Hawzah News Agency- Ayatollah Hafiz Riyad Hussain Najafi, head of the Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Shia Pakistan, criticized Al-Azhar's recent statement while reaffirming the right of Iran to defend itself against Zionist-American aggression.
'Criticism of Iran's defense is regrettable'
The full text of the statement is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
*"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not the transgressors" (Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190) *
The statement said that criticism of Iran's defense against Zionist-American aggression is "regrettable," especially at a time when the Muslim ummah expects this historic religious institution to issue a clear and strong defense of the truth.
Al-Azhar's historic role
The statement noted that Al-Azhar University has always been a center for promoting moderate Islamic thought and supporting the causes of the ummah, with its scholars playing a key role throughout history. Al-Azhar was established in 972 CE and its name is attributed to Hazrat Fatima Al-Zahra (peace be upon her). The institution, it said, has been not only a scientific center but also a fortress for Islamic identity and defense.
The statement also referred to Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltut, who in 1946 established Dar al-Taqrib (The House of Proximity) for the rapprochement of Islamic schools of thought, and in 1959 recognized Jafari jurisprudence as an authentic Islamic school.
Key points from the Pakistani seminaries
The statement raised several critical points:
- The Holy Quran commands believers to maintain guardianship and unity with one another and forbids friendship with the enemies of Islam.
- Iran's response to Zionist aggression is defensive, not aggressive.
- Al-Azhar's statement failed to mention the killing of innocents in Iran or the ongoing acts of aggression, and regrettably condemned only Iran's defensive actions.
- The attacks against Iran are primarily due to Iran's support for the Palestinian cause. Iran's resistance stance is not merely political but a religious and faith-based duty.
'Why target the defender instead of the aggressor?'
The statement questioned why a major religious institution would target the defender rather than the aggressor, saying such a position contradicts Al-Azhar's own illustrious historical record.
Call for Al-Azhar to fulfill its role
Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Shia Pakistan called on Al-Azhar University to fulfill its religious and historical role regarding issues of the ummah – particularly the forced war against Iran – free from any political pressure, strengthen the unity of the ummah, and play a strategic role in ending sectarian division.
The statement concluded with a verse from the Holy Quran:
*"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not the transgressors" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190) *
And a prayer that God guide the Muslim ummah on the path of truth and grant it unity and cohesion:
"I wish only to put things right as far as I can. My success comes only from God. In Him I trust and to Him I turn" (Surah Hud, 11:88)
Peace be upon those who follow right guidance.
Signed:
Hafiz Syed Riyad Hussain Al-Najafi
Head, Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Shia Pakistan
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