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Dr. Samir Boudinar: Inter-Islamic dialogue is a cornerstone of the Muslim world today

Dr. Ismail Al-Alwani: The pulpit is a vital tool for raising public awareness and strengthening the Muslim Ummah’s collective identity

Dr. Jassim Juayiz: Unity is a process of mutual acceptance rooted in social harmony, diversity, and pluralism

On the third day of the Iraq International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders hosted an intellectual seminar titled “Religious Platforms and the Responsibility of Muslim Unity.” The session featured Prof. Dr. Ismail Khalil Al-Alwani, Assistant Dean of Al-Imam Al-Azam University College, and Dr. Jasim Juayiz Mankhi, Assistant Dean of Al-Imam Al-Kadhim University College, and was moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research. 

Opening the discussion, Dr. Samir Boudinar underscored that inter-Islamic dialogue is a fundamental pillar of contemporary Muslim society. It is deeply intertwined with questions of identity, belonging, and the role of scholars in engaging communities through religious and media platforms. He noted that Iraq stands out as an exemplary model in this regard, given its long history, rich sectarian and intellectual diversity, and profound civilizational and religious heritage—all of which make dialogues of this kind both necessary and impactful.

Prof. Dr. Ismail Al-Alwani emphasized that the pulpit serves as a central means of educating the public and reinforcing the Muslim Ummah’s shared identity. More than a medium for sermons, it is a bridge between scholars and society—a tool capable of deepening understanding and nurturing unity when used responsibly, or fuelling division when misused. He highlighted that throughout Islamic history, scholars played an essential role in safeguarding faith and preserving communal cohesion, and that the Islamic tradition offers many examples of scholars who united rather than divided. This, he said, places a significant moral and intellectual responsibility on today’s scholars to continue this mission.

Dr. Jassim Juayiz stated that inter-Islamic dialogue must be rooted in the values of understanding, mutual recognition, and the rejection of discord. He stressed that societies today are in urgent need of a thoughtful, evidence-based religious discourse. He added that the three influential societal institutions—religious, social, and academic—must work in harmony to correct misconceptions, promote a culture of dialogue, and affirm that unity does not mean eliminating difference, but rather embracing one another in a spirit of social peace, diversity, and pluralism.

The seminar concluded by reaffirming that the role of scholars today extends well beyond the traditional pulpit. It is a purposeful, long-term effort to strengthen Muslim unity, shield societies from extremism, and build trust among different schools of thought through a balanced discourse grounded in evidence, shared history, and respect for difference.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the Iraq International Book Fair as part of its mission to promote peace, foster dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges among people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The Council’s pavilion is located at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds, Pavilion No. 16 – H6.

The Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar at the Iraq International Book Fair titled “The Future of Muslim Unity: Between Shared Objectives and the Ethics of Differences” which featured His Eminence Dr. Hussein Ghazi, member of the Supreme Council of the Iraq Fiqh Academy, and was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Gamal, researcher at the Al-Azhar Heritage Renewal Department.

Sheikh Hussein Ghazi emphasized that the exchange of ideas and communication among societies is the path to bridging viewpoints and closing intellectual gaps. He explained that the Qur’anic approach is founded upon forbearance and magnanimity in dialogue, calling for the adoption of a discourse that rejects extremism and preserves homelands.

He further discussed the foundations upon which the unity of the Ummah rests, pointing out that such unity cannot be achieved through slogans alone but must be grounded in scholarly and methodological ethics that precede emotional reactions. Foremost among these principles are good faith toward others and the exercise of sound reason that curbs whims and reins in impulses. He warned that stirring sectarian and communal strife paralyzes the march of life, spreads resentment, and obscures enlightened minds that could otherwise serve as building blocks for awareness and progress.

Sheikh Ghazi added that difference is a natural human phenomenon that must be managed with wisdom and patience, citing the example of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and Qur’anic verses that underscore the importance of tolerance and moderation in dialogue. He urged youth to channel their energies toward reading and verification, cautioning against being swept away by rumors and misinformation circulated by some on social media platforms.

The member of the Supreme Council of the Iraq Fiqh Academy praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in working to strengthen dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect among the various components of the Islamic Ummah. He highlighted the Council’s organization of the first Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain last February, which produced the “Ahlul-Qiblah” charter—a call to unify the Ummah’s word, reunite its ranks, and stand together in the face of contemporary challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the Iraq International Book Fair as part of its mission to promote peace, entrench the values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among humanity regardless of race or creed. The Council’s pavilion is located at the Baghdad International Fairground, Pavilion 16 – H6.

