Al-Azhar Grand Imam: Islamophobia Is Irrational, Posing Serious Threat to Global Peace

Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

 His speech, delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek, Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized that this international day is the result of commendable efforts led by Muslim nations at the UN to confront a phenomenon that is both irrational and illogical, yet has become a significant threat to global peace.

In his address, the Grand Imam expressed his deep appreciation for the courageous and impartial stance of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, praising his fair and informed statements about Islam and its values. His Eminence stressed that such statements play a crucial role in combating Islamophobia, challenging misleading stereotypes, and countering extremist rhetoric that seeks to distort Islam’s true essence for political gain. He pointed out that far-right groups have often exploited these false narratives to serve narrow political agendas, fueling division and prejudice.

The Grand Imam reiterated that the word “Islam” shares its root with the word “Al-Salaam,” which means “peace” in Arabic, reflecting the very essence of this great faith—mercy, compassion, coexistence, and tolerance among all people, regardless of race, creed, language, or background. This is clearly articulated in the Glorious Quran, where Allah Almighty states: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (The Quran, 21: 107) He emphasized that this verse encapsulates the core message of Islam—upholding fraternity, justice, and tolerance, recognizing all humans as members of one family, descended from one father and one mother.

The Grand Imam further underscored that Muslims have lived for centuries in harmony with followers of other religions, demonstrating a deep-seated belief in religious freedom, as stated in the Quranic verse: “There is no compulsion in religion.” (The Quran, 2: 256) History, he noted, stands as clear testimony that Islam is a religion of peace, founded on mutual understanding and cooperation, not conflict or division. This is not merely a claim—it is a historical reality experienced by countless societies across both the East and the West for centuries. It is a reality that has, for centuries, defined Islam and its unique message to the world.