Islamic leader: Judaism and Christianity also have sparked violence
March 01, 2017
At an inter-religious conference on combatting extremism, the Imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar University reminded participants that Islam is not the only religious faith that has been associated with violence.
“Judaism and Christianity have a history of violence,” said Sheikh Ahmed al Tayyab, the host of the conference held in Cairo. He mentioned the Crusades and, more recently, the bloodshed in the Balkans.
The Islamic official said that all religious leaders must join together to denounce the forms of extremism that exploit religious beliefs to encourage violence. “If peace is not achieved between those who preach it, it cannot even be transmitted to other individuals,” he said.
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Further information:
- The Imam of al Azhar: even Judaism and Christianity have a history marked by violence (Fides)
- Vatican officials join Egyptian Muslim leaders in conference on combatting extremism (CWN, 2/21)
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Posted by: aclune9083 -
Mar. 01, 2017 9:52 PM ET USA
Neither of the other two Abrahamic religions institutionalizes violence against all non-believers. Islam has. The Imam better watch his six; there's a jihadi out there that will make him regret his comments.
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Posted by: Toddyo -
Mar. 01, 2017 9:11 PM ET USA
Islam is a Theocratic form of government backed by a religion. Separate the two and you don't have Islam, but a possibility to be American citizens. Maybe Mary will appear in Mecca during Haaj and straighten out this mess.
