Al-Azhar calls India to respect the values of citizenship and inclusivism to all citizens.

     Al-Azhar Al-Sharif expresses its deep concern about the violent incidents in India due to the new citizenship law. The law stipulates granting Indian citizenship to the immigrants from three countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, provided that they be non-Muslim who moved into India before the year 2015. Further, Al Azhar expressed deep concern over the recent escalating violence in India, including attacks on mosques and other places of worship, which left 40 people dead.

     Al-Azhar recalls its statement issued on Tuesday 19 December 2019, warning against the consequences of excluding Muslims from the new Indian citizenship law, unlike the case with the followers of other religions.  It also expressed surprise as this form of religious discrimination is alien to the Indian country, which was an example of religious pluralism and acceptance.

     Al-Azhar called again for respecting the values of citizenship, including all citizens and avoiding any form of religious discrimination. Al-Azhar expressed its confidence that adequate solutions can be reached as long as the principles of dialogue and coexistence are upheld. Al-Azhar pointed out that the Muslims in India are the second largest community of Muslims globally, noting that they have played a fundamental role in India’s development in the different fields throughout the ages.

     Al-Azhar also extends sincere condolence to the families of the victims and wishes the injured speed recovery. Al-Azhar finally expresses its hope that peace and good will prevail among all people, regardless of their beliefs.