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His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, is participating today, Saturday, in the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, taking place at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, with the attendance of more than 130 foreign delegations from around the globe.

In a statement, Judge Abdelsalam remarked that at this pivotal moment in human history, we bid farewell to a courageous religious leader and an enduring symbol who leaves behind an inspiring humanitarian legacy for generations to come—one rooted in the promotion of goodness, peace, coexistence, and human fraternity. He emphasized that history will forever inscribe in letters of light Pope Francis’ humanitarian stances in defense of the poor, the oppressed, the refugees, and the displaced.

Judge Abdelsalam further noted that true loyalty to this great religious figure calls upon all of us to continue the journey of human fraternity that Pope Francis began with his brother, His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, through the launch of the Human Fraternity initiative and its historic document from Abu Dhabi in 2019. He stressed that this noble path compels us all to work tirelessly toward realizing the dream for which Pope Francis lived—a dream shared by all lovers of peace and goodness—of a world free of crises, wars, and conflicts, and governed by the spirit of love, coexistence, and fraternity.

The Vatican had announced last Monday the passing of Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, at the age of eighty-eight. His Holiness is scheduled to be laid to rest today, Saturday, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its heartfelt solidarity with the Republic of Türkiye in the wake of the recent earthquake that struck the Sea of Marmara, affecting several areas in Istanbul and resulting in injuries to dozens of individuals.

The Council affirms its unwavering support for Türkiye and its people during this challenging time, praying to Almighty Allah to grant a swift and full recovery to all those injured.

As part of its cultural program at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia.” The session was moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, and presented by Dr. Fouad Farahawi, Professor at the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Social Sciences at Mohammed I University (MIU) in Oujda.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar noted that the theme was drawn from a recently published book by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, titled “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia: Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism in China and India.” The book, a collaborative work by the research team behind the project Peace and the Religious and Ethnic Map of Asia, was overseen by Dr. Fouad Farahawi. It delves into the complexities of religious and ethnic diversity in Asia, with a particular focus on China and India, two of the most populous and culturally diverse nations in the region. The book also explores the issue of identity, especially in India, as the second most populous country in Asia.
 
Dr. Fouad Farahawi emphasized that the book highlights Asia as the world’s richest and most diverse region for Muslim populations, according to global demographic data. He pointed out that the region plays a pivotal role in shaping the future global balance of power, especially with the cultural, economic, and strategic rise of both China and India.

He further noted that global peace is closely linked to stability in Asia, as patterns of cooperation and conflict in the region often reverberate across other parts of the world, including Africa, the Arab region, Europe, and the Americas. He stressed that the reality and future of Muslims in Asia cannot be viewed in isolation from the historical evolution of the other nations, religions, and civilizations in the region. Given the broad ethnic and linguistic diversity of Muslims in Asia, it is only natural to find points of intersection with the ethnic compositions of other religious and philosophical traditions in the region.

 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Rabat International Book Fair showcases over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a number of its latest 2025 releases from Al-Hokama Publishing, addressing key contemporary intellectual and cultural issues. The Pavilion also hosts a series of cultural and scholarly events featuring prominent scholars, thinkers, authors, academics, and university professors, all in line with the Council’s vision and mission to promote peace and uphold the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s Pavilion is located in the Souissi District of Morocco’s capital, Rabat, at Stand D47.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated pavilion at the 39th edition of the Tunis International Book Fair, scheduled to take place from April 25 to May 4, 2025. This participation reflects the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation and human coexistence.

