Sheikh El-Tayyeb made the remarks during a meeting in Cairo with Isabelle Rome, France's ambassador for human rights.
The two sides discussed human rights, fundamental freedoms, and ways to strengthen dialogue between Eastern and Western perspectives on the issue.
The grand imam said there are significant differences between the East and the West in their understanding of human rights, arguing that internationally promoted rights should reflect values accepted across civilizations.
"If the rights we advocate are not agreed upon by both Eastern and Western civilizations, they risk becoming dictates imposed on others, turning human rights into a gateway for interference in people's affairs, customs, and beliefs," El-Tayyeb said.
He added that many had hoped scientific and civilizational progress would end wars, slavery, and conflict, but humanity continues to struggle for its most basic rights despite technological advances.
"Humanity has not progressed alongside modern scientific development," he said. "Instead, we are witnessing a decline in the values of equality, which are the foundation of human rights."
El-Tayyeb also argued that the world is experiencing confusion over fundamental concepts such as self-defence, aggression, occupation, and colonialism, saying that some practices regarded as rights in the West are viewed in the East as threats to the family and its values.
He called for renewed dialogue to develop a shared understanding of human rights that is compatible with religious teachings and moral values.
The grand imam rejected claims that religions are responsible for conflicts, saying the problem lies in the misuse of religion to justify wars and violations of people's rights.
He cited the war in Gaza as a clear example, stressing that the international community's priority should be ending wars, preventing the seizure of people's land, and rejecting attempts to impose behavioural models that conflict with the values and cultures of other societies.
El-Tayyeb said religion provides the strongest common ground for promoting human fraternity, pointing to the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity, signed by Al-Azhar and the late Pope Francis, as an example of universal ethical principles that transcend religious differences.
He also highlighted the experience of the Egyptian Family House, a joint body bringing together Al-Azhar scholars and Christian church leaders, saying it has helped strengthen coexistence and curb sectarian tensions across Egypt through local committees.
For her part, Rome praised Al-Azhar's role in promoting dialogue, coexistence, and global peace, saying human rights should unite rather than divide people.
She acknowledged criticism directed at Western countries over attempts to promote values considered unacceptable in some societies, stressing that such approaches are not the objective of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Rome said cultural and religious diversity should be respected while ensuring that everyone enjoys fundamental rights, including the freedom to practise their beliefs and uphold their societal values.
She also commended the Egyptian Family House initiative, describing it as a model of genuine fraternity based on equality, freedom, and mutual understanding that helps counter stereotypes and misconceptions between communities.
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