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Fifteen Years of Wisdom and Renewal
By Dr. Hossam Badrawi
This year marks the 15th anniversary of my dear friend, His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, assuming the leadership of Al-Azhar. This is an occasion worth reflecting upon, to appreciate an exceptional figure who combines profound knowledge, intellectual openness, and wisdom that inspires peace and tranquility to those around him.
Friendship and Knowledge: My Relationship with Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb
Before he became the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, I had known Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb closely. He was the President of Al-Azhar University and an active member of the education committee I was responsible for. From our first meeting, I was struck by his enlightened mind, broad intellectual horizons, and flexibility in dialogue — rare qualities in a man holding a high religious position in a significant institution like Al-Azhar.
Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb is not only an Islamic jurisprudence scholar but also a philosopher, a mystic, and a well-read intellectual. He bravely addresses controversial issues with deep scientific reasoning and possesses an exceptional ability to understand and manage differences with wisdom.
Since becoming Grand Imam in March 2010, Dr. El-Tayeb has led a reform movement within Al-Azhar, striving to enhance its role as a moderate institution that promotes tolerance, coexistence, and rejection of extremism. His influence has been evident in several key areas:
- Restoring Al-Azhar’s role as an independent authority, free from political manipulation, and restructuring it to meet modern challenges.
- Promoting interfaith dialogue, clearly demonstrated in the Document on Human Fraternity, which he signed with Pope Francis. This document became a landmark step in strengthening ties between Islam and Christianity.
- Combating extremist ideologies through sound scientific arguments and solid religious foundations, making him a rational voice against fanaticism and extremism.
- Developing Al-Azhar’s educational curricula to align with modern requirements while preserving Islamic values.
Al-Azhar’s Role in Critical Moments
Following the January 2011 revolution, during a period of rising chaos, the Grand Imam gathered a group of Egyptian intellectuals from various ideological and religious backgrounds, along with prominent Al-Azhar scholars, to deliberate on Egypt’s future after the revolution. Together, they formulated a historic document outlining the guiding principles for understanding Islam’s relationship with the state during this critical period.
The document envisioned a modern constitutional democratic state based on a constitution approved by the nation. It defined the separation of powers and legal institutions, ensuring equality in rights and duties for all citizens. It emphasized that legislative authority belongs to the elected representatives of the people, in line with true Islamic concepts.
The document rejected the idea of a theocratic state, which had oppressed people in some historical periods. Instead, it supported people’s right to manage their societies and choose mechanisms that serve their interests, provided that Islamic law’s core principles remain the primary source of legislation for Muslims while allowing followers of other religions to apply their own religious laws in personal matters.
The signatories of the document also endorsed a democratic system based on free elections — a modern interpretation of the Islamic principle of shura (consultation) — ensuring political pluralism, peaceful power transitions, and accountability of leaders. The document emphasized complete transparency, the fight against corruption, and the protection of information access rights.
Furthermore, it strongly upheld basic freedoms in thought and expression while respecting human rights, women’s rights, and children’s rights. It encouraged respect for religious diversity and promoted citizenship as the foundation of responsibility within society. It rejected accusations of apostasy, treason, or manipulation of religion to incite division or hostility. The document also declared inciting sectarian strife or promoting racial discrimination a crime against the nation.
The Grand Imam emphasized the protection of Egypt’s national dignity, respect for places of worship of all Abrahamic faiths, and ensuring religious practices are carried out freely. He underscored the value of creative freedom in arts and literature, provided it aligns with cultural and spiritual values.
Dr. El-Tayeb also highlighted the importance of education and scientific research as key drivers of Egypt’s progress. He called for collective efforts to eradicate illiteracy, invest in human resources, and implement major development projects.
The Human Fraternity Document
In 2019, the world witnessed the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity between Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb and Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi. This unprecedented step in interfaith dialogue promoted:
- Global peace and shared coexistence
- Rejection of hatred and extremism in the name of religion
- Support for human rights and social justice
One of the document’s most significant statements reflects the Grand Imam’s vision:
“Religions were never, and should never be, a cause of war, conflict, or hatred. Instead, they should always promote love, fraternity, and the full concept of citizenship while rejecting terms like ‘minorities,’ which imply marginalization or diminished rights.”
I see this document as more than an agreement between two religious leaders; it’s a cultural vision reflecting a deep awareness that challenges such as extremism, violence, and division can only be addressed through unity and cooperation among all religions and cultures.
The Personality of the Grand Imam
Those who know the Grand Imam closely understand that his calm demeanor masks a strong intellect, a steadfast commitment to principles, and remarkable openness to dialogue.
In my meetings with him, I always felt at ease. He is a man who remains composed, never raising his voice except through logic and reasoning. He has an extraordinary ability to listen carefully, giving every opinion its due weight without prejudice or exclusion.
His deep faith in knowledge and thought has made him open to modern philosophy, scientific theories, and contemporary intellectual developments.
What Lies Ahead?
After 15 years as Grand Imam, there is no doubt that Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb has left an unforgettable mark on Al-Azhar’s history and the path of religious and intellectual reform in the Islamic world.
Yet, challenges persist. With the rise of hate speech, misinterpretations of religion, and ideological conflicts within Muslim communities, Al-Azhar’s role — under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb — remains crucial in promoting moderate discourse, combating extremism, and fostering peaceful coexistence.
A Final Word
In a world overwhelmed by conflicts and crises, having a figure like Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb in a religious leadership role is not just essential; it’s a beacon of hope for maintaining Islamic intellectual balance.
Some may disagree with him, but no one can deny that he is a voice of reason, wisdom, and moderation at a time when the need for tolerance and coexistence is greater than ever.
Today, after 15 years of his leadership at Al-Azhar, I offer him my sincere appreciation and respect, wishing him continued success in his ongoing mission.
I must also take this opportunity to thank Sout Al-Azhar newspaper and its editor-in-chief Ahmed El-Sawy for inviting me to write this article on this significant occasion and for their courage in publishing my articles, which often contain philosophical and critical perspectives on religion that some daily newspapers may hesitate to publish.
My heartfelt salute, respect, admiration, and affection to my friend, Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb.
