Addressing the "World Conference in Support of Jerusalem", Al-Azhar Deputy Imam Abbas Shoman stressed al Azhar s firm rejection against visiting Jerusalem under Israeli occupation, noting that visiting it under the current conditions would only lead to grave consequences.
"Generally, visiting Jerusalem and praying inside Al Aqsa holy mosque is rightfully permitted under Islam due to the great status of the holy mosque in our religion," Shoman said.
Different views of the Islamic modern- day scholars on visiting Jerusalem under occupation came on the back of perceiving benefits and detriments that would result from such visits, he said, pointing out that some of scholars consider visiting Jerusalem as an act of normalizing relations with Israel and supporting Israeli economy because the city is under Israeli control.
Meanwhile, other scholars view visiting Jerusalem under occupation as a move to support the brotherly Palestinian people and a message to the whole world that Jerusalem does not only belong to the Palestinians, but it also belongs to all Muslims and Christians who have the right to visit their holy places, he cited.
He reiterated the rejection of Al Azhar and the Coptic church to all forms of normalizing relations with Israel.
