The Grand Imam of Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb
El-Tayyeb made his comment during a meeting on Tuesday with the Dutch Ambassador for Human Rights, Wim Geurts, at Al-Azhar headquarters to discuss issues of mutual concern.
The Grand Imam observed that contemporary global policies have increasingly shifted from solving crises to perpetuating them. He noted that while the historical role of international diplomacy was to confront challenges and implement viable solutions, modern policies often leave behind a trail of unresolved issues.
Furthermore, he critiqued the growing trend of powerful nations imposing the burden of these crises onto others rather than taking accountability for their resolution.
He emphasized that the main reason humanity faces such severe challenges today is the exclusion of religion from guiding roles in society, along with the absence of ethical and human values in global policymaking.
El-Tayyeb emphasized that the root cause of humanity’s current struggles lies in the systematic exclusion of religion and ethical values from the public sphere.
When moral frameworks are stripped from global policymaking, power becomes the primary philosophy governing international relations, he added.
This shift, he noted, is clearly evidenced by the escalating violence and instability witnessed in various regions across the globe.
The grand imam noted that the current global situation has filled everyone with anxiety and considerable despair, prompting the question: Is there hope for peoples to obtain their rights and freedoms, or are we heading toward an era resembling darkness, chaos, and tyranny?
He stressed that the aggression against innocent civilians in Gaza has revealed an undeniable truth: There is no ethical force or moral deterrent capable of halting the war of extermination and violations of human dignity.
El-Tayyeb also highlighted that all religions are innocent of the extremism and terrorism wrongly attributed to them. Such claims stem from the exploitation of religion to serve political agendas, manipulate religious texts, deprive people of their rights, and incite emotions.
“No religious text permits killing, extremism, or crimes of extermination. Terrorism conducted in the name of religion is, in fact, the result of the injustices of global policies. The real challenge lies in managing the chaos of power, the arms trade, and the pursuit of material gain.”
For his part, the Dutch ambassador expressed his pleasure in meeting the grand imam, praising his efforts to promote values of coexistence, brotherhood, and peace.
He commended the “House of the Egyptian Family” initiative for fostering positive coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Egypt, describing it as an inspiring model for all.
The ambassador also affirmed his agreement with tEl-Tayyeb’s perspectives, emphasizing the need to contain the “virus of hatred” threatening humanity and to ensure strict adherence to international law while maintaining the independence of global institutions to preserve justice in the international system.
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