Grand Imam Receives Yemeni Minister of Endowments

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, welcomed Dr. Mohamed bin Eida Shabibah, Yemen's Minister of Endowments and Guidance, to discuss the enhancing mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam remarked that the Muslim nation is currently experiencing a period of weakness due to division and fragmentation, which the Holy Qur'an cautions against. He also explained that this disunity has drained the resources and energies of some Muslim countries, leaving them vulnerable, while igniting sectarian and doctrinal conflicts in others. The Grand Imam further noted that even in countries that have managed to avoid these pitfalls, there have been attempts to stir ethnic tensions, leading to instability and weakening their societies. He highlighted that the ultimate goal behind these actions is to fuel the arms trade and create perpetual hotspots for wars and conflicts, sustaining a deadly industry that thrives on the lives of innocents.

The Grand Imam also emphasized that the nation of Yemen is dear to every Muslim and also noted that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are deeply concerned about the suffering of the people and are actively working to bring together and reconcile its scholars. He expressed his belief that scholars, with their knowledge and wisdom, can initiate a process of peace and reconciliation that could pave the way for peace across the nation. He stressed the importance of developing new, practical approaches to reconciliation that serve the people's interests which would be guided divine Quranic verses.

For his part, Yemen's Minister of Endowments and Guidance expressed the deep respect and reverence that the people of Yemen have for Al-Azhar, its scholars, and leaders. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Al-Azhar in supporting Islamic causes and the Muslim community, noting that these efforts have greatly benefited many people in the past, continue to do so today, and will undoubtedly do so in the future, especially through the teachers, scholars, and Imams who have been dispatched to Yemen.