Al-Azhar Sheikh: Human Fraternity Document message of peace to entire humanity

CAIRO – 4 February 2021: Egypt’s Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb said on Thursday that the interfaith Document on Human Fraternity signed in 2019 represents a message of peace to the mankind.

Tayyeb remarks came as he met virtually with Pope Francis to enhance a message of fraternity, on the UN-designated anniversary of the document on February 4.

“Our celebration today of the Document on Human Fraternity is a celebration of a historic international event that was born two years ago, to herald the beginning of a message of peace carried by the world’s wise people to the entire humanity.”

He added that this celebration is a message that “calls for brotherhood, tolerance, halting wars, spreading tolerance and love, renouncing intolerance, hate and the policies of power and arrogance.”

The sheikh hailed Pope Francis as “brave friend” and “esteemed brother” calling on everybody to join the interfaith document.

“Allow me in the beginning to extend a greeting mixed with respect and appreciation to my esteemed brother Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, and the permanent brave friend on the path of brotherhood and peace”.

“I call on everyone, with an open heart and a hand extended with love and peace, to join the Document on Human Fraternity and to align behind the principles of brotherhood, freedom, equality and justice among people it holds”.

Tayyeb considered the United Nation General Assembly’s unanimous adoption of February 4 every year as an international day for fraternity “an international support to the faithful efforts seeking to spread the culture of coexistence and brotherhood and combat discrimination, racism and hate”.

“It is a victory for the dignity of the human whatever their religion, gender, skin color, and position”.

Tayyeb vowed to continue to cooperate with concerned parties to reinforce the message of fraternity.

“I am committed, God willing, for the rest of my life in this world, to continue the work with my brother Pope Francis, with my brothers, the scholars and symbols of the religions and with all lovers of good and peace”.

Pope’s speech

Speaking during the virtual event from The Vatican, Pope Francis thanked Tayyeb for “the companionship during this journey of reflection and the writing of the Document”.

“I know it wasn’t an easy task but together we helped each other, consolidating in true fraternity.”

“Today, fraternity is the new frontier of humanity. Either we are brothers or we destroy ourselves. It is the challenge of our century; the challenge of our time. Human Fraternity means respect, to listen with an open heart, and to have strength in our principles.

“Born from the same father, with different cultures and traditions, we are all still brothers; and respecting our different cultures and traditions, our different citizenships, we must build this fraternity not negotiate it. It is time to listen and for sincere acceptance.”