Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayyeb stressed on Sunday 16/3/2014 that Al-Azhar will not be lenient in fighting terrorism and extremism and their supporters.
"Al-Azhar is innocent of thoughts of terrorist and extremist groups," Tayyeb said in an interview with "Sky News Arabiya" channel.
He highlighted the role played by Al-Azhar as the only term of reference in relation to Islamic affairs.
Tayyeb pointed out that Al-Azhar as a religious institution is meant to maintain the moderate thoughts and tolerant teachings of Islam.
"There is no religious State in Islam," he noted. He called on the West to avoid exploiting religion in politics.
He also urged Muslims worldwide to close their ranks and adopt a unified stance and maintain the unity of their people and their land.
