Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI), Prof. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, received His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, who conveyed to His Eminence the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and expressed his honor to meet His Eminence the Grand Imam, and the UAE’s appreciation for His Eminence’s efforts in spreading the tolerance of Islam, moderation and coexistence. He stressed that the global efforts of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar have contributed significantly to directing attention to the moderation and tolerance of Islam, and refuting the extremist ideas that some groups are trying to falsely attribute to Islam.

 

His Excellency Mohammed Al Mubarak stressed that the UAE is making strenuous efforts to promote the values of tolerance and human brotherhood at all levels. He pointed out that Imam Al Tayeb Mosque in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, is one of the most prominent and most visited religious destinations for foreign Muslim residents in the UAE since its establishment. In addition to the religious programs held by the mosque, such as Quran memorization srssions for children, and social and awareness programs. He pointed out that the mosque holds a Quran competition, which is the third largest Quran memorization competition in the UAE; which led to the mosque becoming a center of spiritual and cultural radiation in a short time. He added that the mosque administration is trying to innovate modern forms and methods in presenting the biography of the Prophet (pbuh), and connecting children to Islamic values and morals.

His Eminence the Grand Imam welcomed Al Mubarak and his accompanying delegation to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, expressing his appreciation for and pride in his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and in the old and strong relationship that links the UAE with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the most prominent evidence of which is the signing of the historic Human Fraternity Document in Abu Dhabi.

 

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar pointed out the importance of the role of ministries and cultural institutions in the Arab world in caring for the Arabic language. They can create Islamic cultural and knowledge sources capable of attracting the youth and children, especially on social media, and addressing them in their easy and simplified language so that they may not fall prey to extremist movements or be attracted by those with agendas alien to the Islamic world.

 

The meeting was attended by Prof. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Mohamed Al-Mahrasawi, President of Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, and Mr. Abdullah Hamad Al-Shehhi, Acting Executive Director.