Al Azhar Al Sharif and its Senior Scholars board, under Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed el Tayyeb, criticized the campaign against the great Islamic body and its institutions.

In a joint statement on Thursday, they affirmed the keenness on preserving the nation's heritage and its cultural identity.

The statement slammed what it called "an unprecedented fierce attack" against Al Azhar and its affiliated Islamic institutions, blaming them for the outbreak of violence waves around the world.

It also referred to a number of cultural magazines that held Al Azhar and its senior scholars responsible for the Takfiri ideas currently prevailing everywhere.

Azhar has been a "bright spot" in the history of Islam which opted for the path of moderation. It is often referred to as the "highest seat" of learning in Sunni Islam. It oversees millions of students and has thousands of affiliated educational institutes.

Source: MENA