Throughout the fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand will showcase more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural releases, including several of the latest publications from Al Hokama Publishing for the year 2025. These include books such as “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia: Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism in China and India,” “Peace in Africa: Studies and Perspectives on Enhancing Stability and Development,” “The Making of International Peace: Drawing from Shared Contexts,” and “International Peace: Shared Values and Institutional Concepts,” authored by a group of researchers from the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. Additionally, the book “Islam and the West: An Approach to the Causes of Confrontation and a Survey of the Conditions for Intercultural Exchange” by Dr. Mohamed Elbenayadi, “The Quran’s Discourse on Humanity” by Ali Mohamed Hassan Al-Amari, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar, “Imam al-Haramayn and His Influence on the Development of the Ash’ari School” by Ali Mohamed Jaber, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar, and “Islamic Principles on Family Planning” by Abu Al-Wafa Al-Maraghi, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar, will also be featured.

As part of its commitment to strengthening intra-Islamic dialogue, the pavilion will also showcase several publications addressing this critical theme, including the book “Conflict Management in the Muslim World” by Dr. Idris Qasim, a researcher in foreign policy issues and a Doctor of Public Law, and the book “Problems of the Ummah’s Division into Sunnis and Shiites” by the Islamic thinker Dr. Elias Belka.

The pavilion further highlights over 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works aim to present the true spirit of Islam and its rich intellectual and philosophical heritage. Titles include Al-Qawl al-Tayyib, From My Old Notebooks, A Perspective on East-West Dialogue, An Introduction to Classical Logic, Reflections on Purposes and Causes, On Sufi Theological Terminology, Tradition and Renewal, For the Sake of Peace, Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash‘ari, Etiquette and Values, Toward a Contemporary Jurisprudential Renewal, and Lady Aisha: Mother of the Believers, among others.

In the same context, the Council’s pavilion offers several important publications, including “Love in the Holy Quran” by HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, “The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path – A Testimony to the Birth of the Document on Human Fraternity” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, “Rules of Understanding and Mutual Understanding in Thought and Language,” by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, “Muslims at a Crossroads” by the late Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq, and “Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco” by Dr. Jaafar ben El Haj Soulami. 

Recognizing the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations in constructive communication, the Muslim Council of Elders continues its diligent efforts to translate numerous books aimed at promoting peace. This year, the Council presents several notable translated publications, including “The Voice of Change” and “Shared Global Values and Making International Peace” by a group of researchers. Additionally, there are other translated works such as “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by various researchers, “Islam and Good Governance” by Prof. Dr. Muqtedar Khan, and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler, among others.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located at Stand 1302, Exhibition Palace, Al-Karam District, at the Tunis International Book Fair.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: Renewing religious discourse is a matter of urgent relevance in today’s global context

Dr. Ahmed Mostafa: Muhammad Abdullah Draz represents a continuation of the Azharite tradition of revival and renewal—blending Islamic heritage with the insights of modern Western thought

As part of its cultural program at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders hosted a seminar titled “Analyzing the Discourse of Renewal: Muhammad Abdullah Draz as a Model.” The seminar was moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, and presented by Dr. Ahmed Mostafa, a specialist in religious discourse analysis at Al-Azhar.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Boudinar emphasized that renewing religious discourse is a matter of pressing importance in the contemporary world, given the urgent need to develop scholarly and methodological tools of expression. He noted that Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Draz stands out as one of the leading figures in the renewal of religious thought in modern times.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Mostafa stated that Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Draz represents a continuation of a prominent intellectual current within Al-Azhar—namely, the “revival and renewal movement,” which emerged in the modern era with figures such as Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, Sheikh Hassan Al-Attar, and other distinguished scholars of Al-Azhar. These scholars combined a deep, comprehensive understanding of the rich and diverse Islamic heritage, with all its complex issues and profound intellectual insights, with a constructive engagement with modern Western methodologies. They built upon these methods in a way that served the interests of the Arab and Islamic worlds and addressed the pressing challenges they continue to face.
 
He added that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Draz had a unique relationship with the Qur’an. His writings and intellectual contributions reflected his bold engagement with the text, using logic and rational analysis to explore its meanings and speak directly to the modern mind. His treatment of the Qur’an’s miraculous nature was both creative and comprehensive—going beyond its linguistic and rhetorical brilliance to include psychological, intellectual, moral, historical, reformative, and ethical dimensions. He possessed a sharp renewalist vision, which earned him wide recognition among scholars and intellectuals as one of the most influential figures in modern Islamic thought. 

