The new Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayyeb, has pledged to lead Al-Azhar, the highest Islamic institution in the country, into a new era. El-Tayyeb, who took charge of Al-Azhar upon the death of his predecessor, Sheikh Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi, has been widely praised for his enlightened ideas, moderate views and philosophy. Optimists led by Egypt's Nobel Laureate Professor Ahmed Zowail believe that the new Grand Imam will steer the institution towards new horizons regionally and internationally by pursuing its role of enlightenment, first launched a century ago by the celebrated Sheikh Mohamed Abdu. Following a meeting with the Grand Sheikh, Prof. Zowail disclosed that they discussed many projects for expanding education and scientific and intellectual research. The alleged slowdown in Al-Azhar's contribution to increasing knowledge of Islam and encouraging the faith of more than a billion Muslim devotees across the globe, has undoubtedly led to the increasing influence of militants and extremists. Arming themselves with outrageously controversial tenets and teachings, militants and extremists have sought to hijack the role of Al-Azhar, which is the mainstay of Islam in the country. Since then, humble Muslims have been helplessly witnessing a confusing exchange of accusations between the arch foes: moderates and fundamentalists on the one hand and militants and extremists on the other. Unfortunately, Al-Azhar has adopted a neutral stance in this war. Perhaps its officials and the Grand Imam are happy to merely assume the role of the firefighters. Anyway, Al-Azhar is undoubtedly preparing to see a new dawn.
