Al-Azhar disowned a famous preacher for atoning Christians

Al-Azhar disowned a famous Egyptian preacher who expiated Christians; his fatwa was met with great controversy during the past two days.

Al-Azhar said in an official statement on Thursday that “the Islamic Research Council discussed in its session held by the Sheikhs of Al-Azhar the statement of Dr. Salim Abdul Jalil on the Christian religion and Christians,” adding that “The Council is keen to state that what was issued by Dr. Salem is an expression of his personal opinion and is in no way an expression of Al-Azhar’s point of view or its entrusted bodies; Al Azhar doesn’t atone people.”

The council considered that “Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is represented only through the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the decisions issued by the Council of Senior Scholars together, the Islamic Research Center, or the House of Ifta in its fatwas, which adhere to the unquestioned Islamic principles of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and among its scholars.”

The Egyptian preacher, who was the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf in Egypt, made offensive comment to Christians and the Christian faith on a religious program broadcasted on Egyptian satellite.

Immediately, the Minister of Awqaf issued a decree prohibiting him from preaching.

For its part, the satellite channel decided to shut down the program of the preacher and to terminate his contract, they also apologized to their “Christian brothers.”

Also, the preacher apologized for his remarks. On his Facebook page he wrote that his comments were: “misunderstood by some.”