CAIRO - A document recently released by Al-Azhar, the oldest and most prestigious Sunni Islam seat of learning, setting out its vision of Egypt's future has brought the institution back to the forefront of the nation's affairs. The document, which referred to a national, democratic, constitutional and modern Egypt, reflects an enlightened understanding of the nature of the country's present phase and the role assigned to this highly esteemed institution. Al-Azhar has subtly demonstrated that ‘religious reference' is a term that does not mean isolation from society mainstream and the dictates of a modern civil state. Notably, the document was the outcome of discussions held by the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb not only with clerics, but also with the cultured elite of different political orientations. As such, the document refutes accusations that the institution is isolating itself in ivory tower. The document has made clear the significance of a constitutional state, in which the legislature derives its power from the people's representatives. Al-Azhar's perception of the Egyptian State has shattered the traditional image of a religious State promoted by extremists. Al-Azhar has made its voice loud and clear emphasising that it is part and parcel of overall change taking place at the moment. It is believed that the document was motivated by the Grand Sheikh's realisation of Al-Azhar's influence on the street and a desire to enhance such a role that had long been missed. The ambitions of Al-Azhar in this respect do not stop at Egypt but extend to other Islamic, Arab and African countries. Al-Tayeb's avocation of the independence of Al-Azhar from the political authority whereby the Grand Sheikh has to be elected by a panel of senior clerics instead of being appointed by the State consolidates the outstanding status of Al-Azhar. The balanced vision demonstrated by Al-Azhar as the major religious reference, which adopts a moderate course in its interpretation of social, political and cultural issues, presents today a life buoy in a sea, in which hardline religious sects are surfacing.
