Egypt's Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: True humanity cannot be led by arms trade and economies of destruction

Egypt Today

19-06-2025

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb meets with delegation of students specializing in Middle Eastern studies from George Washington University (USA) and the AUC on June 19, 2025- press photo
CAIRO – 19 June 2025: The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb stated that humans of the 21st century are witnessing the peak of technological progress and the peak of misery at the same time for trying to eliminate religion and replacing it with materialism and abstract science
During a meeting at Al-Azhar Sheikhdom with a delegation of students specializing in Middle Eastern studies from George Washington University (USA) and the American University in Cairo, the Grand Imam stressed that "science alone cannot guarantee peace and security. It is a double-edged sword that requires a moral compass—one that only religion can provide."
The delegation was accompanied by Nathan J. Brown, professor of political science at George Washington University; and Nadine Murad Sika, professor of political science at the American University in Cairo.
The Grand Imam emphasized that 'seeking knowledge fosters awareness and builds a balanced mind capable of distinguishing truth from falsehood, good from evil." He emphasized the need to harness knowledge to serve peace and achieve security and safety in societies.
He continued that the world today has lost its mind, referring to the inhuman suffering Palestinians are subjected to.
"Today we are witnessing the most tragic conditions, where Palestinians are not allowed even a sip of water and are massacred in broad daylight without any international or UN action or prosecution of the unjust aggressors. This reflects a true crisis in the human conscience,' he said.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar pointed to the danger of the contemporary man's superficial approach to religion, emphasizing that "attempts to exclude religion from people's lives come among the reasons behind his loss of true happiness despite the tremendous scientific progress we are witnessing."
The Grand Imam criticized the negative impact of some aspects of Western civilization. "Western civilization is not all good; it disseminates some evils that threaten humanity," he said, adding that "true humanity cannot be led by the arms trade and economies of destruction, the consequences of which puts the entire world in endless distress."
The meeting also addressed terrorism, extremism, and women's rights in Islam. Sheikh El-Tayeb explained that Islam grants women a great status and clear rights. He also pointed out the danger of judging religion based on the actions of the extremists who deviate from its teachings and guidance. He stated, 'True religion will lead people to Paradise in this world before the Hereafter."
At the conclusion of the meeting, the student delegation expressed their happiness at being at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and meeting with the Grand Imam. They noted their great appreciation for his outstanding efforts in promoting a culture of peace and positive coexistence among the peoples and spreading the values ​​of human fraternity.
The delegation commended the global initiatives and humanitarian stances the Grand Imam is following, most notably the historic "Document on Human Fraternity" he signed with His Holiness Pope Francis, the former Pope of the Catholic Church. They emphasized that it represents an important moral and humanitarian reference in this era.