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Muslim Council of Elders Congratulates the Arab and Muslim Nations on the Prophet’s Birthday Anniversary

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Muslim nations on the occasion of the Prophet’s Birthday anniversary. The Council prays to Almighty God to bless this auspicious occasion for all humanity with goodness, prosperity, and blessings.

The Muslim Council of Elders affirms that the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) marked a profound turning point in human history. He laid the foundations of compassion, justice, and peace, called for coexistence and human fraternity, and promoted the values of tolerance and cooperation among all people. The Council emphasizes that commemorating this occasion provides a renewed opportunity to draw inspiration from the noble values brought by the noble Messenger (peace be upon him), and to reaffirm the commitment to follow his path in advancing goodness, love, and peace.

On this occasion, the Council calls upon the Muslim Ummah to emulate the character of the Prophet, revive his Sunnah, study his biography, and follow his guidance in all aspects of life. It underscores that the divine, moral, and legislative teachings embodied in the Prophetic tradition represent a roadmap to salvation for the Muslim Ummah and for the entire world.

The Muslim Council of Elders further reiterates that celebrating this great occasion is an inspiring opportunity to strengthen the unity of the Muslim Ummah, bring its people together, and foster its solidarity—especially in light of the challenges facing our world today. These challenges require a unified Arab and Islamic stance to end the aggression on Gaza, confront attempts of forced displacement, and affirm the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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Muslim Council of Elders Extends Condolences to Sudan for Victims of Devastating Landslide in Darfur

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its heartfelt condolences to Sudan for the victims of the catastrophic landslide that devastated an entire village in the Darfur region of western Sudan, claiming the lives of over a thousand men, women, and children.

The Council stands in solidarity with the Sudanese people during this immense tragedy, which is one of the worst natural disasters in Sudan’s modern history. The Council urges the international community and humanitarian organizations to provide urgent support to those affected and assist in recovering the bodies of the deceased from the rubble, praying to Almighty Allah to grant the families and loved ones of the victims patience and solace.

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Muslim Council of Elders Expresses Solidarity with Afghanistan for Victims of the Earthquake

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, expresses its solidarity with Afghanistan for the victims of the earthquake that struck the eastern part of the country, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of people.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt condolences to Afghanistan and the families of the victims, praying to Almighty Allah for a swift recovery for the injured.

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Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Receives Prime Minister of Lebanon to Discuss Strengthening Cooperation

Prime Minister of Lebanon Renews Invitation to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit Lebanon

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has received His Excellency Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, on Thursday to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation and renew Lebanon’s invitation for the Grand Imam to visit the country.

During the meeting, His Eminence expressed his heartfelt wishes for the progress for the Republic of Lebanon, which he deeply cherishes due to its ability to overcome challenges, and for the Lebanese people to live in peace and security. He prayed that Almighty Allah protect Lebanon, unite its people, and swiftly alleviate their hardships.

His Eminence also emphasized that the unity of the Ummah is the path to its progress and advancement amid today’s global challenges. To this end, Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain convened the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, which was hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to revive the values of unity and solidarity. His Eminence stressed the urgent need for these noble values in light of the ongoing inhumane aggression and genocide targeting innocent people in Gaza for nearly two years.

His Eminence also affirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to host Lebanese imams (Sunni and Shia) and conduct joint training at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. The training curriculum would be tailored to address the unique characteristics and diversity of Lebanese society, as well as its challenges, by focusing on values of unity, solidarity, and positive coexistence among all.

For his part, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon expressed his delight at meeting the Grand Imam for the second time and conveyed his nation’s appreciation for His Eminence’s role in promoting values of fraternity and coexistence. He renewed Lebanon’s invitation for the Grand Imam to visit and noted that Lebanon has endured numerous conflicts, and the scourge of sectarian strife, which has cost countless lives and yet its people are still committed to restoring Lebanon’s vitality and progress.

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Pope Receives Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam and Underscores the Importance of Interfaith Dialogue

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Catholic Church, received Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam on Monday, 25 August, at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The meeting highlighted the vital role of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and human fraternity and in addressing global conflicts and crises.

