At the Headquarters of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, HE the Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received, Mr. Ammar Al-Hakim, Head of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement. The Grand Imam welcomed Mr. Al-Hakim and his accompanying delegation to Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, appreciating the close historical relationship that brought together Al-Azhar scholars with Najaf scholars. He also applauded the intellectual production, as well as the cultural movement that has accrued from this relationship, enriching the Muslim tradition. Likewise, he indicated that in the past, Risalat Al-Islam magazine represented the peak of cooperation between Al-Azhar and Najaf, given the cultural impetus and epistemological framework it provided in diverse Muslim disciplines. This magazine, the Grand Imam added, addressed all pertinent issues in the fields of philosophy, jurisprudence, Sharia and law, and the Sunni-Shiite relationship within the framework of mutual respect, cooperation and academic integration.
The Grand Imam also stressed our need for cohesion and adherence to the values of rapprochement if we are to face the challenges that threaten to rupture the fabric of our Muslim nation, and the cultural and social invasion that targets our Muslim world. He thus declared, “It is more important for us to unite to confront contemporary challenges and agendas promoting waves of atheism, homosexuality, societal ills, anomalous behaviors, Westernization campaigns, and the abandonment of religion and morals, as well as the attempt to impose such reality on the youth of our Muslim nation.
For his part, Mr. Ammar Al-Hakim expressed his appreciation of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and of the role of its Grand Imam and scholars, teachers, and students. He noted that “our hands are extended, and our hearts are open, and you [at Al-Azhar] are especially dear to us. Our friendliness is renewed through new meetings between us. We eagerly wait for such meetings, knowing that Al-Azhar enjoys a special symbolic status in the Muslim world. We take pride in Al-Azhar-Najaf scholarly relations. These relations are grounded on mutual respect and historical moderation. Moderation has been the basis of the relationship between schools of Muslim thought and Muslims throughout the ages. However, extremism and militancy are just exceptions to the rule.”
Mr. Al-Hakim renewed his invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Iraq, stressing that Iraq, with all of its sects and parties, is waiting for such visit which will have significant bearings in the Muslim world. He added that the visit shall open the door for the exchange delegations of scholars, professors, researchers and students. It, Mr. Al-Hakim pointed out, shall also open the door for the renewal of systemic communication between research centers on both sides to discuss intellectual issues, cooperate in issuing publications, and organize joint book exhibitions. It will be an opportunity to explore different opinions on various issues, he concluded.
Mr. Al-Hakim offered an overview of the general situation in Iraq, and updates in various fields at different levels. He indicated that Iraq is now witnessing a state of coexistence, stability and solidarity among the segments of the society, where the various schools of thought and currents play a prominent role in combating extremism and radicalism. He also stressed that Iraq has now become safer and more stable.
The Grand Imam again welcomed the invitation to visit Iraq, stressing that Iraq is dear to every Arab and Muslim, and that he is looking forward to visiting it and to holding intellectual and academic meetings and discussions, and to renewing the bonds of cooperation between the two ancient schools of thought (in both countries).
The meeting involved a discussion of the challenges facing the Muslim world, especially the Westernization campaigns, the commonness of drugs, and the alienation from religious and moral values, as well as highlighting the common interest in bringing Muslim sects together, societal problems and the impact of social media on the family and the upbringing of children and youth.
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