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On Tuesday, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Aga Khan V, leader of the Ismaili community and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, to explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation.

His Eminence emphasized that the mission of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders centers on promoting peace and fostering human fraternity among all people. This commitment has fostered openness to collaboration with religious and cultural institutions worldwide to realize this noble objective. He highlighted the initiative to convene the inaugural Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at strengthening bonds of fraternity within the diverse fabric of the Muslim world, moving beyond past divisions, and establishing a platform to unify the voices of Islamic scholars and religious institutions in addressing the crises and challenges confronting the Muslim world.

His Eminence affirmed a commitment to deepening cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network through joint developmental and awareness initiatives, particularly those targeting youth and addressing contemporary challenges. He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders, under his leadership, possesses extensive experience in such impactful projects in partnership with Al-Azhar, with the goal of promoting moderation, tolerance, and an accurate representation of Islam.

For his part, Aga Khan V expressed commended the Grand Imam for his significant efforts to present an authentic portrayal of Islam and advance the values of human fraternity. He praised His Eminence’s initiatives to unify the Muslim world and expressed his eagerness to strengthen partnerships with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to promote Islam’s moderation and tolerance, especially among youth in Europe.

Aga Khan V stated, “We are delighted at the prospect of collaboration across various fields with your Eminence. Our extensive development network focuses on culture, awareness, and education in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Additionally, through numerous projects, we strive to promote awareness of Islam’s tolerant essence in several European countries.”

A delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders concluded a visit to the state of Utah in the United States of America, having met with religious leaders, academics, and officials to promote the values of human fraternity, strengthen interfaith collaboration, and advocate for ethical innovation in artificial intelligence.

During the visit, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam held meetings with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President Dallin H. Oaks, Elder David A. Bednar, and Elder Gerrit W. Gong. Discussions focused on shared values, peaceful coexistence, and the ethical implications of technological advancements. Judge Abdelsalam also engaged with Utah’s Muslim community at the Khadeeja Islamic Center Mosque and met with Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson, underscoring the importance of inclusive dialogue between religious institutions and governmental bodies.

The delegation also visited Brigham Young University (BYU), having met with President Shane Reese to explore opportunities for collaboration in academic research, student exchange programs, youth leadership development, and initiatives related to artificial intelligence. The delegation also participated in a Strategic Planning Collaboration Workshop with representatives from the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on shared priorities for youth programs, technological projects, and efforts to enhance interfaith dialogue.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Conference Center, several local meetinghouses, and the Bishop’s Central Storehouse, gaining insights into the Church’s worship practices, community life, and humanitarian efforts.

Judge Abdelsalam stated, “I have been deeply inspired by all that I have witnessed in the remarkable state of Utah, which is truly a place of warmth and hospitality.” During his visit to BYU, he added, “Brigham Young University exemplifies the belief that science and religion are not in conflict, and that all truths are complementary and harmonious.”

For his part, Elder David A. Bednar commended the growing partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stating, “I am grateful for the deepening relationship between the globally influential Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has grown significantly in importance and depth.” He further emphasized that the coming period will see further collaboration on numerous inspiring projects and initiatives.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from September 17 to 18, under the patronage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan with attendance by prominent religious leaders and figures from around the world.

In his address during the congress’s main session, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that this distinguished gathering reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, which transcends mere exchanges of words. It represents a culture demanding courage and resolve, particularly when involving religions—not just rituals and practices but comprehensive visions of the human self, the other, and the ethical values that guide them toward fostering refined interactions, mature human relationships, and constructive engagement.

He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders has consistently championed interfaith dialogue, working for years to promote its values through numerous global initiatives. Notable among these is the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. Additionally, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was organized to foster dialogue among all components of the Islamic world.

He further highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders launched the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement by Religious Leaders for Climate” and, for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties, established the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29. The Council is currently collaborating with Al-Azhar and the Holy See to develop a document on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, recognizing this transformative technology’s potential to benefit humanity while requiring an ethical and value-based framework to ensure its optimal use for all.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the crucial role that religious leaders can play amid the wars and conflicts facing the world today, particularly the unjust aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in tens of thousands of victims. Over two million people are currently enduring policies of killing, starvation, and attempted forced displacement. He called on religious leaders and figures to work together to rally support for halting this aggression and finding effective solutions to wars and conflicts around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders also expressed its appreciation for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions’ outstanding efforts to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and deeper understanding among religious communities. Since its inception in Astana in 2003, the Congress has laid the foundation for a pioneering experience. The Council also praised Kazakhstan’s rich religious, cultural, and civilizational diversity, which has defined its historical landscape through the ages and continues to thrive today.

Grand Imam and Singapore’s President Discuss Conference on ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ to be Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and First Lady Jane Yumiko Ittogi, to strengthen academic and advocacy cooperation.

During the meeting, His Eminence commended Singapore’s exemplary model of scientific and educational advancement, which he observed during his previous visit to the country. He also affirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to training Singaporean imams, enhancing their skills in addressing contemporary issues, and establishing an Arabic language learning center in Singapore to serve its people in studying the language.

For his part, President Shanmugaratnam praised His Eminence’s efforts in promoting global peace and harmony. He stated, “I come to you today with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious delegation, reflecting the profound respect and admiration we hold for you, which words cannot fully convey.”

The Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam also discussed the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the urgent need to advocate for an immediate and unconditional end to the aggression targeting innocent civilians. His Eminence declared, “We call on you and the world’s wise leaders to exert every effort to intervene and halt this aggression.” His Eminence also expressed appreciation for efforts toward recognizing the State of Palestine.

Furthermore, the Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam discussed Singapore’s participation in the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference, which will be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with Al-Azhar. His Eminence remarked, “We have agreed with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to hold the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference to showcase these nations as models of development and interfaith coexistence, and to share their pioneering experiences with the Muslim world. This will foster knowledge and expertise exchange, contributing to a comprehensive vision for the advancement of our Muslim world. We are fully confident that Singapore’s participation and support will ensure the conference’s success in fulfilling its mission and amplifying its message.”

President Shanmugaratnam welcomed Singapore’s participation and pledged his nation’s support to ensure the conference’s success.