CAIRO Ñ Egypt's largest Islamic seminary has rejected a U.S. request
to examine the curriculum of the state institution.
The state-owned Al Azhar seminary was said to have been approached by
the State Department to examine the curriculum. The U.S. request was part of
Washington's policy to stop Islamic seminaries from preaching hate against
the West.
Sheik Mohammed Sid Tantawi said he rejected the U.S. request. The sheik
said a U.S. delegation visited the seminary and discussed courses and
doctrine provided by the school.
Tantawi told the London-based A-Sharq Al Awsat daily that he refused to
discuss details of seminary programs. He said he refused any attempt by the
United States or foreign country to intervene in the affairs of his
institution.
Western diplomatic sources said the United States has sought to
influence Islamic seminaries in allied countries to end support for jihad,
or holy war. The sources said that among the countries approached Pakistan
has
been the most cooperative in seeking a revision of the curriculum of Islamic
seminaries.
Tantawi has urged Islamic clerics to demonstrate that their religion
preaches tolerance. He has expressed support for the Palestinian insurgency
against Israel but has spoken out against targeting civilians.
