His eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb paid a visit this Wednesday to the Egyptian Coptic Cathedral in Cairo's Abbassiya to congratulate Pope Tawadros II and all fellow Christians on the Easter. The Grand Imam and the accompanying delegation were received by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark and senior clergymen.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar said, “Our visit to the Coptic Cathedral today to congratulate Pope Tawadros and our fellow Christians on the Easter stresses that the Egyptian people are like firm fabric which cannot be destroyed, pointing out that the special relationship between Al-Azhar al-Sharif and the Church is based on courtesy and mutual respect. This serves as a strong shield against all turmoil that aims to destabilize the country.” The Grand Imam invoked Allah, the Almighty, to preserve the unity, security of the Egyptians and the stability of Egypt.
On his Part, Pope Tawadros II pointed out that the Grand Imam’s visit to the Cathedral today for congratulating Copts deepens the spirit of love and affection amongst the Egyptian people, indicating that the good relationship between Al-Azhar and the Church is considered a role model for co-existence among Egyptians. “This comes as a result of sincere efforts exerted at both sides,” Pope says. Tawadros II, as well, expressed his hopes that Egypt will be ever protected by the will of its people and their unity which always appear at times of distress and turmoil.
The delegation of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif headed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar included Prof. Dr. Abbas Shuman, wakil of Al-Azhar; Prof. Dr. Shawqy Allam, the Grand Mufti of Egypt; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar Gomaa, Minister of Awqaf; Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq, former minister of Awqaf; Prof. Dr. Ibrahim al-Hudhud, President of Al-Azhar University; Prof. Dr. Mohiy al-Din Afify, secretary- general of Islamic Research Academy; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abu Zayd Al-Amir, Chairman of Al-Azhar Institutes Sector; Mr. Muhammad Abd al-Salam, the Grand Imam’s advisor for legal affairs; Ambassador Mahmoud Abd al-Gawwad, Protocol expert at Mashyakhat Al-Azhar, and ambassador Abd al-Rahman Musa, chairman of the department of international students Affairs at Mashyakhat Al-Azhar.