Al-Azhar is in the process of preparing a document that includes a vision for reforms and achieving democracy in the Arab world based on the establishment of social justice and the distribution of resources, a source from Al-Azhar said on Sunday. According to MENA, the document is similar to an earlier document issued by Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb in June. That document, prepared in cooperation with various intellectuals, reflected Al-Azhar's vision for post-revolution Egypt as a modern, democratic state. The Al-Azhar source said the new document will propose ways to achieve social reform and social justice. It will also suggest ways to safeguard human rights, distribute wealth, and improve economic conditions in conformity with Sharia law. The purpose of the document is to achieve stability and security in the region and fulfill the ambitions of Arab and Islamic nations, which aspire to restore their leading positions in the world, the source said, adding that as an institution preoccupied with developments in the Arab world, Al-Azhar is preparing the document as part of its historic and national role of serving moderate Islam. Revolutions sweeping several Arab countries have prompted the preparation of this document, the source added. Al-Azhar has emphasized that this document does not represent an interference in political or sovereign affairs and is only intended to improve conditions in the Arab world. The document will be discussed over the coming days by scholars and thinkers in preparation for approval by Tayyeb.
