The Grand Imam meets and converses with 16 Kings and Presidents in 2024 on issues concerning the world and humanity.

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif had memorable positions on momentous events that took place in 2024. In this year, Al-Azhar opened its doors to receive the kings and leaders of the world. Furthermore, the Grand Imam visited a number of world capitals to meet with Kings and Presidents so that His Eminence could deliver his message and raise Al-Azhar’s voice high. Al-Tayyeb received or met 16 kings and presidents in 2024, addressing pressing issues that concern the world and all of humanity.

Al-Azhar GI meets Armenian PM…

Sheikh Salim Al-Bishri’s fatwa resurfaces in dialogue

March 2024

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) received at Al-Azhar Headquarters, Mr. Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and discussed ways to enhance relations and cooperation. His Eminence stressed the depth of relations between Al-Azhar and Armenia, reminding His Eminence of the fatwa of Sheikh Salim Al-Bishri, which he issued in 1909 regarding condemning the Armenian massacres. This fatwa represents Al-Azhar’s approach in absolutely rejecting aggression, even if the victim is non-Muslim.

Al-Azhar GI meets UN Secretary-General… Gaza and UNRWA take center stage

March 2024

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam received at Al-Azhar, Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, accompanied by Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The two parties discussed the latest developments in Gaza, and His Eminence welcomed Mr. Guterres to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, praising his courageous positions in supporting the Palestinian cause and supporting justice and human rights in Gaza and his clear positions to warn the world of the dangers of this aggression. He also praised the great efforts made by the UNRWA towards refugees and those fleeing the terrors of aggression, noting that the world is moving in the wrong direction without humanitarian rules or moral controls, and that everyone must unite in solidarity to stop the streams of innocent blood being shed every hour.

Grand Imam meets Bosnian President who praises Al-Azhar’s contributions to Bosnia

April 2024

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif received Mr. Denis Bećirović, President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at Al-Azhar Headquarters. They discussed the most prominent issues and challenges facing the Islamic world. The Grand Imam stressed that the genocide committed by the Zionists against our brothers in Gaza, which is a stain on the forehead of humanity, reminds us of the crimes of genocide that Bosniak Muslims were subjected to in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and reminds us – Muslims - of the necessity of unity, and that it is the only solution and way to get the Muslim nation out of these successive crises.

Bećirović, for his part, expressed his happiness for meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam, stating: “We are proud of the historical relationship that links our country to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, this great Islamic institution. Since the beginning of the 18th century until today, more than 300 of our distinguished scholars have graduated from Al-Azhar University and became eminent scholars in our country. They participated in the making of our country’s renaissance, and have had a profound impact on the history of our nation. Al-Azhar graduates are held in high esteem, and they occupy various leadership, scientific and academic positions in our country.”

Azerbaijani President welcomes Grand Imam, extends invitation for COP29 participation

June 2024

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif received President Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, at Al-Azhar Headquarters, and discussed ways to enhance relations between Azerbaijan and Al-Azhar. Aliyev extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to visit Azerbaijan and participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP29) and the Interfaith Summit for Climate. His Eminence the Grand Imam welcomed the invitation.

Al-Azhar GI visits Malaysia… received by the King, celebrated by the Prime Minister

July 2024

The visit of His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) to Malaysia in 2024 included several significant milestones. He was received by His Majesty King Ibrahim ibn Iskandar, King of Malaysia, at the Royal Palace in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. They discussed ways in which Malaysia could benefit from Al-Azhar’s expertise in combating extremism. The King even postponed his scheduled visit to the state of Johor specifically to meet His Eminence.

The Grand Imam and Mr. Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, opened a special council for Malaysian scholars and young researchers to discuss and debate the moderation and tolerance of Islam, and the Islamic approach to promoting brotherhood and harmony in societies. The Grand Imam also delivered a lecture at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), addressing ways to confront the contemporary challenges facing the Islamic world.

Al-Azhar GI visits Thailand… meets King, Prime Minister, and addresses Parliament

July 2024

The visit of His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI), to the Kingdom of Thailand received a warm official and public welcome that reflects his status as a global symbol of Islam. His Eminence met with King Vajiralongkorn and his wife, where they had a deep conversation about the importance of promoting the values of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in societies characterized by multiculturalism. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar also met with the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Al-Azhar and Thailand in the fields of religious education and training.

The Islamic Center in the Thai capital, Bangkok, organized a public meeting for His Eminence the Grand Imam with the Muslims of Thailand. Thousands of Thai Muslims from 45 provinces were keen to attend, in the presence of His Eminence Sheikh Arun Bunchom (Muhammad Jalaluddin bin Hussein), Chairman of the Thai Council of Senior Scholars, senior religious leaders, and imams of Thailand.

This is the first time ever Al-Azhar Grand Imam has visited the Thai Parliament and met with the Speaker of Parliament and a number of MPs. The Speaker of the Thai Parliament, welcomed the Grand Imam, stressing that this visit is a bright historic page in the records of the parliament. He felt proud and grateful that this was the first visit by a Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to the Thai Parliament, which is something that the Thais will remember and will remain engraved in the memory of the Thai parliament.

Al-Azhar GI in Indonesia… meets President, President-Elect, and engages with the public

July 2024

His Eminence, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI), Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, visited Indonesia from July 8 to 11, 2024. The visit featured a packed schedule of events and meetings that reaffirmed Al-Azhar’s pivotal role in promoting moderation and Islamic cooperation.  

