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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that safeguarding children and preserving their childhood from exploitation and suffering is a religious, moral, and profound humanitarian obligation shared by societies, institutions, and individuals alike.

On the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12, the Council declares that addressing child exploitation and forced labor is a collective responsibility and demands unified efforts to develop sound policies, enact stringent laws, ensure social protection and quality education, foster a culture of societal responsibility toward children, and intensify initiatives to combat poverty and ignorance, which rank among the leading causes of child labor. The Council praises the programs and initiatives by various nation states and institutions that empower families and promote education, thereby helping curb this grave issue and fostering a safe environment for every child’s healthy development.

The Council’s statement also emphasizes that in Islam, a child is a dignified being entitled to care, education, protection, and growth in a secure and nurturing environment. Which is proven by the Prophetic Hadith, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each is responsible for their flock” (narrated by Al-Bukhari), which powerfully highlights adults’ duty to nurture children, shield them from harm, and protect them from the burdens of poverty or deprivation, ensuring their rightful childhood remains intact. Furthermore, the Council underscores the critical role of religious, educational, and media institutions in raising awareness and educating communities to combat this issue, actively shaping a collective consciousness that prioritizes child protection which is especially vital in today’s world, where wars and conflicts intensify the suffering of countless innocent children.

The Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside the late Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church at the time, asserts that children’s fundamental rights to family upbringing, nutrition, education, and care constitute a moral duty and responsibility for families and society. These rights must be upheld, defended, and guaranteed for every child worldwide, without exception. Additionally, any practice that undermines their dignity or violates their rights must be condemned, and vigilance is required to address the risks and violations they face in any form.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY Egypt 2025), organized by the Mediterranean Youth Foundation and hosted at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The event drew active participation from numerous institutions, as well as official, academic, and religious figures.
 
In a recorded address broadcast during the opening session of the conference, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that climate change is a fundamental and existential issue that is closely linked to achieving social justice. He noted that it is also a humanitarian concern that threatens humanity and the shared planet we all inhabit. He explained that the Muslim Council of Elders has embraced this cause on multiple fronts, including its participation in several United Nations Climate Change Conferences, most recently COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Azerbaijan. At these conferences, the Council launched a landmark initiative—the Faith Pavilion—which aimed to strengthen the role of religious leaders and figures in addressing the climate challenge.

Judge Abdelsalam further noted that the Council also organized the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, which resulted in the issuance of the document titled The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration on Climate.” This statement was signed by 30 of the world’s most prominent religious leaders, including His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He also highlighted that, in recognition of the importance of youth engagement, the Council organized a climate-themed youth competition that attracted more than 50 participants from 11 countries around the world, aimed at involving youth in this global challenge.

The Secretary-General commended the LCOY Egypt 2025 initiative, particularly as it was launched by Egyptian civil society. He expressed his confidence that such efforts would contribute positively to empowering youth to play a greater role in confronting climate change. He reaffirmed the Muslim Council of Elders’ support for the initiative, stemming from its firm belief in the vital role of youth in addressing contemporary challenges and in promoting peace, coexistence, and human fraternity.

It is worth noting that LCOY Egypt 2025 is being organized for the first time under the leadership of Egyptian civil society, across 11 governorates from May to November 2025, and concurrently in 110 countries around the world. The conference will culminate in a policy paper, which will be submitted annually in November to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Recorded remarks at the opening session were delivered by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; Dr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Dr. Mahmoud Seddiq, Vice President of Al-Azhar University; Dr. Heba Labib, Vice President of Nile University for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Ne’ma Sa’eed, Representative of the World Health Organization in Egypt. The opening session also featured in-person participation from a large number of prominent figures from official, academic, religious, and youth leaders.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the successful completion of this year’s Hajj season. The Council commends the tremendous efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the pilgrims.

The Council expresses its appreciation for the Kingdom’s leading role in the sustainable development of the Hajj system, its mobilization of extensive resources, comprehensive services, and integrated facilities. These efforts are aligned with an advanced vision and innovative programs aimed at ensuring the comfort of pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rites in peace and safety, and providing them with care and support to complete their pilgrimage with ease and reassurance.

The Muslim Council of Elders also conveys its gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their remarkable efforts in hosting over 1.6 million pilgrims this year. The Council commends  the exceptional organization and the mobilization of all necessary capacities to guarantee a secure and seamless Hajj experience. It further lauds the efforts of the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in educating and guiding the pilgrims, facilitating their journey, and enabling them to perform their rites with smoothness, clarity, and ease.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain—led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa—along with its government and noble people, on being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, having secured broad international support with over 186 votes.

