Al-Azhar Grand Imam condemns a terrorist attack on a church in Helwan and calls the Muslims to share celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, peace be upon him, with their Coptic fellow citizens

     His Eminence, Prof.  Dr. Ahmad At-Tayyib, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the terrorist attack that targeted Mar Mina Church in Helwan at noon today (Friday, Dec. 29).  The attack caused a number of casualties and injuries, including policemen and fellow Coptic individuals. The Grand Imam also stresses that the purpose of repeating such heinous extremist attacks, that target our fellow Coptic citizens during their holidays, has become shamefully evident. They target the unity of this nation, rather than the followers of some ‘other’ religion. For this reason, the most effective response is to sabotage their goals by holding to the spirit of love and friendliness that connect the Muslims and the Christians.

     The Grand Imam also calls all the Egyptians to confront this evil scheme and seize the opportunity of these blessed days to demonstrate and affirm unity and love via Muslims’ participation in celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Jesus the Messiah, peace be upon him. Moreover, his Eminence the Grand Imam extends his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, invoking Allah Almighty to confer solace upon them and to grant speed recovery to the injured.