Farhangian University Issues Statement in Response to Al‑Azhar University’s Declaration

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

All praise belongs to the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and upon his pure family and his chosen companions.

Farhangian University has taken note of the recent statement issued by Al‑Azhar University, in which the military actions undertaken by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Zionist regime were strongly condemned and described as “unjustified aggression against neighboring states.” 

This statement, whether intentionally or inadvertently, overlooks the broader context and the preceding acts of aggression. It fails to acknowledge the numerous violations and repeated attacks carried out by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran’s sovereignty and territory, culminating most recently in the direct targeting of Iranian soil during the blessed month of Ramadan.

It is deeply regrettable that an institution of such historical and scholarly stature appears to have adopted a narrative aligned with that of the occupying power—labeling legitimate self‑defense as aggression while disregarding the reality that Iran’s actions were a decisive response to a clear and unlawful attack targeting vital national infrastructure, civilian homes, and innocent people, in open defiance of international law and basic humanitarian principles.

History has shown that those who do not sincerely seek the truth often rely on narratives produced by American and Zionist propaganda apparatuses, repeating them under the banner of religion and scholarship. The Al‑Azhar statement appears to follow this troubling pattern, invoking Qur’anic verses and Prophetic traditions in a misplaced context in order to lend religious legitimacy to a political position that lacks fairness and balance—while overlooking the divine guidance:

“O you who believe! If a corrupt person brings you news, verify it, lest you harm people out of ignorance and later regret what you have done.” (Qur’an 49:6)

Before issuing this statement, one must ask: Did the scholars of Al‑Azhar verify the accuracy of the reports they relied upon, or did they simply accept the narratives disseminated by the instruments of aggression and distortion?

Defending sacred values and human life cannot be achieved by siding with aggressors or by issuing statements that confuse legitimate resistance with condemnable terrorism. Islam calls for peace, but it does not command humiliation nor silence in the face of injustice.

In light of these circumstances, several points must be emphasized:

First, the legitimate right to self‑defense, even during the sacred month of fasting. The Holy Qur’an states:

“So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you; and fear God and know that God is with the righteous.” (Qur’an 2:194)

During Ramadan—the month in which the Qur’an was revealed—the Iranian people faced aggression when American and Zionist forces targeted schools, hospitals, and residential areas and bombed defenseless cities. One must therefore ask: Where is the condemnation for those who violated the sanctity of this blessed month by shedding innocent blood?

Second, while Muslims in Iran and across the world observed fasting during the day and worship during the night, American‑Zionist aircraft bombed Iranian cities, targeting children, women, and the elderly. By what logic can a nation attacked during the month of the Qur’an be condemned when it responds firmly in defense of its people and homeland?

Third, the statement issued by Al‑Azhar fails to adequately address the ongoing crimes committed by the Zionist regime in Palestine and Gaza—the killing, destruction, and displacement unfolding before the eyes of the world. Even as unprecedented confrontations occurred between Iran and the Zionist regime, the suffering of Palestinians continued. Yet the statement contains not even a single clear condemnation of this enduring injustice, despite the fact that Jerusalem remains the first qibla and a sacred trust for the Muslim world.

Fourth, serious questions remain regarding the civilian casualties inflicted during the early days of Ramadan, including the tragic loss of 168 students at a school in Minab and the killing of innocent civilians in hospitals, homes, and streets across cities such as Isfahan, Tabriz, Shiraz, and Tehran as a result of repeated attacks by American and Zionist forces. How can such tragedies be ignored while condemnation is directed toward those defending their homeland?

Fifth, the Islamic Republic of Iran has, for more than four decades, stood at the forefront of support for the Palestinian cause and the broader movement of Islamic resistance. Its response to aggression in this blessed month has been carried out within the framework of international law and the legitimate right of self‑defense, not as an act of expansionism or aggression toward neighboring nations.

Sixth, Farhangian University calls upon the respected scholars of Al‑Azhar to reexamine their sources of information, to avoid adopting the narrative of occupying powers at the expense of Muslim lives, and to ensure that their distinguished platform is not used to justify aggression against the Islamic Ummah—especially during the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity.

Seventh, during the course of this aggression against Iran in the holy month of Ramadan, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei (may God be pleased with him), was reportedly targeted directly by Zionist‑American forces. Targeting a religious authority of such stature—whose honor and sanctity are recognized by millions of Muslims—constitutes a clear violation of both religious principles and international norms. Across civilizations and faith traditions, prominent religious figures are afforded special respect and protection.

Eighth, this aggression did not end there. It extended to the targeting of prominent Iranian political and scientific figures, including scholars, university professors, and national personalities. Such actions contradict international conventions that prohibit the assassination of political or religious leaders and condemn attacks on civilians and scholars.

Ninth, it is therefore deeply concerning that a major religious institution would remain silent regarding the targeting of a leading religious authority while issuing a swift statement condemning those defending their homeland. Religious authorities across all Islamic schools of thought have historically emphasized the sanctity of scholars’ lives and honor. Silence in the face of such actions raises serious moral questions.

In Conclusion

The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently been grounded in dignity, wisdom, and prudence. Iran extends a hand of goodwill and peace to its neighbors while remaining steadfast in defending its sovereignty and principles—even during the most sacred months of the year.

What the Muslim world expects from long‑standing religious institutions is that they serve as voices of truth, not echoes of false narratives.

Farhangian University expresses its conviction that the conflict ignited during the blessed month of Ramadan will, by the will of God, conclude with the triumph of justice and resistance, leaving regret only for those who failed to recognize the truth.

Just as the victory of Badr and the conquest of Mecca occurred during Ramadan, history may well record that the steadfast resistance of Iran during this sacred month became another sign among the signs of God.

“And say: Work, for Allah will see your deeds, and so will His Messenger and the believers.” 

(Qur’an 9:105)

Farhangian University 

Islamic Republic of Iran 

Farvardin 1405 (April 2026) — Shawwal 1447 AH