21/05/2026
Al-Azhar condemns terrorist attack on Islamic Center in San Diego and calls for decisive action for combating Islamophobia and Protecting houses of worship
Al-Azhar Al-Sharif condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack carried out by two armed extremists, driven by hate speech and incitement against Islam, which targeted the Islamic Center in San Diego, California, USA, resulting in the killing of three Muslim worshippers and its security guard. Al-Azhar emphasizes that this brutal assault represents a heinous crime that demonstrates the danger of incendiary ideas left unchecked by hate speech.
Al-Azhar also stresses that the proven criminal intent of the perpetratorsâthrough documents and public inciting speeches, their direct targeting of houses of worship and educational facilities for children, and the shedding of the blood of peaceful, innocent peopleâis a "black terrorism" that requires a decisive confrontation. It underscores that complacency in combating the phenomenon of "Islamophobia" and leniency toward platforms of racism fuel tendencies of extremism and violence in societies, demanding that strict and immediate measures be taken to protect houses of worship and their visitors to prevent the recurrence of such bloody tragedies.
Al-Azhar Al-Sharif extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and mourns with profound sadness and appreciation the center's security guard, who embodied a heroic and brave stance, sacrificing his life to protect the worshippers and repel the attackers. It supplicates to the AlmightyâGlory be to Himâto bestow His vast mercy upon the victims, to grant the injured a speedy recovery, to safeguard human life, and to protect the world from the evils of extremist ideas and their dire consequences.
