Latest news with #Al-AzharObservatory
Al-Ahram Weekly
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Al-Aqsa Mosque unalienable right of Muslim Ummah, not subject to historical revision or force: Al-Azhar Observatory - Foreign Affairs
Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem is a divinely blessed Islamic site whose status is not subject to historical distortion or military force, the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism affirmed on Tuesday. The statement was made in response to recent claims by Israeli Rabbi Menachem Brod, as published in an article on the Hebrew-language site Haredim 1, where he sought to promote the concept of constructing the so-called 'Third Temple' in the Jewish collective consciousness. According to the observatory, Brod's article argues that the denial of Jewish ties to the Temple Mount — where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located — by what he calls the "enemies of the Jews" is a 'heavenly sign' urging Jews to renew their spiritual connection to the site. Brod further alleged that early Islam acknowledged the existence of Solomon's Temple beneath the Dome of the Rock, but claimed that contemporary Muslims have rewritten history to erase this acknowledgement. He called on Jews to deepen their spiritual and intellectual relationship with the Temple Mount — even without physically visiting it — by studying its history and teaching future generations about its significance. The article also invoked the phrase 'The Temple Mount is in our hands,' first declared during the 1967 war, describing it as a symbol of Jewish spiritual restoration. Brod claimed that a Third Temple will eventually be built by the awaited Messiah (HaMashiach) and will serve as a 'house of prayer for all nations' and a 'bridge to world peace' — suggesting, according to his religious interpretation, that Muslims will willingly relinquish the mosque upon the Messiah's arrival. In response, Al-Azhar Observatory condemned these views as part of an extremist religious discourse aimed at legitimizing occupation and asserting supremacy in the name of faith. The observatory emphasized that while Islam honours the legacy of all prophets, it firmly asserts that Al-Quds (Jerusalem) is a blessed city for all faiths — yet Al-Aqsa Mosque is a sacred Islamic endowment (waqf) and an unalienable right of the Muslim Ummah. Located in occupied East Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam, after the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The mosque compound includes the iconic Dome of the Rock, whose golden dome has become a defining symbol of both Palestinian identity and the city of Jerusalem. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven from this very site during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj). While Jews are permitted to enter the compound, they are forbidden from praying there due to concerns that such acts may inflame tensions with Muslim worshippers. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Executive Director of Al-Azhar Observatory says 'Listen and Talk' forum seeks to empower youth to confront intellectual challenges
CAIRO – 6 May 2025: Executive Director of Al-Azhar Observatory, Reham Salama, said that the 4th edition of the 'Listen and Talk' Forum, organized by Al-Azhar Observatory, seeks to empower youth with critical and practical tools to confront intellectual challenges. During her opening remarks at the forum, Salama explained that the forum's themes highlights pressing youth issues, especially amidst the current digitalized world, where opinions are increasingly polarized. She warned against the exploitation of terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda to re-recruit members, emphasizing the need for concerted global efforts to confront these online threats. The Executive Director of Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism also cited a 2023 UN report revealing that 40% of those who joined extremist groups in sub-Saharan Africa were primarily motivated by poverty, compared to only 17% for religious reasons. Al-Azhar Observatory launched, Tuesday, the 4th edition of the 'Listen and Talk' forum, attended by a number of ministers and officials. This year's edition focused on civil and volunteer work and its role in combating extremism, along with the youth's role in spreading awareness about the Palestinian cause in the age of digital media and combating the phenomenon of misinformation through enhancing community awareness. Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, Reham Abdullah confirmed that the observatory was established in 2015 under the supervision of Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, with the aim of protecting youth from extremism and terrorism.
Egypt Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Palestinian Cause is at forefront of Arab attention with unprecedented consensus, Diaa Rashwan
CAIRO – 6 May 2025: Head of the State Information Service Diaa Rashwan, said that the Palestinian cause enjoys unprecedented Arab consensus as a major and central issue. During his participation in the 'Listen and Talk' forum organized by Al-Azhar Observatory on Tuesday, he explained that the sacrifices of the people of Gaza refuted claims of abandoning their land. He noted that the Zionist aggression did not stop in Gaza recently, but extended to Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. Director of the Institute of Arab Research and Studies, Mohamed Kamal, also explained in his statements that traditional Western media has adopted the Zionist narrative since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza. He added that Some newspapers issued guidelines to their writers to support this narrative, deepening the misinformation surrounding the Palestinian cause. This bias has provoked strong reactions from young people in the United States and Europe, who demonstrated at prestigious universities in defense of human rights and in rejection of double standards. Kamal explained that youth movements reflect a growing awareness of the importance of justice, praising the role of platforms and forums such as the "Listen and Talk" forum in empowering Arab youth to confront misinformation through digital media. This aligns with Al-Azhar's commitment to promoting awareness of just causes such as the Palestinian cause. Al-Azhar Observatory launched, Tuesday, the 4th edition of the 'Listen and Talk' forum, attended by a number of ministers and officials. This year's edition focused on civil and volunteer work and its role in combating extremism, along with the youth's role in spreading awareness about the Palestinian cause in the age of digital media and combating the phenomenon of misinformation through enhancing community awareness. Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, Reham Abdullah confirmed that the observatory was established in 2015 under the supervision of Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, with the aim of protecting youth from extremism and terrorism.
Egypt Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
4th edition of 'Listen and Talk' forum sheds light on Palestinian cause, combating extremism
CAIRO – 6 May 2025: Al-Azhar Observatory launched, Tuesday, the 4th edition of the 'Listen and Talk' forum, attended by a number of ministers and officials. This year's edition focused on civil and volunteer work and its role in combating extremism, along with the youth's role in spreading awareness about the Palestinian cause in the age of digital media and combating the phenomenon of misinformation through enhancing community awareness. Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, Reham Abdullah confirmed that the observatory was established in 2015 under the supervision of Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb, with the aim of protecting youth from extremism and terrorism. In her speech at the forum, she emphasized that raising awareness of the Palestinian cause is the main theme of this year's forum. She also highlighted the role of youth in spreading awareness of the Palestinian cause, especially in the age of digital media, and how to combat the phenomenon of misinformation by raising community awareness. She noted that the forum is being held amidst growing international challenges, which calls for concerted efforts to confront extremism and enhance youth awareness of the major issues facing societies. The Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism called for continued efforts by Al-Azhar to serve youth and communities, emphasizing the need to push for change to achieve a better future. The forum's first session was attended by: Counselor Mahmoud Fawzy, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs and Political Communication, Dr. Sahar Nasr, Secretary-General of the Egyptian House of Zakat, Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development Action, Dr. Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society. The Forum's second session was attended by Diaa Rashwan, Chairman of the State Information Service, Dr. Mohamed Kamal, Director of the Institute of Arab Research and Studies, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim El-Duwairi, Deputy Director-General of the Egyptian Center for Thought and Strategic Studies. The forum is one of the most prominent initiatives launched by the Al-Azhar Observatory since 2018, with the aim of providing an interactive space that enables young people to express their views and promote constructive dialogue between generations.
