Saturday, 20. March 2010
Mohammed Al-Tantawi, Rector of Al-Azhar University, Cairo
ingridina, 01:07h
Sunni Islam's top cleric dead
11.3.2010, TAZ, KARIM EL-GAWHARY
Mohammed Al-Tantawi, Rector of Al-Azhar University, is dead. The Egyptian has been known as a constant voice of moderate Islam - but also as loyal servant of the state of Egypt.
In Islam doesn't exist an institution such as a Pope or Patriarch. But the Sheikh of Al-Azhar University, Mohammed Al-Tantawi, has been someone, which stood in the religious establishment on top. For some is this Islamic University, which he leaded in Cairo, the most important law authority in Sunny Islam.
On Wednesday he has broken down during a visit in Saudi Arabia and died little later. Now he will be buried in Medina, where the grave of Prophet Mohammed is.
The 82 year old Egyptian was known as one of the most constant voices of moderate Islam. The last time he had provoqued the revolt of Radical Muslims against himself, when he forbid Muslim women to wear a face veil in educational institutions of Al-Azhar. Before, during the debate on veil in France he had declared that Muslims in France should follow the laws there. He opposed Female Mutilation and gave his blessing that women could exercise the position of judge.
My sincerest condolences, it has been someone sorely needed!
11.3.2010, TAZ, KARIM EL-GAWHARY
Mohammed Al-Tantawi, Rector of Al-Azhar University, is dead. The Egyptian has been known as a constant voice of moderate Islam - but also as loyal servant of the state of Egypt.
In Islam doesn't exist an institution such as a Pope or Patriarch. But the Sheikh of Al-Azhar University, Mohammed Al-Tantawi, has been someone, which stood in the religious establishment on top. For some is this Islamic University, which he leaded in Cairo, the most important law authority in Sunny Islam.
On Wednesday he has broken down during a visit in Saudi Arabia and died little later. Now he will be buried in Medina, where the grave of Prophet Mohammed is.
The 82 year old Egyptian was known as one of the most constant voices of moderate Islam. The last time he had provoqued the revolt of Radical Muslims against himself, when he forbid Muslim women to wear a face veil in educational institutions of Al-Azhar. Before, during the debate on veil in France he had declared that Muslims in France should follow the laws there. He opposed Female Mutilation and gave his blessing that women could exercise the position of judge.
My sincerest condolences, it has been someone sorely needed!
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