New cleric for al-Azhar

[Mad May]

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's president named a moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar the country's new top cleric on Friday, the state news agency reported.

The appointment makes Ahmed el-Tayeb the new grand sheik of Cairo's Al-Azhar, the pre-eminent theological institute of Sunni Islam, the faith's majority sect. He takes over from Sheik Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, who died of a heart attack last week after heading Al-Azhar for nearly 14 years.

El-Tayeb, who was in his hometown of Luxor in southern Egypt when he received news of his appointment, said he "highly appreciates the great trust" President Hosni Mubarak has bestowed on him, the Middle East News Agency reported.

The Sheik of Al-Azhar is highly respected throughout the Muslim world, offering guidance on issues of faith in Egypt and other Islamic nations. He oversees an extensive network of Islamic schools, a university and religious institutes that open their doors to Muslims from around the world.

The sheik also advises the state on religious matters.

The French-educated el-Tayeb, 64, previously served as Egypt's Mufti, the nation's top religious law expert, for a brief stint before stepping down in 2003 to head Cairo's Al-Azhar University. He is an expert on religious philosophy and issues of faith, and has written books about science, Marxism, Islamic philosophy, and Islamic culture.

Viewed as a moderate Muslim who has encouraged dialogue with Western countries, el-Tayeb has outwardly criticized hard-line Islamists, saying the focus on rituals and outward manifestations of piety — such as Islamic garb or beards — comes at the expense of true spiritual development.

El-Tayeb also angered radical Islamists for once telling an Islamic conference that "the logic of things is change."

[mvp]

must be a freemason or he would have been in jail or exiled.

[grandpakhalif]

I'm tired of these so called moderates, he'll probably be as satanic as the previous 'sheikh'.

[surrender]

Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar

Typical we always have to impress the west, even with our faith it has to be in the standard of the west rather the than the Standard of Allah.

[Mad May]

Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar

Typical we always have to impress the west, even with our faith it has to be in the standard of the west rather the than the Standard of Allah.

They were the ones that described him as a 'moderate Muslim', I'm sure he wouldnt. And whats wrong with being Western-educated? You probably are

[Mad May]

the focus on rituals and outward manifestations of piety — such as Islamic garb or beards — comes at the expense of true spiritual development.

[SultanOrder]

Keep in mind that what is being written isn't from him, so don't judge him on this article and how they label him.
that said May all Guide him amin

[Mad May]

Keep in mind that what is being written isn't from him, so don't judge him on this article and how they label him.
that said May all Guide him amin

Exactly, who the hell describes themselves as 'moderate'?

[SultanOrder]

the focus on rituals and outward manifestations of piety — such as Islamic garb or beards — comes at the expense of true spiritual development.

I agree with this, piety isn't measured by the length of your beird, or the cleanliness of your robes.

[grandpakhalif]

the focus on rituals and outward manifestations of piety — such as Islamic garb or beards — comes at the expense of true spiritual development.

I agree with this, piety isn't measured by the length of your beird, or the cleanliness of your robes.

Actually the character of a muslim is an essential part of Islam.

[surrender]

Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar

Typical we always have to impress the west, even with our faith it has to be in the standard of the west rather the than the Standard of Allah.

They were the ones that described him as a 'moderate Muslim', I'm sure he wouldnt. And whats wrong with being Western-educated? You probably are

there is no problem with being 'Western Educated' but the standard it has in terms of Islam is the problem, if what they say about him is true, btw PO is right, what is written in the article isn't from him, but of him, so let me not be quick to judge him, but is his western moderate, we know how he will run his affairs.

[SultanOrder]

the focus on rituals and outward manifestations of piety — such as Islamic garb or beards — comes at the expense of true spiritual development.

I agree with this, piety isn't measured by the length of your beird, or the cleanliness of your robes.

Actually the character of a muslim is an essential part of Islam.

Yeah character is not appearance bro.

[grandpakhalif]

I agree with this, piety isn't measured by the length of your beird, or the cleanliness of your robes.

Actually the character of a muslim is an essential part of Islam.

Yeah character is not appearance bro.

Hygiene, Appearance must be apparent in a Muslim although Iman and knowledge need to be there and are the priorities. We as Muslims should try our best to differentiate from the kuffars, this can be as minimal as wearing a Kofi with your suit & tie.

[AbdiWahab252]

Mabruuk May he be successful in his duties and safe from the whims of the ikhwaan

[SultanOrder]

quote="Perfect_Order"]

I agree with this, piety isn't measured by the length of your beird, or the cleanliness of your robes.

Actually the character of a muslim is an essential part of Islam.

Yeah character is not appearance bro.

Hygiene, Appearance must be apparent in a Muslim although Iman and knowledge need to be there and are the priorities. We as Muslims should try our best to differentiate from the kuffars, this can be as minimal as wearing a Kofi with your suit & tie.[/quote]
I agree with you, so does the cleric, his point is the over-emphasis of outer appearance while ignoring spiritual piety