CAIRO: Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest universities in the world and the center of Sunni Islamic studies, has been asked by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to articulate important principles to follow as part of the creation of a new Egyptian constitution. Al-Azhar has invited all political coalitions to help draft and edit the documents for the SCAF. Salafist participants have been accused by other members of the drafting process, including al-Azhar scholars, of attacking members during this process. Salafists and other conservative groups have also been accused of attempting to prevent Al-Azhar from actively participating in Egyptian politics and holding only Saudi Arabian interests in mind. In the interest of holding constructive dialogue with all political groups the head of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, will soon meet with representatives from Salafist movements, a source told Youm7.com. On Monday, he will hold a press conference in which he will discuss current Egyptian affairs and the role al-Azhar will play in these affairs, the source added. Al-Tayeb is known for his controversial support of the French law passed in 2003, which outlawed the wearing of the higab, or Islamic veil, in French state schools, sparking anger from many fundamentalist groups. BM
