The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, and Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, held a special meeting with Malaysian scholars and young researchers to discuss the moderation and tolerance of Islam, and the Islamic approach to promoting brotherhood and harmony in societies.

 

At the beginning of his speech, His Eminence stressed that what distinguishes Malaysian society most is the diversity of races and religions, warning of the danger of some extremist movements exploiting pluralism and ignorantly portraying it as a danger to Islam and societies. His Eminence refuted the falsity of these allegations and cited the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) regarding the relationship among Muslims, which he summarized in his saying, "Whoever prays like us, faces our Qibla, and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim and is under Allah's and His Apostle's protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those who are in His protection."

 

His Eminence said that the Prophet (PBUH) established the foundations and limits of the relationship that links a Muslim with followers of other religions, which is a relationship based on respect, coexistence, and adhering to the morals of Islam. He said that Islam does not only prohibit assaulting a person, regardless of his religion, gender, or color, but rather it forbids attacking animals, plants, and inanimate objects, except for slaughtering an animal for the purpose of eating and alleviating hunger, and in a specific amount. He added that Islam has established rules to protect the environment and climate, in a way that does not allow a Muslim to respond to his lusts and materialistic desires, in a way that negatively affects the environment. His Eminence said that Islam, which is concerned with all these aspects, no doubt cares for a person even if they were non-Muslim!

 

His Eminence stressed that the responsibility for establishing and promoting peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions lies with every individual in society and can only be achieved through a correct understanding of the message of Islam in particular and religions in general. He said religion came to make humans happy and rescue them from the dangers of worshipping materialism and seeking to satisfy their instincts without being aware of the wars and conflicts that may result from this. He added that religion is the only way to control human instincts and direct them in the way that benefits individuals and societies.

 

The Grand Imam warned of some trends that are trying to fuel fanaticism and hatred among Muslims, encourage sectarian conflicts, direct the interests of Muslim youth from main issues to minor ones, revive conflicts and issues that disturb the Muslim community and weaken it, and to spread division and discord among its members. He stressed that the first thing at this critical time is for efforts to be directed towards the unity and cohesion of the nation to achieve its desired renaissance.

 

His Eminence was keen to listen to the opinions of some Malaysian youth and answer their questions regarding the relationship between schools of Islamic thought, and how to exploit pluralism for the benefit of the Muslim nation. His Eminence also discussed with female attendees women’s rights in Islam and how Islam guarantees women their right to education and to positive participation in social life. He also touched on other topics that were raised by the participating Malaysian youth.

 

The Malaysian Prime Minister expressed his happiness with the Grand Imam's participation in this important meeting, and his appreciation for His Eminence’s keenness to discuss with Malaysian youth their ideas and to dialogue with them without restrictions. He stressed that his country is grateful to the Grand Imam and to the moderate thought of Al-Azhar, which has exported to the world - and still continues to export - both religious and secular sciences. He said that Malaysia is keen to strengthen its relations with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and to benefit from the training programs for imams hosted by Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams, Preachers and Fatwa Researchers. He hoped that the visit of His Eminence to Malaysia will be the beginning of a countless number of projects and joint initiatives with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.