His Eminence, the Grand Imam of Al-Azar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb affirmed Al-Azhar’s rejection of all Zionist ambitions that aim to change the spatio-temporal reality of the Holy Sanctuary and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. He noted that the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque surrounding area is an entirely Islamic precinct, and that we will not accept any spatial or temporal division of it, adding that such statements about division are absurd and fraudulent, and constitute an extension of Zionist conduct based on falsification and usurpation of rights and lands. He further noted that such attempt aims at changing the historical reality of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian milestones.
Yesterday, Tuesday, at the Headquarters of Al-Azhar, and during his meeting with Dr. Muhammad Shtayyeh, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, the Grand Imam stressed that Al-Azhar undertook exposure of Zionist crimes towards our Palestinian brothers and sisters, and we will continue to send messages to this usurping entity that Al-Azhar shall continue to expose your crimes and highlight the sufferings of the Palestinians tirelessly. He also pointed out that Al-Azhar shall keep calling for the awakening of the global conscience until, God willing, this unjust occupation comes to an end. This unjust occupation goes against all divine, religious and moral laws, added the Grand Imam who regretted the Arab and international silence towards the Palestinian cause. HE thus wondered, "Is it not high time for the Arabs to rise and unite in face of the daily crimes committed by the Zionists against the Palestinian people? What is it that prevents the international community from standing against the Zionist terrorism against the oppressed Palestinian people who have suffered and are still suffering from the longest occupation in modern and contemporary history?”
The Grand Imam affirmed that Al-Azhar continues to support the Palestinian people by all possible means, working to qualify Palestinian cadres to be able to carry the banner in all medical, health, Da’wah and educational fields. He then indicated that Al-Azhar is keen to undertake its role in defending Palestine through providing opportunities for Palestinian students to study medicine, pharmacy, engineering, Islamic and Arabic disciplines, offering educational scholarships to them at the various educational stages.
He also instructed competent officials at Al-Azhar to study the possibility of establishing Al-Azhar schools in Palestine on a broader scale, stressing that he follows up on operation of Al-Azhar Institute in Al-Khalil (Hebron), directing the establishment of an institute in Jerusalem to serve the Palestinians there. Moreover, the Grand Imam expressed Al-Azhar’s willingness to dispatch teachers, and administrators and send necessary equipment to Palestine at Al-Azhar’s expense, maintaining that this is the least that Al-Azhar can do in support of the Palestinian cause, which is also the cause of Al-Azhar.
The Grand Imam also welcomed the training of Palestinian imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for the Training of Imams, Preachers and Fatwa Researchers, and declared Al-Azhar’s readiness to host successive groups of Palestinian imams and design a Da’wah study curriculum that appropriately addresses the situation in Palestine and the required advocacy skills and religious and historical knowledge. He added that this is coupled with a willingness to increase postgraduate Islamic studies' scholarships for Palestinian students.
For his part, the Palestinian Prime Minister expressed his appreciation of the great efforts made by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in defending the Palestinian cause and supporting the Palestinian people. He thus noted, "We recognize the significance of Al-Azhar's voice that is heard throughout the world. This great edifice embodies educational, advocacy and religious meanings and values”. Then, he added, “And we are certain that your voice is heard and your feelings for your Palestinian fellows are appreciated.” He then stated, “We appreciate your keenness to follow up on the situation in Palestine, and your constant fair position towards the Palestinian cause.”
Dr. Shtayyeh added that the Al-Azhar-Palestine relations are rooted in history and that Palestine is at the heart of concern of Al-Azhar, and Al-Azhar is at the heart of appreciation of the Palestinians. He also pointed to the excellence of the Al-Azhar curriculum in its moderate inclusiveness, which has made it a scientific and religious beacon and an educational destination for Muslim students around the world. Finally, he expressed his appreciation of Al-Azhar efforts in favor of the Palestinian people, and its academic support to the Palestinian students to enroll at Al-Azhar various educational stages.
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