Al Azhar’s support to Islamic, Arab issues hailed

Al Azhar’s support to Islamic, Arab issues hailed (Wam) / 29 April 2013 General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces met the Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar Al Sharif, Dr Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayyeb, who is currently on a visit to the UAE. General Shaikh Mohammed congratulated Dr Sheikh Al Tayyeb for being named the Cultural Personality of the Year in the seventh edition of the Shaikh Zayed Book Award. At the meeting, held at Emirates Palace, Gen Shaikh Mohammed hailed the intellectual and cultural role of Al Azhar Al Sharif and its support to the Islamic and Arab issues. These positions, he noted, stem from the prestigious status attained by the institution centuries ago as a scientific and religious beacon. General Shaikh Mohammed commended the outspoken and clearly-stated positions taken by Al Azhar to firmly counter all attacks on the essence and the creed of Islam. He also hailed the institution’s role in preserving the ideological fabric of Islam, which is rich in diversity of visions and thoughts that comply with the foundations of Shariah and the spirit of Islam. General Shaikh Mohammed emphasised the UAE’s interest in bolstering its cooperation with, and support to Al Azhar Al Sharif in the service to Islam and Muslims in scientific, religious, educational and other spheres. General Shaikh Mohammed and the Grand Imam discussed issues facing the Muslim World and emphasised the need for coordination among all parties concerned in the Arab region and Muslim World in order to achieve solidarity and face challenges. The Grand Imam praised the wise leadership of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his role in backing the causes of Islam and Muslims in continuation of the approach adopted by the late founding father, Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He also hailed the UAE’s humanitarian and charitable aid that had given the UAE a good international reputation. He also praised the UAE’s support for religious and scientific institutions involved in spreading the culture and teachings of Islam. Taylor Scott International