Al-Azhar Stresses Need to Reassess Certain Women's Issues

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has met His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to discuss avenues for mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between Al-Azhar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of religious scholarship and outreach. He expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom's support, under the leadership of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in championing the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations. The Grand Imam also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance in serving Muslims around the world.

The Grand Imam also emphasized the importance of reassessing certain fatwas related to women's rights, which have been overshadowed by prevailing customs and traditions rather than being based on the true teachings of Sharia and which have occasionally led to misinterpretations that unjustly restricted women's rights. He noted that the advancement of Muslim society is closely tied to how well Muslim women are empowered with the rights that Islam has granted them—rights that were implemented by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the early days of Islam. The Grand Imam added that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders prioritize women's issues, with the aim of eradicating cultural practices that diminish the rights granted to women by Islam. He also highlighted that Al-Azhar has promoted many women to leadership roles as part of this initiative, underscoring their essential contributions to society.

Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders for his significant efforts in advancing Islam and addressing Arab and humanitarian issues. He expressed a strong desire for increased collaboration in the fields of religious scholarship and outreach. He also elaborated on the Kingdom's comprehensive strategy to empower women in leadership positions and to ensure they receive all the rights conferred upon them by Islamic law. He pointed out that there are currently six female ambassadors representing Saudi Arabia abroad, as well as several female ministers, deputy ministers, and university presidents demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to eliminating cultural practices that undermine women's rights.