Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Receives Chairman of General Authority of Islamic Affairs

His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, received His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in the United Arab Emirates, and His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. 

The meeting took place at His Eminence's residence in Abu Dhabi shortly before his departure to Cairo, with the presence of His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

During the meeting, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the importance of adhering to the rich heritage of the Muslim nation, filled with sciences and knowledge that once formed a great Islamic civilization that continues to contribute to global advancements in various fields. 

He highlighted the importance of harnessing the treasures of Islamic heritage, promoting its understanding, and exploring diverse intellectual schools of thought and following the approach that does not contradict the principles of our religion. 

His Eminence affirmed that Islamic civilization was built on openness to others, away from extremism and insularity. 

He further called for coordinated efforts between the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the Muslim Council of Elders to reinforce shared human values, establish a culture of coexistence, civilizational dialogue, and human fraternity, and protect the youth against extremist ideologies while instilling in them the values of ethics and allegiance to their homelands.

Both H.E. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei and H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri expressed their deep admiration and respect for His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, appreciating his profound knowledge and efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and fostering values of peace, dialogue, and human coexistence. 

They affirmed their eagerness to advance scientific, knowledge-based, and Islamic teaching cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders to promote the benevolence of Islam and counteract extremist ideologies, fostering values of justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.