El-Tayeb: "I Swear Had It Not Been for Al-Azhar, the Muslims Would Have All Killed Each Other"
Monday, June 15, 2009
Al-Azhar University invited a Jewish filmmaker to the International Conference of the World Association of Al-Azhar Graduates. The conference is entitled 'Al-Azhar and the West: Dialogue Limitations'. It will take place between June 28 - 30.
However, the University did not invite the Vatican.
Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, President of the University, said in a press conference yesterday: "The University and the Association do not talk to the Vatican. Only Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi does that," noting that Pope Benedict XVI has offended Islam.
He confirmed the invitation of the Jewish filmmaker Jacob Bender, who lives in the United States and who declared solidarity with the Palestinians after the brutal Israeli attacks on Gaza. He said Bender will talk about Ibn Rushd's influence in the West.
Dr. Ahmed said Al-Azhar holds a moderate position and strives to face extremism with sound dialogue. "I swear that had it not been for Al-Azhar, the Muslims would have all killed each other out of religious intolerance and extremism," he said.
Furthermore, he criticized the theory on the clash of civilizations, saying: "The Clash of Civilizations Theory is being promoted to serve the goals of colonialism. Such clash has come to an end after Barack Obama's speech, in which he emphasized that there is no clash between the U.S. and any other nation."
He added: "I'm not a politician, but I can say that Obama presented a good opportunity that we can use well to achieve our dreams. We must act to it."
However, the University did not invite the Vatican.
Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, President of the University, said in a press conference yesterday: "The University and the Association do not talk to the Vatican. Only Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi does that," noting that Pope Benedict XVI has offended Islam.
He confirmed the invitation of the Jewish filmmaker Jacob Bender, who lives in the United States and who declared solidarity with the Palestinians after the brutal Israeli attacks on Gaza. He said Bender will talk about Ibn Rushd's influence in the West.
Dr. Ahmed said Al-Azhar holds a moderate position and strives to face extremism with sound dialogue. "I swear that had it not been for Al-Azhar, the Muslims would have all killed each other out of religious intolerance and extremism," he said.
Furthermore, he criticized the theory on the clash of civilizations, saying: "The Clash of Civilizations Theory is being promoted to serve the goals of colonialism. Such clash has come to an end after Barack Obama's speech, in which he emphasized that there is no clash between the U.S. and any other nation."
He added: "I'm not a politician, but I can say that Obama presented a good opportunity that we can use well to achieve our dreams. We must act to it."
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