Al-Azhar calls for urgent committee of wise men to halt regional conflicts

CAIRO — Al-Azhar, Egypt's leading Sunni institution, called on Sunday evening for an urgent mediation committee of representatives from Arab and Muslim countries to defuse conflicts in the region, according to a statement from its grand imam.

The statement was issued by Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb on 18 October 2026. Al Arabiya reported it in a post on Telegram the same day, describing the proposed body as a committee of "wise men". The Egyptian outlet Mansheet also reported the statement, citing the Al-Shorouk Online website.

What the statement says

Al-Tayeb called for a "mediation and de-escalation committee" made up of representatives from "various Arab and Islamic countries". The statement described the members as sincere, wise people who favour peace and stability.

According to the text reported by Mansheet, the committee would be tasked with "immediate action" to defuse crises and conflicts, bring views closer together and end disputes among Muslims. The statement said this should preserve Arab strength and sovereignty and protect the lives of their people.

Al-Tayeb also urged Arab and Muslim countries to put the spirit of brotherhood first. He listed the ties of religion, blood and language. He called for "the immediate and comprehensive cessation of all acts of war and fighting".

He warned that division and infighting are "the main cause" of the weakness of the Muslim community. The statement said this leaves its sanctities violated and invites other nations to turn against it. It said the community most needs unity at this time.

Al-Azhar said it was ready to give "the utmost" support to the committee's efforts. It expressed confidence that all parties could overcome their differences and "turn the page on the past".

The statement cited two Quranic verses. One was Surah Al Imran, verse 103, on holding fast together and not dividing. The other was Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 9, which calls for reconciling two believing groups that fight each other. It also cited a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad warning against Muslims fighting one another.

What is not confirmed

The reports available do not name the conflicts or countries the appeal refers to. The statement speaks of "bloody conflicts and disputes" that it says have harmed national security and destabilised the region. It does not identify the parties.

The sources do not say who would form or convene the committee, how its members would be chosen, or whether any government or organisation has responded. Mansheet said the authorities concerned were still verifying details. It said official statements remain the main reference for any further developments.

Background

Al-Tayeb framed the appeal as part of Al-Azhar's "historical and religious responsibility" towards Arab and Islamic causes. Al-Azhar is based in Cairo, and the grand imam is its senior figure.

The Telegram post by Al Arabiya is a social media item and is cited here only for its headline and the fact that it reported the call. The substance of the statement comes from the text carried by Mansheet.