Al-Azhar Al-Sharif strongly condemns the disrespectful portrayal of Jesus (PBUH) during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Paris, which has sparked widespread global condemnation. The depiction of Jesus in such a derogatory manner, undermining his revered character and prophetic stature, is deemed barbaric and insensitive towards the sentiments of believers in religions in general, while also disregarding moral and ethical values. Al-Azhar affirms its permanent rejection to any form of indignity directed towards the Prophets of God. Prophets and Messengers are the best of God's creation, whom He, the Almighty, has chosen and elevated them over the rest of His creation to convey the message of virtue and goodness to the whole world. Al-Azhar, along with about two billion Muslims, believes that Jesus is God’s Messenger and “His word, directed to Mary and a spirit from Him” (Qur’an 4: 171). Moreover, the Qur’an extols Jesus (PBUH) as “honored in this world and the Hereafter and he will be one of those nearest to God.” [Qur’an 2: 45]
Muslims believe that the act of insulting Jesus (PBUH) or any other Prophet is dishonorable, reprehensible not only to the perpetrators but also to those who accept such actions. Al-Azhar cautions against the dangers of exploiting global events to normalize religious disrespect and propagate harmful societal trends like homosexuality and gender identity alteration. Therefore, Al-Azhar calls for the necessity of uniting against these deviant and degrading practices that seek to undermine religion while glorifying inhumane sexual desires that foster physical and moral decay, and promote a bestial lifestyle antithetical to human nature, making relentless attempts to mainstream and enforce them upon societies in all possible ways and means.