Muslim Council of Elders: Human Heritage is the Memory of Peoples & Islamic Heritage is a Civilizational Witness to the Values of Mercy and Coexistence
The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikhthe Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that human heritage represents the memory of peoples and the record of their civilizational identity, serving as a bridge for communication between nations. It emphasized that preserving human heritage means protecting humanity’s collective memory and investing in a future governed by peace.
In a statement issued on the occasion of World Heritage Day, the Muslim Council of Elders declared that protecting heritage is a shared human responsibility, particularly in light of the threats it faces from conflicts, climate change, or attempts at erasure and distortion. The Council stressed that preservation includes safeguarding the values and customs that strengthen identity and belonging.
The Council clarified that Islamic heritage constitutes one of the most prominent tributaries of human heritage, as it embodies the values of mercy, justice, and mutual understanding. This is in accordance with the words of the Almighty:
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” (Holy Quran 49:13).
Throughout history, Islamic heritage has offered a civilizational model based on knowledge, respect for diversity, and positive interaction with other cultures.
The statement also noted that preserving Islamic heritage contributes to entrenching the values of moderation and openness, while confronting discourses of extremism and hatred. It called for utilizing this heritage to promote dialogue, tolerance, and the building of bridges of understanding among peoples.
The Muslim Council of Elders renewed its call to the international community to strengthen joint efforts aimed at protecting human heritage and preserving its components, thereby safeguarding humanity’s memory and advancing the path of coexistence and peace.