Dr. Ahmed Mostafa further explained that Sheikh Draz approached the question of the Qur’an’s divine origin through a method uniquely suited to the modern era, particularly in the face of the doubts and suspicions raised by materialist and deviant ideologies. His approach combined rational and spiritual analysis, focusing on the internal structure of the Qur’an—its coherence, objectivity, and unity of message. With remarkable clarity, he distinguished between the Qur’anic revelation and the Prophet’s own speech in both style and substance, showing that the Qur’an is not the word of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but a divine revelation in both origin and nature. This sacred text, Draz demonstrated, surpasses the Prophet’s own words in eloquence, legal depth, and psychological insight. Sheikh Draz’s methodology skillfully bridged the authenticity of Islamic intellectual tradition with the demands of the modern age, making his perspective both distinctive and persuasive, not only for Muslim scholars and thinkers but also for non-Muslims seeking to understand the depth of the Qur’anic message.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Rabat International Book Fair showcases over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a number of its latest 2025 releases from Al-Hokama Publishing, addressing key contemporary intellectual and cultural issues. The Pavilion also hosts a series of cultural and scholarly events featuring prominent scholars, thinkers, authors, academics, and university professors, all in line with the Council’s vision and mission to promote peace and uphold the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s Pavilion is located in the Souissi District of Morocco’s capital, Rabat, at Stand D47.

Dr. Mohamed Jamal: Contemporary challenges demand moving beyond traditional academic boundaries for deeper understanding and broader analysis of peace-related issues.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: Modern conflict resolution studies emphasize the essential role of “wisdom” and “the wise leaders” in promoting global peace.

As part of its cultural program at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled “Interdisciplinary Approaches in Contemporary Peace Studies.” The seminar was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Jamal, researcher at the Office for Manuscript Verification at Al-Azhar, Headquarters and featured a presentation by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohamed Jamal highlighted the significance of the seminar’s theme, which explored the integration of tools and knowledge across diverse fields—ranging from political and social sciences to psychology, arts, and environmental studies. The goal, he explained, is to shed light on the theoretical and practical foundations of interdisciplinary methodologies and to examine real-world models that contribute to peacebuilding and the promotion of human coexistence across various sectors.

Dr. Jamal further noted that the seminar aims to foster a constructive scientific dialogue among researchers and practitioners in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by these interdisciplinary approaches. He stressed that the world’s current complex and interconnected crises require moving beyond traditional academic methods to achieve deeper insight and more holistic analysis of contemporary peace issues.

For his part, Dr. Samir Boudinar emphasized that peace studies, since the inception of this academic field, have been characterized by what he termed “pluralistic disciplinary origins,” drawing from economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, psychology, education, and beyond. He underscored that building peace in any society requires the adoption of diverse approaches that benefit from the contributions and methodologies of multiple disciplines.

Dr. Boudinar also affirmed the critical role of wise figures in peacebuilding efforts in today’s world, stating that many conflicts can be resolved through the “wisdom of the wise.” He pointed out that recent studies in the field of peacebuilding highlight the importance of reviving traditional cultural frameworks for mediation and arbitration, such as tribal elders, spiritual leaders, senior citizens, and community sages.

He concluded by asserting that the concept of “wisdom” is both a moral and universal value that intersects with the idea of “everyday peace”—a form of peace shaped by multiple actors and interventions. He also stressed the need to understand domestic contexts and particularities in order to accurately analyze conflicts in war-affected countries and communities.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Rabat International Book Fair showcases over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a number of its latest 2025 releases from Al-Hokama Publishing, addressing key contemporary intellectual and cultural issues. The Pavilion also hosts a series of cultural and scholarly events featuring prominent scholars, thinkers, authors, academics, and university professors, all in line with the Council’s vision and mission to promote peace and uphold the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.
The Council’s Pavilion is located in the Souissi District of Morocco’s capital, Rabat, at Stand D47.

