Grand Imam of the Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb met on Tuesday evening with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair during his visit to London.
The meeting was held in the presence of Egyptian Minister of Migration Nabila Makram and the Charge d’Affaires of the Egyptian embassy in London, Nermin Al-Zawahiri.
Al-Tayeb discussed with the former British prime minister how the Holy Quran stresses on the principles of justice, equality, acquaintance of peoples, love, good conduct, and non-coercion in religion, as well as reviewing Al-Azhar’s efforts to fight against extremism and terrorism.
He also stressed that the consolidation of the Islamic religion to the principle of “humans are either our brothers in religion or equal to us in humanity.”
Meanwhile, Blair, who is also the head of Tony Blair Foundation for Global Change, expressed his support for Egypt, which he believes is moving in the right direction, especially when it comes to the war against terrorism.
He also praised the status of Al-Azhar, as it is the oldest and most important religious authority in the Islamic world.
Blair further expressed his aspiration to continue and enhance the prospects of cooperation between his foundation and Al-Azhar against extremist thoughts.
At the end of the meeting, Blair reiterated his deep appreciation for the role and position of Al-Azhar, and expressed his hope to meet again with Al-Tayeb as soon as possible.
The Grand Imam arrived in Britain on Thursday to participate in the Youth Forum for Peacemakers, which is organised by Al-Azhar, in cooperation with the Council of Muslim Scholars and the British Canterbury Archdiocese.
