Malaysia, Egypt discuss combating terrorism

CAIRO - 4 July 2024: King Ibrahim Bin Al-Sultan Alexander of Malaysia welcomed His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the royal palace in Kuala Lumpur this Thursday. They discussed ways for Malaysia to benefit from Al-Azhar's expertise in combating extremism.

King Ibrahim expressed his deep appreciation for His Eminence's global efforts in promoting dialogue and coexistence, noting his decision to cut short his tour in Johor State to welcome and engage with the Grand Imam on enhancing collaboration with the esteemed Al-Azhar institution.

The King highlighted Malaysians' trust in Al-Azhar and their strong attachment to it, citing families' eagerness to send their children for Islamic studies at Al-Azhar. He mentioned having 700 students from Johor State currently benefiting from Al-Azhar's education, noting significant positive impacts on their thinking, behavior, and societal influence compared to peers educated elsewhere.

King Ibrahim requested Al-Azhar to increase the number of scholars sent to various Malaysian states and expand educational opportunities for Malaysian youth to join Al-Azhar University. He emphasized leveraging Al-Azhar's vast experience in combating extremism through a proposed conference in Malaysia, involving Al-Azhar scholars to articulate proper Islamic approaches to contemporary issues such as coexistence, tolerance, and combating hatred.

Grand Imam Al-Tayeb congratulated King Ibrahim on his ascension to the throne of Malaysia, expressing hopes for continued prosperity and progress under his leadership. He noted the significance of his first visit to Malaysia since assuming the position of Grand Imam, acknowledging Malaysia as a model Muslim state capable of sustainable development and pride in Al-Azhar's historical ties with the country.

Grand Imam Al-Tayeb highlighted Al-Azhar's and the Muslim Council of Elders' pioneering efforts in promoting dialogue, enhancing culture of coexistence, brotherhood, and positive integration. He underscored significant initiatives such as the Human Fraternity Document signed with His Holiness Pope Francis in 2019, revitalizing relations between Al-Azhar and the Vatican, and the Egyptian Family House project fostering genuine societal integration among all segments of Egyptian society.

Al-Azhar, in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, attaches great importance to uniting the Islamic nation and reinforcing intra-Islamic dialogue. They also aim to activate the roles of religious leaders and symbols in addressing contemporary human challenges like climate change, poverty, and development issues.