As part of its cultural program at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled ‘Islam and the West: An Approach to the Causes of Tension and Conditions for Cultural Exchange.’ The session was moderated by Mr. Hamza Messaoudi, a researcher at the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, and featured a presentation by Dr. Mohammed Al-Bunayyadi, Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez. Dr. Al-Bunayyadi also coordinates the Master’s program in Contemporary Occidental Studies at the same faculty and serves as Chairman of the Shuhoud Center for Scientific Research and Civilizational Studies in Fez.

Opening the seminar, Mr. Masoudi emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, places great importance on the study of the relationship between Islam and the West, particularly through their historical and cultural intersections. He explained that the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, recognizing the importance of this topic, published the book “Islam and the West: An Approach to Causes of Conflict and Monitoring the Conditions of Cultural Exchange” by Dr. Al-Bunayyadi. The book highlights the significance of understanding the Muslim world’s relationship with the West by tracing a series of historical and cultural interactions that have unfolded since the early days of the Prophetic mission, all the way to modern and contemporary dynamics.

Dr. Al-Bunayyadi noted that his work explores the potential for cultural exchange as an alternative to conflict. Drawing on the concept of “the Other”—its philosophical roots, social structure, and cultural expression—he called for new intellectual discourses that challenge prevailing stereotypes between Islam and the West. He pointed to the pressing need for new intellectual discourses that challenge the prevailing stereotypes between Islam and the West, and aim to establish a more balanced perspective in the mutual perception between the civilizational model of the Muslim world and that of the West—viewing the relationship between both as part of a continuum of past and future civilizational experiences.
 
In this regard, Dr. Mohamed Al-Bunayyadi emphasized that the book “Islam and the West: An Approach to Causes of Conflict and Monitoring the Conditions of Cultural Exchange” stands out for presenting a perspective rooted in the necessity of understanding the historical context in order to grasp the true nature of the relationship between Islam and the West. It adopts a forward-looking and visionary approach that contributes to contemporary discussions on this relationship, lays the groundwork for an enlightened dialogue grounded in historical awareness and mutual respect, and—most importantly—helps chart a path toward future cooperation. 

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Rabat International Book Fair features over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including several of the Council’s latest 2025 releases addressing major cultural and philosophical themes. The pavilion also hosts a series of thought-provoking events with leading scholars, thinkers, writers, academics, and university professors. This initiative reflects the Council’s mission to promote peace and advance the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at Stand D47 in the Souissi district of Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

The Muslim Council of Elders , under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, together with its esteemed members and Secretary-General, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, who passed away today at the age of 88.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that Pope Francis devoted his life to serving humanity and advancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, peace, and human fraternity while he also tirelessly supported the vulnerable, needy, refugees, and the displaced, embodying a singular example of compassion and becoming a historic religious figure whose enduring humanitarian legacy will inspire future generations. In partnership with His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Pope Francis co-authored the historic Document on Human Fraternity, widely regarded as one of the most significant documents in modern human history.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the leaders of the Catholic Church, our Christian brethren, and all advocates of peace and coexistence worldwide. We pray that Almighty Allah grants the departed’s loved ones and admirers strength, patience, and solace during this time of loss.

Dr. Mohamed Gamal: The Muslim Council of Elders Is Making Tireless Efforts to Heal the Rift Within the Muslim Ummah

Dr. Elias Mohamed Belka: Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders Are Leading Groundbreaking Initiatives to Unite the Ummah

As part of its cultural program at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders hosted its second cultural seminar, titled “The Problem of the Ummah’s Division into Sunnis and Shiites.” The session was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Gamal, a researcher at the Heritage Revival Office of Al-Azhar, and featured a presentation by Dr. Elias Mohamed Belka, Professor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez and Director of Strategic Studies at the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research.