A high-level delegation from India’s Siraj-ul-Huda University, led by its founder and president, Sheikh Abdulrahman Saquafi, visited the headquarters of the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi to discuss prospects for joint collaboration in education, the advancement of dialogue, and the consolidation of coexistence.

During the meeting, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted the Council’s wide range of programs designed to empower youth and the younger generation to play an active role in building peace, entrenching the principles of moderation and balance, and combating all forms of hatred, extremism, racism, and discrimination. He underscored the vital importance of equipping a new generation capable of promoting dialogue and tolerance while harnessing modern technologies to foster bridges of communication, mutual understanding, and respect among diverse cultures and peoples.

For their part, members of the Siraj-ul-Huda University delegation expressed profound appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders—under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar—in fostering global understanding, advancing the values of human fraternity, and enabling educational institutions to nurture an enlightened generation dedicated to peacebuilding and intra-Islamic dialogue.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to deepen joint cooperation through a series of academic and technological projects and to launch targeted initiatives for youth and researchers that will reinforce the values of dialogue and peace, promote intellectual development, and ensure the ethical application of artificial intelligence.

His Excellency Judge Faiq Zaidan, President of the Court of Cassation of Iraq, visited the Muslim Council of Elders pavilion during the inauguration of the sixth edition of the Iraq International Book Fair. The fair, held under the theme “100 Iraqi Noons,” opened on Wednesday, at the Baghdad International Fairground and will run from 3 to 13 December 2025.

Judge Zaidan reviewed the most prominent publications from Al-Hokama Publishing at the Council’s pavilion and commended the Council’s participation, affirming that the Muslim Council of Elders represents a credible voice of knowledge that significantly contributes to raising societal awareness and spreading moderation, tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

He further highlighted the pioneering role of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in supporting cultural and intellectual initiatives that serve humanity and advance civil peace and social harmony.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the sixth Iraq International Book Fair, showcasing a wide range of books and studies addressing moderation, human fraternity, combating extremism, contemporary intellectual approaches to peacebuilding, and strengthening intra-Islamic dialogue.

In a telephone call on Thursday, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extended heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the UAE’s 54th National Day, praying to Almighty Allah to perpetuate security, progress, and prosperity upon the nation.

His Eminence also conveyed warm congratulations to the respective Rulers—members of the Supreme Council of the Union—and to the Emirati people on the UAE national occasion. He also praised the UAE’s leadership for advancing its civilizational and humanitarian renaissance in steadfast continuation of the visionary path laid by the nation’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—may Allah rest his soul in eternal peace.

The Grand Imam further lauded the profound significance of the newly inaugurated Zayed National Museum, which opened in conjunction with the National Day celebrations, for immortalizing the founder’s enduring legacy and his exemplary approach to leadership, nation-building, and the cherished values of unity and love upon which the Union of the Emirates was established. He supplicated Almighty Allah to shower Sheikh Zayed with divine mercy in recompense for his monumental contributions.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb for his sincere sentiments toward the UAE and its people, as well as for his tireless efforts in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, peace, and coexistence.

“Ahlul-Qibla Call” and Strengthening Intra-Islamic Dialogue Take Center Stage

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 6th Iraq International Book Fair, held under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, from 3 to 13 December 2025 in the capital Baghdad. The pavilion showcases over 250 publications, including scholarly works, books, and treatises addressing key intellectual and cultural topics, correcting misconceptions, promoting enlightened moderate thought, and enhancing intra-Islamic dialogue.

Reflecting the deep affection and immense respect the Iraqi people hold for His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, the pavilion features over 20 of his authored works that highlight the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Among them are Al-Qawl al-Tayyib, Muqawwimat al-Islam, Ra’y fi Hiwar al-Sharq wa al-Gharb, Al-Awdah ila al-Iman, Kalimah ila al-Shabab and many others.

