• On the fifth anniversary of the day he and Pope Francis signed the Document on Human Fraternity, he says there is a ‘dire need’ to revive its ‘high moral principles’
• Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the headquarters of which is in Cairo, is Sunni Islam’s oldest and foremost seat of learning

Gobran Mohamed

Speaking on the International Day of Human Fraternity, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, grand imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and chair of the Muslim Council of Elders, said that as the world marked the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity there was a “dire need” to revive its “high moral principles.”

He called for serious efforts to end wars and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, especially in Gaza, Sudan, and the Red Sea, and in other places around the world.

Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis signed the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, on Feb. 4, 2019. In a recorded speech to the Council of Human Fraternity on Sunday, Al-Tayeb said it was extremely regrettable that the fifth anniversary of this historical event was taking place against a backdrop of conflict and war. This places a great responsibility on everyone, he added, and requires that we all continue to work to save the lives of children and other vulnerable people.

He thanked Pope Francis, saying: “I am pleased to share with you today the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity.”

He also thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, and patron and supporter of the document.

Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the headquarters of which is in Cairo, is Sunni Islam’s oldest and foremost seat of learning.