Pope Tawadros received on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 a delegation of al-Azhar who went to extend Christmas greetings.
The Azhar delegation was led by Grand Imām, Ahmad al-Tayyīb and included Egypt's Muftī, ‘Alī Jum’ah; the Azhar Secretary, ꞌAbd al-Tawwāb Qutb; member of the Islamic Research Academy, Dr. Hamdī Zaqzūq; Dr. Al-Tayyib’s diplomatic advisor, Councilor Mahmud ̀Abd al-Jawwád; as well as his advisor on interfaith dialogue, Mahmūd ꞌAzab, and General Secretary of Islamic Research Academy, ‘Alī ꞌAbd al-Bāqī.
The delegates wished all Egyptian Christians a merry Christmas.
Pope Tawadros and al-Tayyīb held on-camera talks that focused on the situation in Egypt, sources at the Church said. They also discussed efforts to promote the Muslim and Christian values of mercy and love.
In statements after the meeting, al-Tayyīb said the Azhar is working to launch its own channel to promote moderate teachings and tolerance of Islam.
“There has never been such a thing as a civil or sectarian strife in Egypt, which has always been and will continue to be a safe haven,” the Grand Shaykh stressed, commenting that the Prophetic sunnah cites that “Egypt is Allah’s Land of the Quiver, and whoever wants to split her (Egypt). will be scattered by Allah” (Ranīyā Nabīl, al-Sabāh, Jan. 5, p. 5). Read original text in Arabic.
