Al-Azhar strongly condemned an Israeli official's call to build a Jewish synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, labeling the remarks as extremist and disrespectful of other religions and international laws.
The institution emphasized that such statements promote violence and lawlessness and called on Islamic countries to take decisive action against these provocations.
Al-Azhar urged the international community to work together to prevent further escalation of tensions and violence in the region.
Cairo, August 27, 2024 — Al-Azhar, one of the most prestigious centers of Islamic learning in the world, has issued a forceful condemnation of recent statements made by an Israeli official advocating for the construction of a Jewish synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. In a strongly worded statement, Al-Azhar denounced the remarks as "extremist" and warned that such incendiary rhetoric emanates from an ideology that shows blatant disregard for the beliefs of others, international norms, and established agreements.
Al-Azhar's statement emphasized that these provocative remarks reflect a mindset that respects only violence, lawlessness, and injustice. It highlighted the grave dangers posed by such ideologies, which threaten not just the sanctity of religious sites but also the fragile peace and stability in the region.
The institution called upon the governments of Islamic countries to respond with strong and decisive actions against these irresponsible and repeated provocations. Al-Azhar urged these governments to take steps to hold accountable not only this official but all extremist figures who regularly incite violence and terrorism against innocent Palestinians. The statement concluded with a plea to the international community to work together to put an end to these dangerous statements and actions, which only serve to escalate tensions and provoke further conflict.
Al-Azhar's condemnation reflects a broader concern over the increasing frequency of such provocative statements and actions, which many fear could lead to a new wave of violence and unrest in the region. As tensions continue to rise, the call for responsible leadership and respect for international laws and agreements becomes ever more urgent.