CAIRO - In an attempt to restore its key role, Al-Azhar (Egypt's highest seat of Islamic learning) is preparing an ‘Arab Document', rather like the ‘Egyptian Document', which was launched by Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayyeb last June. The Egyptian Document includes Al-Azhar's views about the revolution and the creation of a democratic, constitutional and modern state. According to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), the new Arab Document will include Al-Azhar's views on Arab reform and achieving democracy. It will also deal with social, politi- cal, cultural and economic issues. The new document will suggest ways to achieve social reform and justice, boost human rights, distribute Arab wealth fairly and improve the economic and social status of Arab nations. All this will be implemented in a civilised manner, according to the Shari'a (Islamic Law). A reliable source told MENA that the Arab Document comes in the wake of Al-Azhar's reaction to developments in the Arab region because of the Arab revolutions, known as the ‘Arab Spring', in countries like Syria, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia. The source pointed out that Al-Azhar has sug- gested this document, because of this respected institution's historic, cultural and national con- tributions to moderate Islamic thought. He added that this document reflects Al- Azhar's desire to honestly express the nation's sufferings, while seeking to preserve Egypt's identity, civilisation. and Arab and Islamic culture. The source stressed that Al-Azhar doesn't want to impose its views on anybody or inter- fere in political or sovereign affairs, but it seeks to improve life in the Arab world. Under the auspices of Sheikh Ahmed el- Tayyeb, Al-Azhar drew up the 11-article Egyptian Document, as a proposed basis for Egypt's new Constitution. It underlines the importance of the civil nature of the Egyptian State, along with politi- cal and religious rights for the nation's political and religious groups. The 11th article calls for supporting Arab rights and boosting ties between Egypt and other Arab countries. The document also calls for guaranteeing respect for freedom of opinion, faith and human rights. El-Tayyeb, however, insists that the Egyptian Document should be a ‘guide' rather than a binding document. It is expected that the Arab Document will be discussed within the next few days by clergy- men and thinkers, before endorsement by the Grand Imam at a later date.
