Cairo: His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has emphasized the need to combat systematic campaigns that distort the image of Islam by falsely linking it with violence. These campaigns, he noted, have been a significant contributor to the rise of Islamophobia, which stems from a lack of understanding of Islam's peaceful and tolerant teachings.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Tayeb addressed ministers of endowments, muftis, heads of supreme Islamic councils, and representatives of Islamic organisations at the Dar Al Ifta conference titled 'The Making of the Competent Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.' He acknowledged that many Western thinkers who have objectively studied Islam have portrayed its true nature in their writings. This, he explained, places added responsibility on Islamic institutions in Western countries to debunk false narratives surrounding the religion. Al Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are prepared to support Islamic centers in the West as part of their global mission and dedication to Muslim unity.
Dr. Al Tayeb also highlighted, via the council's website, the religious and moral obligations of religious and educational institutions in the Arab and Islamic world to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause and the history of Jerusalem. He called for an educational strategy across Islamic countries to instil historical awareness among youth, particularly concerning Palestine, and to enhance their pride in their Arab and Islamic identity.