Wahhabi extremist thoughts have endangered the solidarity in Egypt and world of Islam.
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Sheikh Ahmed Karima, professor of Al Azhar University in an interview with Badil News Agency denounced Wahhabism for threatening solidarity among Egyptians and Muslim world counting unity of Shia and Sunni amongst his greatest dreams.
Q: Why did you start a plan for proximity of Islamic denominations?
A: That was due to the wars in the region. At present we are witness to destruction in some countries only due to political clashes among governments which do not find Islam as a religion of humanity and coexistence in spite of all difference among different religious schools of thought.
Unfortunately such divisions are prone to plague Egypt too because Wahhabi groups are sparing no effort in dispersing Muslims and Christians and excommunicate Shia Muslims.
Q: How do Salafi groups spread their ideology in society?
A: That is done through dominating mosques and pulpits. Awqaf (endowment) bureau has not taken any measure to distance Salafi groups from mosques and they are facilitated with mighty media to send their poisonous messages. The government should take measures on that because it is easy to spark a fire but to put it off is another story.
Q: What is your next move for proximity of denominations?
A: We have launched al Akha institute with the aim of boosting solidarity among Shia and Sunni and also to bring the people home that Christians share the land with us. We will soon launch groups of religious activists in all cities in a bid to introduce Islamic mercy to the people. We are planning to publish a book on the topic and also hold a conference to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Q: Who is doing the financial support for your institute?
A: We are not receiving any support from foreign countries in an attempt to prevent rumors. We are rather dependent upon domestic assets and have invited the people to back us. Here I demand all loyal to our land to come forth and repel intrigues against the Islamic community.
Q: Is Al Azhar supporting you?
A: Yes, wholeheartedly. I have sent a letter to Ahmad al tayyeb to demand his view on launching al Akha institute and he warmly welcome the idea because he rejects excommunication and slams Wahhabi activities in this land.
Q: How do you find the role of Al Azhar in proximity of different denominations?
A: Unfortunately it is not playing an influential role since its only stance is that it is not excommunicating Shia Islam and that it is teaching Ash’arism though we expect them to take measures in line with repelling the threat of Wahhabi ideology in Egypt and across the world of Islam. Al Azhar has a lot to do in line with proximity of denominations.
Q: Can Al Azhar teachings train some modern scholars for the Islamic community?
A: I am afraid no it can’t and the reason is that Al Azhar has turned empty of true contents. Al Azhar faculties are teaching merely worldly sciences and that has reduced the capabilities of the academic center.
A solution for that is to teach only religious courses to confront Wahhabi ideology and its propagandists who have already filled the battle ground.
We are witness to some channels whose propaganda has led to nothing but division of the people. The majority of these activists is not educated in Al Azhar and preaches what they know nothing of. They ban what God Almighty has allowed and some of them desecrate Muslims and Islamic sanctities in other regions. Such people cause spread of Islamophobia in the world.
Q: Do you have plans to launch a channel for proximity of denominations?
A: Yes and I pray for realization of that as my dream so that I can see Shia, Sunni and Ibadi scholars next to each other in a channel.
