Al Azhar on Monday denied reports that Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb phoned former justice minister Ahmed el Zend after he was fired following his controversial remarks about the prophet Muhammed.

"It was the sacked justice minister who insisted to call the Grand Imam at his residence in Berlin," Al Azhar said in a statement.

During the call, Zend sought to clarify to the Grand Imam that he "did not mean to defame Prophet Muhammad, but the TV host had provoked him into the remarks," the statement added.

Zend was on a private Egyptian channel on Friday when the interviewer asked him whether he would imprison journalists.

"Even if it's the prophet - peace and prayers upon him," Zend said before quickly repenting. 

The remarks triggered a storm of anger on the social media websites.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail issued a decision sacking Zend. 

Source : MENA