During his speech at the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar said, “Signing the Human Fraternity Document (HFD) is a historic global event which sends a message of peace to humanity”.
- The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar calls for joining up with the HFD and lining up behind its principles.
- The declaration of February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity is a victory for human dignity.
- February 4 occasion is a warning and an alarm bell awakening the world to consolidate the principles of human fraternity.
- The Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity (ZPHF) is a global initiative to achieve the goals of the HFD.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Aḥmad Aṭ-Ṭayyeb said, “The HFD celebration today represents a “historic global event”, born two years ago, to herald the launch of a message of peace. Wise people of the world convey such a message to all humanity to call for brotherhood, cooperation, ceasing wars, promoting tolerance and harmony, renouncing intolerance, hatred, power policies and arrogance.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar has greeted Pope Francis, the Pope of the Catholic Church, describing him as a virtuous brother and permanent friend who is courageous on the path of brotherhood and peace. He has also thanked the Pope for his general message, “We are all brothers” which represented a milestone on the path of brotherhood and peace. His Eminence has also called on everyone to join up with the HFD, with an open heart and a hand outstretched with affection and peace, and to line up behind its principles of brotherhood, freedom, equality and justice among people, and all the great universal values and morals contained in this document.
The Grand Imam has affirmed that the UN General Assembly, with the unanimous consent of its members, has adopted the declaration of February 4 as an annual “International Day of Human Fraternity”. Such adoption is a global support for all the sincere efforts seeking to promote the culture of coexistence and brotherhood, and to combat discrimination, racism and hatred. It is a victory for the dignity of the human being, no matter what his religion, gender, color or location maybe.
His Eminence has expressed his hope that February 4 would be an annual warning and an alarm bell awakening the world and alerting its leaders to draw their attention to the necessity of consolidating the principles of human brotherhood. He also added that realizing this document and its application to the reality of people requires a sincere will, a solid determination and a firm belief that all people are brothers and sisters. They have the right to live in peace and security. The difference and diversity among people are due to Allah’s wisdom in his creation and his servants.
The Grand Imam has added, “In my remaining life in this world, I am committed to continue working with my brother Pope Francis, and with my brothers the scholars and symbols of religions, and indeed with all those who love goodness and peace, to make the principles and goals of HFD a tangible reality in which old and young people live all over the world, God willing.”
Al-Azhar Grand Imam has also expressed his deep appreciation to the honorable brother, Sheikh Muḥammad Bin Zāyed, who continues his father’s benevolent journey, for his sponsorship of this document, and his sincere support of the initiatives to consolidate, and promote it all over the world. He has pointed out that the ZPHF comes as a global initiative in order to achieve the goals of the HFD. The prize bears the name of this Arab leader who did not only establish a modern state, but also built a distinct approach for coexistence, and a model for pluralism and tolerance.
In the conclusion of his speech, the Grand Imam has praised the efforts made and the work done by the members of the Supreme Committee for Human Fraternity (SCHF), for which they worked day and night in implementing the goals of this noble document. For its sake, they have launched many initiatives that cross the barriers of differences and borders, despite what the world is facing with Covid-19 pandemic with its complications. His Eminence has called for the continuation of these good efforts with all the partners to achieve this noble goal. He thanked everyone supporting the work of the committee and facilitating the mission of its members for the sake humanity and its welfare.