Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb urged protesters in Tahrir Square Wednesday to maintain national unity for the anniversary of the 25 January revolution, which led to former President Hosni Mubarak's ouster last February.
"The Arab and Islamic nations and all world countries are watching you," Tayyeb said in a statement read by his deputy, Hassan al-Shafey. "Stun them with your terrific unity and your uniquely peaceful revolt."
Tayyeb called on Egyptians to avoid excluding anyone in their bid to build a modern, democratic state based on citizenship and the rule of law.
"The history of any nation witnesses turning points and significant days. Together we experienced 25 January of the last year, a day that stunned the globe and made people around the world sympathize with you and follow suit," the statement said.
Al-Azhar, the largest religious institution in the Sunni Muslim world, has had a growing role in Egyptian politics.
During a meeting of various political forces earlier this month, Al-Azhar urged the ruling military council to step up efforts to expedite a power handover.
At the same meeting, the institution issued a document on basic freedoms to serve as the basis of the country's new constitution. The document lists the freedoms of belief, opinion, expression, scientific research and art and literary creativity, which Tayyeb said reflect Al-Azhar's vision for society.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
