The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, affirms that the books constitute a foundational pillar in shaping human consciousness and a powerful instrument for promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, as well as for strengthening mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.
In a statement issued on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day, observed annually on 23 April, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that knowledge remains the most effective means of confronting hatred, ignorance, and extremism, and that investment in reading and publishing is an investment in a more stable and peaceful future. The Council noted that building an aware and enlightened individual begins with a responsible word, sound thought, and a book that broadens horizons of knowledge and reinforces the values of human fraternity—values that represent an authentic path toward a world grounded in understanding and coexistence.
The Muslim Council of Elders called upon cultural, educational, and media institutions to continue their efforts to promote a culture of reading, encourage authorship, and expand access to books—particularly among children and youth—in ways that enhance awareness, entrench the values of dialogue and respect for diversity, and lay the foundations for more cohesive societies capable of fostering peace.
The Muslim Council of Elders continues to exert concerted efforts to combat hatred and extremism and to correct misconceptions through Al-Hokama Publishing, which has produced over 275 publications in over five languages to date. These efforts contribute to broadening access to knowledge, disseminating enlightened and moderate thought, reinforcing the values of dialogue and coexistence, and building bridges of cultural and civilizational exchange among peoples.