When al-azhar, Egypt's highest religious authority, stepped up its request on the Vatican to present official apologies for the Christian crusades carried out against Muslims seven centuries ago, the timing couldn't have been more noteworthy. al-azhar's reinforced request was made on the eve of Holy week, unrivalled in importance on the Christian Calendar.
But diplomacy is hardly the long suit of al-azhar head Sheikh Fawzi Zafzaf.
Sheikh Zafzaf, President of the Interfaith Dialogue Committee of al-azhar, said during a press conference that his committee had sent a request to the Pope last February, demanding an official apology on Christian crusades against the Muslim world.
The first demand for the official apology came following Pope John Paul II's visit to Syria and Egypt a few years ago.
apologies to the Jewish and some other Christian doctrines were already presented by the Catholic Church.
"al-azhar is only asking for similar treatment," says Sheikh Zafzaf.
While the Vatican's ambassador to Egypt has abstained from commenting on the matter, al-azhar's request is now being considered by the Holy See.
as President of the Interfaith Dialogue Committee, Sheikh Zafzaf should know by now that "Interfaith", by nature works both ways.
There is much United Nations activity around the notion of interfaith dialogue these days.
President of the Permanent Committee for Dialogue among Monotheistic Religions, Sheikh Zafzaf turned up for the 2003 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Should the Vatican proffer official apologies for Christian crusades against Muslims seven centuries ago, surely al-azhar should be ready to respond in kind.
The Christian European west narrowly escaped total destruction at the hands of the Muslims.
There are the Moorish invasions of the Middle ages; Muslim invasions went right up to the gates of Vienna.
Then there is the 700 years of Moslem invasions leading to the conquest and rule of India.
Official apologies from al-azhar on all of the above remain outstanding.
Canada Free Press founding editor Most recent by Judi McLeod is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience in the print media. Her work has appeared on Newsmax.com, Drudge Report, Foxnews.com, Glenn Beck. Judi can be reached at: judi@canadafreepress.com
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