Background:
An interview with Shaykh Muḥammad Sayyid Ṭanṭāwī tackling how Islam responds to some controversial issues such as terrorism, freedom of belief and Muslims living in non-Muslim countries. The questions are asked in English then translated into Arabic. The responses of Shaykh Ṭanṭāwī are in Arabic.
To listen to the rest of the interview please refer to tape: Grand Imam of the Azhar, Shaykh Muḥammad Sayyid Ṭanṭāwī, on freedom of belief and Muslims in non-Muslim countries.
Side A:
Shaykh Muḥammad Sayyid Ṭanṭāwī believes that terrorism exists since the beginning of time. It is everywhere. In Egypt, all institutions work towards eliminating extremism and confirming that such acts are not related to Islam. When asked about his views regarding groups who fight colonialism such as Ḥamās, especially, that some scholars considered those who die fight for their land are considered martyrs, Ṭanṭāwī responded that it is the right of every person to defend himself/herself, his/her land and his/her dignity with all possible means that God permitted. Ṭanṭāwī supports those who use these permitted tools. Then, he explains that anyoneblowing himself up in the battlefield is considered a martyr.However, he neither supports nor disapproves of those who blew themselves up killing civilians who do not pose any clear threat to the Muslim community. He added that only God knows their position.
Ṭanṭāwī refused Naṣr Ḥāmīd Abū Zayd’s suggestion of talking together in public. He mentioned that if issues are under the consultation of courts, then, they should not be discussed in public. He mentioned that he is Egyptian and no one will deprive him of coming back to Egypt since he was then in Holland, and he added that he should defend himself in front of the court.
Then, they moved to discuss the freedom of belief and Islam’s stance of non-Muslims especially Bahāʾīs and atheists. Ṭanṭāwī mentioned that Islam does not oblige anyone to follow a certain belief or religion. He used Qur’anic verse 2:256 as evidence. This verse says explicitly that there is no compulsion in religion. However, if someone attacks other’s beliefs then a discussion should be held between them to clarify the points of misunderstanding. If the attacker persists on his views, then judicial courts should take responsibility as per the laws and regulations. It is accepted for someone to announce publicly his/her beliefs as long as they do not attack Islam. Ṭanṭāwī believes that Salmān Rushdī’s attack on Islam is unacceptable. He stressed that the Azhar is welcoming any dialogue, not only with Muslims and Jews but with everyone on this planet regardless of their nationality or religion.
Another controversial issue that was tackled in the interview was the of kidnapping Christians and forcing them to become Muslims against their will. Also, Christians who were forced to pay ītāwa or protection money for Muslim organizations as in Malawī, Abū Qurqāṣ and in different parts of upper Egypt. Ṭanṭāwī responded that the Azhar is completely against such acts and it is against forcing anyone to change their beliefs. It is completely unacceptable for Christians to be forced to pay money for any Muslims. He confirmed the citizenry rights of all Egyptians. As for the solution, Ṭanṭāwī suggested to report to him directly such incidents then he will take the required procedures in cooperation with the government institutions.
Side B:
Regarding Muslims living abroad, Ṭanṭāwī said that they should not be isolated and should live in cohesion with the society. Muslims should teach their children the Islamic doctrine. They should go to different schools and accept what is compatible with Islam and abandon what is not. These countries, that Muslims, are living in should allow them to freely practice their religion.
Ṭanṭāwī differentiated between three types of non-Muslims. First, those who are living abroad in non- Muslim countries and attack Muslims by committing crimes against them. He believes that it is the right of Muslims, in this case, to defend themselves. Secondly, non-Muslims who are living abroad in peace without attacking Muslims. Muslims should cooperate with them. Third and last, non-Muslims living with Muslims in a Muslim majority country. Ṭanṭāwī mentioned that they are as equal to the government as Muslims.