The visit commenced with a grand official reception at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in the capital, Jakarta, where the Grand Imam was welcomed by several prominent government and religious officials. Thousands of members from major Islamic organizations, such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, also gathered in a symbolic gesture of appreciation— an enduring tradition that reflects deep respect and humility toward His Eminence.

During the visit, His Eminence met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Al-Azhar and Indonesia in the field of education, expand scholarship programs for Indonesian students at Al-Azhar, and sign cooperation protocols with Al-Azhar University. The Indonesian President welcomed the Grand Imam in Indonesia, stressing the importance of this inspiring and important visit for the Indonesian people, due to the great love and respect that His Eminence enjoys among Indonesians. That is due to the fact that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is the first authority for Indonesian Muslims in Islamic and Arabic sciences, and it is the invulnerable fortress that helps protect his country and its youth from extremist ideas.

His Eminence also met with the Minister of Defense and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, and they discussed the challenges facing the Islamic nation. The Grand Imam also held meetings with mosque imams and Muslim preachers in Indonesia, focusing on transferring Al-Azhar’s expertise in calling for the values of peace, and its role in confronting contemporary intellectual challenges.

Al-Azhar GI visits UAE… meets President to discuss global peace initiatives

September 2024 

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) visited the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, and met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates. They discussed enhancing cooperation between the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE). They aimed to consolidate common human values and establish a culture of coexistence, civilized dialogue and peace among diverse cultures and nations in the world, based on the principles of the  Human Fraternity Document signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi. The meeting also touched on the MCE's initiative, whose launch is being considered to enhance the role of religious scholars and symbols in supporting development and peace efforts in the world under the title: "Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace" in cooperation with the Republic of Indonesia. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the President of the UAE also exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest.

Al-Azhar GI attends COP29 in Azerbaijan … meets leaders from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Iraq, and UAE

November 2024

In response to an invitation from President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam participated in the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). The visit carried a clear message confirming Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s commitment to environmental and humanitarian issues that represent common challenges for the entire world.

During the participation, the Grand Imam discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting humanitarian issues with President Aliyev. The most important of these issues are the Palestinian issue and the aggression launched by the Zionist entity against civilians in Gaza and Lebanon. The Azerbaijani President stated that the participation of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in COP29 honors Azerbaijan.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar also met with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Honorable Muhammad Yunus, and discussed ways to enhance religious and scientific cooperation. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister stated that Al-Azhar’s fatwa on the Grameen Bank or “The bank for the Poor,” saved the poor of Bangladesh. He invited the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to visit Bangladesh. Furthermore, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the President of Tajikistan also discussed ways to enhance mutual relations, while the President of Tajikistan invited the Grand Imam to visit his country, stressing the Tajik people’s aspiration for this visit.

On the Arab level, the Grand Imam met the Iraqi President, Abdul Latif Rashid, in Azerbaijan and they stressed the need for unity in the Islamic and Arab world to stop the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon. The Iraqi President renewed his country's invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Iraq. His Eminence also met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and discussed ways of cooperation in the field of enhancing dialogue and understanding at the regional and international levels.

On the European level, the Grand Imam met with the President of the European Council and discussed contemporary human tragedies. Regarding the attacks of the Zionist entity, the Grand Imam stated: “Based on my belief in the Almighty's justice, I can say: whoever remains silent about these crimes and massacres today will be afflicted with some of them tomorrow or the day after.”

Al-Azhar GI welcomes Estonian President, commends Estonia’s support for Palestine’s UN membership

November 2024

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) received Mr. Alar Karis, President of Estonia, at Al-Azhar Headquarters, and discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation. The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for Estonia’s position in condemning the Zionist aggression on Gaza, and its vote in favor of the resolution to grant full membership to the State of Palestine in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Grand Imam stressed that this position reflects Estonia’s commitment to humanitarian principles and international justice, and enhances hope for the international community’s support for legitimate Palestinian rights. He pointed out the importance of such positions in shedding light on the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Mr. Alar Karis, for his part, expressed his happiness for being at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the venerable Islamic institution, and his appreciation for the initiative of the Grand Imam to allocate scholarships for Estonians to study at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, pointing out his country's desire to strengthen its relations with Al-Azhar.

Al-Azhar GI meets Malaysian PM, engages with Malaysian Students in Dialogue

November 2024

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam (GI) received His Excellency Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Grand Imam welcomed the Malaysian Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. He stressed the strength and uniqueness of the relationship between Al-Azhar and Malaysia, in which Malaysian students studying at Al-Azhar play a pivotal role in promoting and advancing it. The Grand Imam and Mr. Anwar Ibrahim agreed to enhance cooperation between Al-Azhar and Southeast Asian countries, in a way that serves to promote Al-Azhar’s positions on various issues in these countries and enhance scientific and cultural exchange. They will also benefit from Al-Azhar’s voice to convey the experiences of these leading countries in the fields of economy and technological development in a way that serves the progress of Islamic peoples and the unity and reunification of the Muslim nation.

Thus, Imam Al-Tayyeb, traveled the world in 2024 defending just human causes or conveying Al-Azhar’s message of moderation and peace, warning of the crisis of the absence of political and international conscience in some issues concerning the Middle East, most notably the Palestinian cause.