Al-Azhar headquarters in Cairo
The delegation claimed the visit aimed to promote “interfaith dialogue and coexistence” — a narrative Al-Azhar described as “deceptive and malicious,” especially in light of the ongoing and unprecedented genocide against the Palestinian people, who have endured continuous massacres and atrocities for more than 20 months.
In a statement on Thursday, Al-Azhar expressed deep dismay over the visit, denouncing the delegation’s apparent blindness to the immense suffering of the Palestinian people.
“These individuals have lost all human, religious, and moral connection to the people of Palestine,” the statement read, warning that such figures — who betray ethical and religious principles for personal gain — often find their place in history’s darkest chapters.
Al-Azhar emphasised that this misguided group does not represent Islam, Muslims, or the true mission of scholars, preachers, and imams who stand in solidarity with the oppressed and vulnerable.
The institution further warned Muslims across the East and West not to be deceived by such hypocrites who, despite performing Islamic rituals and claiming religious titles, dine at the tables of shame and disgrace.
Egypt’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Nazir Mohamed Ayad shared the same view and sentiment.
Ayad harshly condemned the recent visit of a group of self-proclaimed European imams to Israel, describing it as a “cheap political investment using fake turbans.”
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, the Mufti expressed deep regret over what he called a “disgraceful visit” by individuals falsely presenting themselves as religious leaders.
He accused them of selling their consciences for a paltry price and donning the cloak of religion to stand before the leaders of the Zionist entity, promoting a “false peace” and “dialogue stained with the blood of the innocent.”
“What kind of dialogue is conducted at the table of the occupier, and what coexistence is built upon the remains of the oppressed?” he asked.
The Mufti denounced the visit as nothing more than a propaganda tool meant to whitewash the image of a violent, occupying regime, using fabricated religious representation to mislead public opinion and promote normalisation.
A delegation of self-described European imams, led by controversial French-Tunisian figure Hassan Chalghoumi, sparked outrage this week after visiting the occupied Palestinian territories and meeting with the Israeli president.
The group claimed their visit aimed to promote “interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.” Still, it drew fierce condemnation from Muslim institutions and observers, particularly in light of Israel’s ongoing genocidal war in Gaza and the West Bank.
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