Sheikh of al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb underscored on Sunday the depth of relations between the al-Azhar Institution and Saudi Arabia.
Meeting with Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh in Cairo, he hailed the Kingdom’s role in Dawah and support of Arab and Islamic causes under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He expressed his appreciation for the role played by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in serving Muslims.
Moreover, al-Tayeb said the progress of Islamic societies is tied to the empowerment of women by granting them the rights stipulated in Islam.
Al-Azhar has prioritized women’s causes and this has effectively allowed women to assume leading positions and highlight their constructive role in society, he added.
He urged the need to reconsider some fatwas that have been issued against women when Sharia law was adopted in rule. He said such religious edicts had wronged women because of the erroneous application of the law.
For his part, Al Alsheikh praised the great role played by al-Azhar and al-Tayeb in serving Islam and Arab and humanitarian causes, saying he was looking forward to more cooperation in scholarly and religious affairs.
He made his remarks at the 35th Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Conference in Cairo. The meeting focused on “women and building awareness” and was sponsored by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Al Alsheikh stressed that Saudi Arabia has a “integrated strategy aimed at empowering women.” There are currently six female ambassadors representing Saudi Arabia abroad. He also noted that the Kingdom boasts several female ministers, lawmakers and university directors.
“This is in implementation of the Kingdom’s vision to rid itself of habits that have violated the rights of women,” he declared.
A reading of Sharia texts will reveal how women must be treated fairly, he added, while noting that any violations against them that have been attributed to Sharia were in fact wrong societal norms and traditions.
“Women are an important partner in spreading moderate views and a main element in confronting extremist ideologies that are promoted by warmongers,” Al Alsheikh said.
In remarks to Egypt’s state news agency MENA, he stressed that Saudi Arabia and Egypt protect Arab and Islamic security and peace.
He underlined the “unique and strong relations between their nations that have withstood tensions that have affected other countries.”
