CAIRO - In an inspired step to settle the ongoing debate between Islamists and secularists on the future image of the Egyptian regime, Al-Azhar took the initiative to draw up a document presenting the broad lines the Egyptian nation should follow in creating their new democratic republic. Away from discordant arguments and statements, the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb sponsored a forum that gathered noted scholars and thinkers as well as intellectuals in society. The participants were requested to debate the main pillars on which Post-Mubarak Egypt should be created and finally come up with a document reflecting a comprehensive vision of a modern Muslim state. They needed to understand, and determine the rules of, the relation between Islam and the State, an apparent dilemma facing society now with the high profile that different Islamist groups are showing. Some have announced the full enforcement of the Islamic Sharia (Islamic law) as the main goal of their political activity in the period ahead. Such statements trigger the anger and concern of secular as well as Christian groups that fear Egypt turning into a model of some other Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan or Iran. Herein comes the important role that Al-Azhar, as the most prestigious Sunni institution that reflects the moderate image of Islam, can play in settling such disputes. It can equally assure all parties of the importance of creating a modern state that follows and respects international human rights conventions and rules of democracy together with protecting Egypt's religious culture. The document's eleven items do not include a single word referring to the Islamic Sharia. However, it reflects the moderate nature of Islam with its wide vision of protecting human civilisation and progress. The first of the eleven items concentrates on the necessity of founding a modern national, constitutional and democratic state depending on a constitution acceptable to the whole nation. It makes a separation between the State authorities and the legislative institutions, determining the frame of rule and guaranteeing equal rights and responsibilities of all citizens, regardless of their religion or gender. The document also made clear its rejection of the religious state or theocracy. Instead it considered the modern democratic system that is based on free elections as the modern form of the Islamic Shura (consultative) principles. One of the significant articles of the Al-Azhar sponsored document is that referring to protecting freedom of expression and innovation in art and literature with respect to Egyptian civilisation and values. Together with other articles focussing on the importance of upgrading standards of education and scientific research for the nation's progress, the document includes two important articles concerning Al-Azhar as an institution. The first affirms the independence of Al-Azhar and the necessity of senior scholars and sheikhs selecting Sheikh of Al-Azhar, who has long been appointed by the president of the country. Such an article is very important in restoring the independence of Al-Azhar and its significant role in enlightening society. Having the Sheikh of Al-Azhar appointed by the president made the public consider him as a statesman and so it turned a deaf ear to his opinions in any religious, political, economic or social issue. In the meantime, a large proportion of society turned their heads towards the religious TV satellite channels to get their information and learn about fatwas (religious edicts) on different religious question, which have stained Egyptian culture with the extreme Wahabi ideology. This extremist image of Islam that has significantly started to infuse society has triggered the growth of secular groups loudly raising their voices for full separation between the State and religion. Their utterances are reflected in calls to cancel the constitutional articles, stating that Islam is the main religion of the State and the Islamic Sharia is the main source of legislation. The freedom the entire society has attained, thanks to the January 25 revolution, has allowed the creation of different political parties reflecting different religious, liberal and secular streams. It is, accordingly, very important for Al-Azhar to restore its main guiding role in society to protect it against division, which the institution cannot fully achieve without restoring its former independence from the State. In this regard, one should recognise the courage and wisdom of the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb who, although he was appointed by the former president, is one of those calling for the Sheikh of Al-Azhar to be selected by senior scholars. By means of this document, Al-Azhar intends to replay its old leading role in the political life of Egypt. One cannot ignore Al-Azhar's presence at different historical events in Egypt's modern history since the French occupation up to the 1919 revolution, and its later contribution under the rule of late Presidents Nasser and Sadat respectively. This is why one should welcome Al-Azhar's initiative to draw up such a significant document in co-operation with different scholars and intellectuals, which could form the nucleus and guide in writing the new constitution of Egypt. What is really important now is not to let this important moment go without having the utmost benefit from it. All the political parties, the Government, as well as the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces are requested to thoroughly read this document and give their opinions to obtain national understanding and agreement.