Commenting on the audience, Judge Abdelsalam said he was honored by the meeting, describing it as an important opportunity to consolidate the efforts of faith leaders in calling for an end to conflicts and in fostering peace. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in cooperation with Al-Azhar, to strengthening the role of religious leaders and institutions in the pursuit of peace.

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Muslim Council of Elders Strongly Condemns Attack on World Food Programme Humanitarian Convoy in Sudan

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the attack on a humanitarian convoy in North Darfur, Sudan.

The Council categorically rejects such attacks, which represent a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It underscores the critical need to ensure the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian and relief workers, adhere to the provisions of the Jeddah Declaration, secure humanitarian and relief aid corridors, and prioritize the welfare and protection of the Sudanese people from the impacts of war.

The Muslim Council of Elders renews its call for an immediate ceasefire as well as the facilitation of access to humanitarian and relief aid, and intensified international efforts to end the conflict and realize the Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace and stability.

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Muslim Council of Elders Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack on Mosque in Northern Nigeria

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the terrorist attack on a mosque in northern Nigeria, which claimed the lives of several innocent civilians.

The Council unequivocally rejects such terrorist acts, which contravene the tolerant teachings of Islam, all divine religions, and international conventions and norms that prohibit attacks on places of worship and mandate their protection, preservation, and respect. The Council calls for resolute action against extremist groups that aim to sow destruction, chaos, and instability, while urging intensified efforts to combat extremist ideologies and promote values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt condolences to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, its leadership, and people for the victims of this heinous attack, praying to Almighty Allah to grant their families and loved ones patience and solace.

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On World Humanitarian Day – Muslim Council of Elders Calls for Strengthening Solidarity and Protecting Humanitarian Workers

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls for intensified international efforts to address the escalating humanitarian crises worldwide, which have deprived millions of civilians of essential needs such as food, water, and medicine due to wars, conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change.

In a statement issued on World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes that providing aid to the afflicted, refugees, displaced, and homeless is among the most noble values upheld by all divine religions, particularly Islam, which establishes mercy and solidarity as the foundation of human interactions. The Council underscores the critical need to uphold human dignity and restore hope to millions of innocent people who have lost security and shelter.

The Council further stresses the urgent need to ensure adequate protection for humanitarian and relief workers, calling for an end to the attacks and violations they face while carrying out their noble duties. It urges the international community to enhance cooperation and solidarity to safeguard their lives and support their efforts.

The Muslim Council of Elders continues its commitment to promoting dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, emphasizing the importance of human and social solidarity as outlined in the historic Document on Human Fraternity. Co-signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former Pope of the Catholic Church, the document laid the foundation for a more just, compassionate, and equitable world.

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Muslim Council of Elders Extends Condolences to Algeria for Victims of the Oued El Harrach Accident

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, offers its deepest condolences to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria for the victims of a bus accident in Oued El Harrach, in the capital, Algiers, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

The Council expresses its full solidarity with the Republic of Algeria, its people, and the families of the victims, praying to Almighty Allah for a swift recovery for those injured.

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Countering Islamophobia – A Seminar at the Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair hosted a seminar titled “Countering Islamophobia in Europe: An Analytical Perspective,” presented by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Hokama Center for Peace Research.

During the seminar, Dr. Boudinar provided an analytical review of the book ‘Countering Islamophobia in Europe’, a translated publications by Al Hokama Publishing. He emphasized that Islamophobia involves deliberate and intentional fearmongering against Islam, relying on distorted fragments and employing fabricated hate speech based on promoting falsehoods, which restricts Muslims’ ability to express their true identity.

The Director of the Hokama Center for Peace Research added that several strategies can be adopted to counter this phenomenon, including legal action, precise knowledge, and continuous monitoring of incidents at places of worship and elsewhere, as well as tracking biased media narratives and addressing them by debunking perceptions of an “Islamic threat” within their proper context.

Dr. Boudinar called for a clear action plan by religious and relevant institutions to present the true image of Islam and its lofty human values, which emphasize dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is making concerted efforts to combat this dangerous phenomenon, reduce its spread, and promote values of full citizenship and positive integration for Muslims in their societies.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the fourth consecutive year at the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, held from August 9 to 17, 2025, as part of its efforts to foster a culture of dialogue and reinforce values of coexistence and peace worldwide.

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