Brazilian President Michel Temer on Friday praised Al-Azhar for using the concept of “citizenship” as an alternative term to "minority" and "majority", at the conference it held entitled “Freedom and Citizenship.”
Temer stressed that “his country pursues this thought and there is no distinction among citizens."
He went on to express that Al-Azhar understanding and promoting citizenship-oriented values plays an important role in supporting humanitarian cooperation and coexistence.
In March 2017, Al-Azhar held an international conference in Cairo entitled “Freedom and Citizenship ... Diversity and Integration” under the auspices of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Delegations from over 50 countries participated.
During his opening speech at the conference, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and former president of Al-Azhar University Ahmed el-Tayeb called for promoting “citizenship” over notions focused on identity politics.
Tayeb reiterated that Islamic jurisprudence supports concepts of citizenship.
Observers say empowering citizenship values curbs the growth of radical fundamentalism based on monotheism and anti-diversity sentiment.
Al-Azhar backing of citizenship, freedoms, pluralism and acceptance principles contributes to the elimination of terrorism.
On the occasion of his visit to Egypt, the Brazilian President met with Al-Azhar Deputy Sheikh Abbas Shoman, where they discussed ways of boosting cooperation and future communication between Al-Azhar and Brazilian institutions.
Shoman explained to Temer that Al-Azhar believes in the freedoms of belief and Islam’s rejection of violence, extremism and terrorism. He added that the Islamic body promotes peaceful coexistence among followers of all religions and cultures under the banner of pluralism, citizenship and mutual respect.
Al-Azhar strives to consolidate these values through many conferences, Shoman told Temer.
The meeting also dealt with a comprehensive vision for the role of Al-Azhar in underpinning the importance of human communication among people and in supporting countries and institutions working to achieve values of coexistence.
