Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, delivered an online lecture as part of a training program organized by Al-Azhar International Academy in cooperation with the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates to train and qualify imams and preachers serving in Germany.

During the lecture, Dr. Ayyad addressed the Sunni approach to understanding the scriptural descriptions of Allah’s Attributes. He emphasized that this approach is based on affirming what is established in the Qur’an and Sunnah while maintaining Allah’s absolute transcendence above any resemblance to His creation, thereby avoiding both anthropomorphism and denial of His Attributes.

The Grand Mufti explained that a sound understanding of these texts requires an integrated framework of established Islamic and linguistic principles. He cautioned against relying solely on the apparent meanings of words without considering their linguistic and religious contexts, noting that such an approach can lead to conceptual confusion and doctrinal deviation. He also highlighted the essential role of the Arabic language in accurately understanding the meanings of Islamic texts.

Dr. Ayyad further emphasized the Azharī approach, which harmonizes authentic transmitted evidence with sound rational understanding, while ensuring that reason remains guided and disciplined by revelation and established principles of interpretation. He concluded by stressing the importance of promoting a balanced and scholarly approach to Islamic creed and equipping Imams and preachers with the knowledge and methodological tools needed to preserve the sound foundations of Islamic belief and protect communities from misconceptions and misguided ideas.