eminence noted that Al-Azhar has taken significant steps toward uniting the Ummah and consolidating its stance on the challenges threatening to destabilize it—foremost among them the Palestinian cause. Key among these initiatives was Al-Azhar’s convening of the inaugural Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, aimed at fostering unity and forming a scholarly front to articulate the Ummah’s position, grounded in our shared identity as a single nation and an Arab-Islamic world bound by common ties of religion, language, and other shared elements.

The delegation of guests attending the Dar ul-Ifta conference expressed their delight at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and their appreciation for his significant efforts to disseminate the true image of Islam. They stated, "We thank you, Your Eminence the Grand Imam, for your immense support of Muslim communities worldwide; Al-Azhar stands as a beacon of moderation and balance for Muslims across the globe, and the Al-Azhar approach fortifies the minds of young people against extremism, shielding them from the dangers surrounding them.”

The guests attending the Dar ul-Ifta conference commended the Grand Imam’s steadfast stance on issues concerning the Islamic Ummah—foremost among them the Palestinian cause. Through its clear positions, Al-Azhar has served as a voice for truth and justice and a defender of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights; it has consistently affirmed its categorical rejection of aggression and forced displacement, while calling upon the international community to shoulder its responsibilities regarding the violations faced by Palestinians. This reflects Al-Azhar’s historic role in championing the causes of the Ummah and upholding the values of humanity, justice, and peace.