The Grand Imam Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Sheikh Al-Azhar met with a delegation from the Group of the European People’s Party in the European Union.

The Grand Imam talked of the historic relations between Muslims and Christians since the beginning of Islam where Al-Habasha (Ethiopia) was the first safe haven that protected weak immigrant Muslims coming from Mecca; as no one is ever treated unjustly at Al-Najashi, the Christian King of Al-Habasha. The noble Prophet (pbuh) emphasized this relationship as he (pbuh) welcomed a Christian delegation from Najran at the noble Mosque, and allowed them to perform their prayers therein.

His eminence added that the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Egypt is an example of coexistence among the citizens of the one nation. His eminence pointed out that the Home of the Egyptian Family represents a unique Egyptian model that unites scholars and priests under its umbrella, who spread the spirit of fraternity and peace among all Egyptians.

The Grand Imam emphasized that Al-Azhar has strong ties with Christian institutions around the world such as the church of Canterbury, the Vatican, and the World Council of Churches, as Al-Azhar holds conferences and dialogues with these parties, emphasizing that dialogue and communication among religious leaders is the only way to establish peace around the world.

On their part, the members of the Group of the European People’s Party commended the speech given by his eminence the Grand Imam in which he called for peace, coexistence and denouncing extremist thoughts that fuel violence around the world. The group members also commended the programs provided by Al-Azhar to train imams and preachers in Europe, to be able to treat current issues such as integrating Muslims in their western communities and countering extremist thought.