International Day of Human Fraternity

Grand Imam pledges support for Human Fraternity efforts

By Robin Gomes

Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar has released a message on the occasion of International Day of Human Fraternity, 4 February, expressing optimism for efforts for a better world despite the pandemic and other ills.

One of the most respected and influential authorities in Islam has expressed hope that the world’s races, religions and leaders will unite in solidarity and fraternity to help create a better world, overcoming the crises created by the ongoing pandemic and by human selfishness.

Egypt’s Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar made the remark in a video message on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Human Fraternity on Friday.

The International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on 4 February in commemoration of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam on that day in 2019, in Abu Dhabi.

Quest for a better world

Describing the international day as “a commemoration of the humaneness of divine religion”, the Gran Imam says, it calls for acquaintance, understanding and reverence ‘among the followers of various religions and beliefs.

“This celebration,” he says, “means a quest for a better world where the spirit of tolerance, fraternity, solidarity, and collaboration prevails.” “It also indicates a hope for providing effective tools to face the crises and challenges of contemporary humanity, especially distress of the orphans, the poor, the displaced, and the afflicted; those who suffer from both hard life and the hard hearts of wealthy people wielding riches, authority, and leverage.”

The Gran Imam laments that “such vulnerable people have fallen victims to modern materialism in all its concomitant excessive selfishness, cherishing of lusts and desires, and idolization of humans and their individualist inclinations”.

Read  more at Vatican News.