Shura Council Welcomes grand Imam of Al-Azhar’s call to heal rifts, end wars, conflicts in region
The Shura Council has welcomed the call by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, to end wars and conflicts in the region, prioritize the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and the bonds of the true faith, and uphold the values of dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding among the members of the single Ummah nation.
In a statement issued on Thursday the Council described this call as an important step toward preventing bloodshed, healing rifts, and strengthening the unity of the Ummah in the face of dangers and challenges that threaten its present and future.
The Council emphasized that this initiative comes at a highly critical juncture a time that demands that all parties prioritize the supreme interest of the Ummah and move beyond the disputes and conflicts that drain the energies of its peoples and tear apart their social fabric. Such divisions only provide an opening for the Ummah’s enemies foremost among them the Zionist entity and its backers to exploit these rifts to advance their own ambitions and expansionist agendas.
Furthermore, the Council reaffirmed the steadfast position of the Republic of Yemen in supporting all serious initiatives and efforts aimed at establishing a just and honorable peace, ending wars, and addressing the root causes of conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding rejecting the logic of force, the imposition of will, and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. In this context, the statement commended the official positions expressed by Sana’a, which welcomed the call made by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. It also highlighted the readiness shown by the head of the national negotiating delegation to engage positively with this initiative a step that could enhance the prospects for reaching a just settlement, one that upholds the dignity, rights, and sovereignty of the people.
The statement noted that the Yemeni people who welcome any sincere effort to end wars and foster reconciliation have endured 12 years of a Saudi-led military aggression. This period has been marked by a blockade, grave violations of national sovereignty, and the targeting of civilian facilities and infrastructure through approximately a quarter of a million airstrikes. These actions have resulted in catastrophic human and material losses, as well as profound humanitarian, economic, and social repercussions that have affected the lives of millions of Yemenis, burdening them with suffering whose effects persist to this day.
The Council emphasized that the situation in Yemen cannot be reduced to a fleeting political disagreement or a purely internal conflict stripped of its underlying causes and circumstances. Rather, it is a reality imposed by external military intervention, which brought about widespread violations and suffering. Consequently, any serious endeavor toward reconciliation and ending the conflict must begin with an equitable diagnosis of its root causes.
It must also involve recognizing the Yemeni people’s right to sovereignty and independence, addressing the consequences of the aggression and the blockade, and ensuring that such acts of aggression do not recur thereby laying the foundation for a sustainable peace built upon justice, fairness, and mutual respect. It was noted that among the most dangerous repercussions of wars and foreign interventions are attempts to tear the social fabric, incite sectarian and doctrinal strife among the Yemeni people, and exploit political differences to fuel divisions and prolong the conflict.
The Shura Council emphasized that such practices serve only the enemies of the nation and agendas of hegemony and fragmentation. It stressed that preserving the unity of peoples, along with their religious and social cohesion, is a national necessity and a collective responsibility that allows for no negligence.
The Council expressed its appreciation for the scholarly and religious standing of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, as well as the role that religious institutions and scholars can play in bridging viewpoints, reconciling parties, and fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence. It underscored that any mediation efforts must be grounded in objectivity and fairness, involving a willingness to listen to all concerned parties and to examine the realities and root causes of the conflict free from political pressure or bias toward any side.
Furthermore, the Council called upon the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to continue his commendable efforts and to advance his initiative in a way that helps build bridges of trust among the parties involved. It affirmed Sana’a’s welcome for any serious and equitable move that contributes to ending wars and opening a new chapter in relations one based on good neighborliness, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the realization of the shared interests of the region’s peoples.
He further emphasized that the success of initiatives aimed at bridging the rifts within the Arab and Islamic worlds requires sincere political will, a departure from policies of escalation and external interference, and the addressing of grievances and the root causes of conflict. It is not enough to issue general calls for reconciliation; concrete steps must be taken to end the suffering of the people and to safeguard their rights and dignity.
The Shura Council expressed its hope that the call made by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar would be met with a responsible response from all concerned parties. It further hoped that this call would serve as a serious starting point for ending wars and conflicts, strengthening Arab and Islamic solidarity, uniting efforts to confront common threats, and championing the just causes of the nation ultimately securing safety, stability, and peace for the peoples of the region.