Cairo: Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb warned that the world is witnessing a troubling decline in humanitarian and moral values among some influential leaders and political decision-makers. During a meeting with Finnish Ambassador in Cairo Riikka Eela, the Grand Imam said that selfishness, narrow material interests, and worldly ambitions are increasingly shaping international decisions at the expense of the suffering of the poor and vulnerable.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Grand Imam stressed that history has shown the fate of tyrants, noting that divine justice ultimately prevails, even if delayed, and that injustice does not endure. The meeting addressed ways to promote interfaith dialogue and reinforce values of peace and coexistence.

Tayyeb underlined that overcoming current crises requires a sincere return to religious teachings and ethical principles, describing them as the only path to rescuing humanity from moral decline and excessive materialism. He pointed out that ongoing conflicts and unethical practices around the world reflect a deep imbalance in the value system, where material interests and arms trade take precedence over the protection of innocent lives.

The Grand Imam added that wars, despite their declared strategic goals, often end without achieving them, while leaving widespread human devastation and deepening divisions between nations, particularly between the Islamic world and the West. He stressed that the poor and vulnerable bear the brunt of such conflicts, while decision-makers remain detached from their consequences.

For her part, the Finnish ambassador expressed appreciation for the Grand Imam's role in promoting interfaith dialogue and spreading values of peace and brotherhood, affirming her country's keenness to strengthen cooperation with religious institutions.