Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received the ambassadors of Islamic and Arab countries accredited to the Kingdom of Thailand at his residence in the Thai capital, Bangkok.
The Grand Imam welcomed the ambassadors of the Arab and Islamic countries, expressing his eagerness to listen to them and learn more about the conditions of the Arab and Islamic communities residing in Thailand. He emphasized Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders' commitment to enhancing effective communication with Muslim communities worldwide, addressing their needs, and informing them about the services provided by Al-Azhar. These services include scholarships, training courses for imams and preachers, and sending Al-Azhar emissaries to spread Al-Azhar's enlightened and moderate thought globally.
The Grand Imam highlighted the role of the embassies of Islamic and Arab countries in raising awareness about the issues of the Ummah, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, which is the primary issue for Muslims and Arabs. He reiterated the Arab and Islamic stance supporting the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The Grand Imam also shared his understanding of the challenges posed by wars and conflicts on growth, economy, and infrastructure in various fields, drawing from his own experiences living through several wars and conflicts since his childhood, which led to his generation being labeled the "generation of wars." He noted that peace in Islam is a central issue for both Muslims and non-Muslims, repeated by Muslims several times daily in their prayers and interactions with others. Therefore, Islam has made peace a fundamental principle in all aspects of life, ensuring that Muslims remain aware of the value of peace and fraternity.