Defending sanctities and religious figures and sustaining their status in the hearts represents a priority for the Grand Imam, whose efforts and directives to Al-Azhar institutions counter all respective attacks. In this respect, the Grand Imam described the crime of burning copies of the Qur’an as an act of ferocious terrorism and repugnant racism that go against any human civilizations. He pointed out that history will record this crime on the pages of shame and disgrace. His Eminence also announced his strong anger at some Western officials’ insistence of using the term “Islamic terrorism.” He explained that the Muslim world rejects this term, and that insisting on it would undermine bridges of communication between the East and the West, and ruin the fruits of dialogues promoting human brotherhood.

With regard to defending the Noble Prophet (pbuh), and during the Ministry of Endowments’ celebration of the Prophet’s birth anniversary, the Grand Imam said, “We should renew our love and loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and defend him even with our own souls.” He added, "Loving the Noble Prophet (pbuh) is an individual obligation for every Muslim."

 

 

His eminence directed Al-Azhar Observatory to strongly condemn the offensive cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo, warning at the same time that these outrageous acts sustain hate speech and undermine the efforts of major religious institutions in promoting mutual respect and coexistence.

 

It is worth noting that the Grand Imam representing Al-Azhar institutions did not suffice with the defensive role, as he also took the initiative announcing, during the Prophet’s birth anniversary celebrations, the launch a global platform about the Noble Prophet (pbuh) in all languages. He also announced a global research competition on the morals of the Noble Prophet (pbuh) and his historical role in sowing the seeds of love, goodness and peace among different races and beliefs. Besides, Al-Azhar institutes throughout Egypt celebrated the Prophet’s birth anniversary under the title “A Day of Love for the Messenger.” The purpose was to promote knowledge about the Prophet of mercy (pbuh) and illustrate his approach in spreading peace and coexistence. In this respect, Al-Azhar Islamic Research Academy launched several campaigns in Arabic and English under the title “The Prophet they do not know”, to respond to the insults to the Noble Prophet (pbuh) and to shed light on the ethical and humanitarian aspects of his personality.

We should not forget the Grand Imam’s remarkable statement during his meeting with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs (in November 8, 2020), “If you consider it free speech to insult our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), then we categorically reject it.” He added that we will sue those who offend our Noble Prophet in international courts, even if we spend our whole life doing just that. He also pointed out that “we reject the description “Islamic terrorism”, and we do not have the luxury of engaging in arguments about it. For him, this term should no longer be used since it hurts the feelings of the Muslims and contradicts the truth known to all.

Then, he assured the French Minister of Foreign Affairs that, when speaking about the Prophet of Islam (pbuh), he refuses to be diplomatic.