A Muslim Imam has been broadcast in Egypt saying homosexuality is a ‘disease’ Muslims need to fight.

The Imam, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, who leads the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, said this during an interview on a daily show, according to The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

He said: ‘[The West] is full of ticking time bombs.

‘No Muslim society could ever consider sexual liberty, homosexuality to be a personal right. Muslim societies consider these to be a disease that has to be fought and treated.’

The presenter agreed. ‘Protection of lineage is a main goal in Islam.’

Al-Tayyeb made frequent references to the differences between ‘West and Muslim societies’.

‘The problem is the Islamic and Western societies are different.

‘Our civilization is based on religion and moral values.

‘Whereas their civilization is based on personal liberates and some moral values.’

Tension between LGBTI and Muslim communities are extremely high following the massacre of 49 people in a gay club in Orlando, Florida, June 11.

The murders were committed by Omar Mateen, 29, a self-proclaimed Islamist terrorist.

Muslim clerics and groups were quick to distance themselves from stereotypes about homophobia, especially in the US.

Almost 70 Muslim and gay groups came together in solidarity following the attack, releasing a joint statement.

‘In this moment of immense sadness and outrage, we stand together united against fear, hate and violence.

‘We will not lose hope in the people and communities around us because we know we are stronger together,’ it read.