Opening the session, Dr. Mohamed Gamal emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is undertaking tireless efforts to mend the divisions within the Islamic nation. He highlighted the Grand Imam’s 2022 call for intra-Islamic dialogue aimed at rejecting sectarian strife and conflict and reuniting the diverse schools of thought within Islam. These efforts culminated in the first edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held in February this year in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the theme “One Ummah… One Shared Destiny.” A major outcome of the conference was the Call of the People of the Qibla—a comprehensive charter for unity and reconciliation within the Ummah.

Dr. Elias Mohamed Belka, Professor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez and Director of Strategic Studies at the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in bridging the divide across the Islamic world. He noted that the Al Hokama Center has given significant attention to the issue of sectarian division, and recently published a book titled “The Problem of the Ummah’s Division into Sunnis and Shiites: Origins and Solutions.”

He further noted that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, fully aware of the dangers posed by internal conflict, have established a vital initiative to heal the rift. Under the leadership of the Grand Imam, they are spearheading groundbreaking efforts such as organizing the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain and launching the Call for the People of  Qiblah: One Ummah… One Shared Destiny.

At the Rabat International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion showcases over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including several of Al Hokama Publishing’s latest 2025 releases addressing pressing contemporary issues. The pavilion is also hosting a wide range of cultural and intellectual activities, featuring prominent scholars, thinkers, writers, academics, and university professors. These efforts reflect the Council’s vision and mission to promote peace and foster the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at Stand D47 in the Souissi district of Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: The Muslim Council of Elders places remarkable emphasis on civil and societal peace

Dr. Adel Moussaoui: The book ‘Peace in Africa’ is an extension of a regional studies initiative launched by Al Hokama Center for Peace Research

The Pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair hosted its first cultural seminar, titled “Peace in Africa: Studies and Visions for Enhancing Stability and Development.” The seminar featured Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, and Dr. Adel Moussaoui, a political science and international relations researcher at Mohammed V University in Rabat.
  
At the start of the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar stated that the book Peace in Africa: Studies and Visions for Enhancing Stability and Development, published by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, is the result of a research project focused on Muslim communities and peace in Africa. It reflects the Muslim Council of Elders’ strong commitment to civil and societal peace, conflict resolution, and the consolidation of sustainable peace. He noted that Dr. Adel Moussaoui was one of the contributors to this collective volume and presented a significant scholarly contribution based on his extensive academic and research expertise.

Dr. Boudinar further explained that the book is a valuable addition to the field of African studies, addressing new aspects within this body of knowledge, not only through the broad range of topics and approaches it covers, but also through the creative and innovative methodologies it employs.

For his part, Dr. Adel Moussaoui said that the book falls within the domain of African studies and represents the product of collective work carried out under the African Studies Program at the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, affiliated with the Muslim Council of Elders. It is part of a broader regional studies initiative launched by the center. He noted that the book presents diverse intellectual frameworks and themes, adopting an approach that proposes a new model for building peace and fostering development. The work is rooted in African identity and culture, employing an analytical method that draws upon local African components. 

The political science and international relations scholar at Mohammed V University in Rabat added that the book seeks to develop a knowledge-based framework that interacts with Western paradigms. It offers a distinctive contribution to the African studies field and succeeds to a considerable extent in presenting a scholarly vision on peace in Africa, along with possible pathways for achieving reconciliation and coexistence based on human rights, social justice, and the restoration of social solidarity and shared humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Rabat International Book Fair showcases over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including several of the Council’s latest 2025 releases, which address prominent intellectual and cultural issues. The pavilion also hosts a series of cultural and intellectual activities featuring leading scholars, thinkers, writers, intellectuals, academics, and university professors. All of this aligns with the Council’s vision and mission to promote peace and instill the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at the iconic OLM Souissi in Rabat, at Pavilion D47.