Egypt Daily News – Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, stated that the difference between Sunnis and their Shia brothers is a matter of thought and opinion, not a division in religion.
He cited the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) hadith: “The disease of nations before you has crept into you: envy and hatred. It is the shaver, but I do not say it shaves hair; rather, it shaves religion.” He explained that this means envy and rivalry can consume the faith of a community if left unchecked.
During the second episode of his Ramadan program “The Good Imam”, Al-Tayeb pointed out that differences arose even among the Prophet’s companions, particularly concerning leadership, but they never resorted to violence against one another. He emphasized that the disagreement between Sunnis and Shias has never been about the fundamentals of faith.
He referenced another hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Whoever prays our prayer, faces our Qibla, and eats our slaughtered animals, he is a Muslim under the protection of Allah and His Messenger. So, do not betray Allah in His protection.”
Al-Tayeb stressed that the Muslim world needs unity now more than ever to face modern challenges and external threats. He noted that global entities such as the European Union have united for practical benefits despite having fewer commonalities than Muslims.
He concluded by stating that differences in Islamic thought have always existed and should be seen as a mercy rather than a cause for division, just as different Sunni schools of thought coexist despite their theological variations.
