Egypt’s Al-Azhar highlighted the large role played by Saudi Arabia in defending Islam and the comments came in the context of King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s visit to Egypt. The Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Dr Abbas Schumann told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia “is participating in the war on terrorism and is defending Islam with force and sincerity”. He added that Saudi Arabia also “strongly supports Al-Azhar’s efforts in view of the fact that it is a beacon of moderation in the Islamic world that aims to spread moderate Islam and its liberality”. Schumann also confirmed that “Al-Azhar supports all efforts made by Saudi Arabia to fight terrorism and extremism in the world”, and that “terrorism has no basis in divine laws”.

Schumann, who is the Secretary General of the Council of Senior Scholars in Egypt, also said that “Egypt and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of efforts to protect the Muslim community and its youth intellectually and doctrinally, and the efforts of Al-Azhar scholars in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are important and vital to countering any idea that tries to undermine the relationship between the two countries”.

The Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Shawki Allam said “the historic visit made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz to Egypt will achieve greater cooperation and full coordination between the two brotherly countries in order to confront the dangers and challenges facing the Arab region”.

Dr Allam added that the historic meeting between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and King Salman will enhance stability and security in the region, and praised the historic and strong positions of the kingdom throughout history and its support of Egypt, especially in times of adversity and hardship.