The pavilion also presents a selection of significant publications, including Love in the Holy Qur’an by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, member of the Muslim Council of Elders; The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam; Rules of Understanding and Mutual Comprehension from Thought and Language by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, member of the Council; and Studies on Similar Structures in the Qur’anic Narratives: Comparison and Analysis by Abdul Ghani Al-Rajihi. In addition, more than 25 new 2025 titles from Al-Hokamaa Publishing are featured, such as Problems of the Ummah’s Division into Sunni and Shi‘a: Roots and Solutions by Dr. Elyas Belka, Managing Conflicts in the Muslim World by Dr. Idriss Qasim, Crafting International Peace: Drawing on Shared Contexts, and International Peace: Shared Values and Institutional Concepts by a group of researchers from the Council’s Center for Peace Research.

As part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to promote intra-Islamic dialogue—and in practical application of the outcomes of the first Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference held in Bahrain last February, which produced the “Ahlul-Qibla Call” charter aimed at strengthening Muslim unity, reuniting the Ummah, and unifying its ranks—the Council’s pavilion is hosting a series of seminars and lectures featuring prominent thinkers, scholars, and academics. These sessions explore ways to enhance dialogue and understanding among all Islamic sects, the roles of media, women, youth, and the responsibility of scholars in building effective bridges of communication, paving the way for a new era of cooperation and unity across the Ummah’s diverse components.

The pavilion is also organizing a variety of intellectual and cultural events and programs tailored to visitors’ interests and needs, including a dedicated book-sales area and a special children’s corner offering entertaining and educational activities designed specifically for them.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the Iraq International Book Fair aligns with its mission to promote peace, entrench values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of communication and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at the Baghdad International Fairground, Pavilion 16 – H6.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extends his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to his brothers the Rulers and Sheikhs of the Emirates, and to the Emirati people on the occasion of the 54th UAE National Day.

His Eminence affirms that this day—the anniversary of the UAE’s union—serves as a powerful reminder of the spirit of unity and solidarity upon which the United Arab Emirates was founded, guided by the wise vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He further commends the extraordinary achievements and comprehensive renaissance the UAE has realized for its people, alongside its outstanding global efforts to entrench the values of human fraternity and tolerance.

He prays to Almighty Allah to bless security, peace, progress, and prosperity upon the United Arab Emirates and upon the entire Arab and Islamic worlds.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, renews its unquestioned solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured suffering for over seven decades. It calls on the international community to take urgent and decisive steps to support the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and affirm their legitimate right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

In a statement on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29, the Muslim Council of Elders declared that the Palestinian cause will remain a just and central issue in the Arab, Islamic, and human conscience. It emphasized the importance of mobilizing and strengthening regional and international efforts to revive a path toward just and comprehensive peace that ends the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people and establishes a future of justice, coexistence, and stability in the region and the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders stresses the necessity for the international community to shoulder its moral, humanitarian, and legal responsibilities toward the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. This includes working to halt all violations against innocent civilians, completing the phases of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid to those affected by the aggression, and expediting the implementation of reconstruction plans.

The Muslim Council of Elders also affirms that solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people and support for their legitimate rights represents a religious, moral, and humanitarian duty. It commends all relief initiatives aimed at upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and alleviating their humanitarian suffering, as well as all efforts to enhance global awareness of the Palestinian cause and entrench values of dialogue, peace, and human coexistence.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar has received Kaisa Ollongren, the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, to explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam stated, “We are among those who believe that a significant portion of human rights has been agreed upon between East and West, and it is incumbent upon all to cultivate it as the foundational elements of human rights. Yet, certain matters remain that the West regards as rights, but which, for us in the East, are not, as they contradict sound innate disposition and clash with religious and moral values—the primary constituents and approved reference for Eastern peoples.”

He emphasized that human dignity is not a bestowed privilege but an inherent right that must remain inviolable, while underscoring the Eastern peoples’ rejection of attempts to impose the Western human rights framework on Eastern individuals under the guise of freedoms. He stressed the need for the West to recognize that these issues are intricately tied to the Eastern individual’s personality, identity, history, civilization, and, foremost, to the system of values and religious teachings.

For her part, Kaisa Ollongren, the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, expressed her appreciation for the Grand Imam’s tangible efforts in promoting peace, fraternity, acceptance of others, and equality among all. She expressed her awareness of Al-Azhar’s stature and the vital role it plays in safeguarding human rights and dignity worldwide.

She also affirmed readiness towards enhancingcooperation, stemming from the belief in the role of religious institutions and the shared vision while being acutely aware of the necessity to align human rights with religious, moral, and societal values. She further noted Al-Azhar’s stature and the important, vital role it plays in protecting human rights and dignity globally.