The Council affirms that Bahrain’s election to the Security Council is a testament to its significant efforts in promoting global peace and advancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace. This selection comes at a time when the world is in dire need of voices of wisdom amidst escalating challenges, wars, and conflicts.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its strong confidence that Bahrain’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council will help amplify the Arab and Islamic stance on key global issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, and will serve as a sincere voice for the Ummah in addressing the challenges of our time.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has issued a decision appointing His Eminence Sheikh Rawi Ainuddin, Head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia, as a member of the Council.

His Eminence Sheikh Rawi Ainuddin expressed his deep gratitude to His Eminence the Grand Imam for this appointment, describing it as a great honor and source of pride for himself and all the scholars of the Russian Federation. He extended his sincere thanks to the Grand Imam and the members of the Council for the trust they have placed in him by granting him membership in this distinguished international body. He also affirmed his commitment to doing his utmost to support the Council’s mission of serving the causes of the Muslim Ummah, promoting peace, and advancing dialogue and peaceful coexistence. 

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international body established in Abu Dhabi on 21 Ramadan 1435 AH, corresponding to 19 July 2014 CE. Chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Council aims to promote peace and spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. It is the first institutional body dedicated to uniting efforts toward healing divisions within the Muslim Ummah, shielding it from the causes of conflict, fragmentation, and disunity, and extinguishing the flames of discord that threaten its fabric and undermine both human values and the noble principles of Islam. The Council comprises a distinguished group of scholars, sages, and dignitaries from across the Muslim world, renowned for their wisdom, moderation, and independence, and highly esteemed within their communities.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Astana International Forum (AIF), hosted in the Kazakh capital, Astana, under the theme “Connecting Minds: Shaping the Future.” The forum, held from May 29 to 30, brought together a wide range of global leaders and decision-makers and aimed to advance international dialogue and multilateral cooperation to address complex global challenges that require coordinated and comprehensive responses.

During a panel session titled “The Innovation Challenge: Making Climate Action Work for All,” the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that the Document on Human Fraternity—signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 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 head of the Catholic Church—advocates the values of peace, justice, solidarity, and respect for the environment. The document is founded on the shared ethical and spiritual principles of the world’s religions.

The Council added that all religions call for respect for nature, the prevention of corruption on Earth, and the assumption of responsibility toward creation. These are not only spiritual principles but also moral foundations that can serve as a global reference point to support climate action. It noted that the role of faith leaders in this regard extends beyond moral guidance to awakening human conscience, strengthening collective responsibility, and mobilizing communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

The  Council has worked to advance the role of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis through a number of pioneering initiatives. These include organizing the Global Summit of Faith Leaders for Climate in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the launch of the “Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate”—signed by 30 prominent faithleaders from around the globe, including the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis. The Council also organized the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai—marking a historic milestone in the UN Climate Change Conferences. Its resounding success has led to the organization of a second edition at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, which served as a global platform for interfaith dialogue and for amplifying the voices of faith leaders in addressing climate challenges.

The Council noted that faith leaders and local communities in Kazakhstan can play a significant role in promoting sustainability and resilience by activating ethical and religious discourse to raise environmental awareness, linking environmental protection to faith and moral responsibility before God and society. This can also be achieved by integrating sustainability concepts into community activities—whether in schools, houses of worship, or local initiatives—thus making climate action a part of everyday culture. Setting a good example is equally important; when people see faith leaders and community figures committed to sustainable lifestyles, it inspires others to follow their lead. Additionally, building partnerships with youth and civil society is essential, as behavioral change requires intergenerational communication and effective awareness strategies, especially in the digital age.

The Council concluded its remarks by affirming that sustainability begins with recognizing the value of both humanity and nature. As religions have long taught, healing the Earth begins with self-reform, the cultivation of conscience, and cooperation in the pursuit of the common good.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the provocative actions and ongoing violations committed by the Israeli occupation in the city of Jerusalem, including repeated incursions into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Council firmly rejects these oppressive practices, which constitute a blatant provocation to the sentiments of more than two billion Muslims worldwide and serve as a dangerous incitement to hatred and violence. The Council calls for the immediate cessation of such inciteful practices, accountability for those responsible, and the adoption of all necessary measures to prevent their recurrence. It also stresses the need to respect the legal status of the city of Jerusalem and to halt all illegal and unlawful measures against Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Muslim Council of Elders reiterates its call for the international community to uphold its responsibilities by working toward an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the unhindered delivery of urgent humanitarian aid and relief, and ending the prolonged hardship endured by the Palestinian people for more than 70 years. The Council reaffirms the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital.

At the Third International Conference on Combating Islamophobia in Baku…

The Muslim Council of Elders Calls for Youth Empowerment and the Advancement of Legal and Media Frameworks to Confront Islamophobia

The Muslim Council of Elders Urges the Development of a More Comprehensive and Specialized Global Strategy to Counter Islamophobia

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in organizing the Third International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, held in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, from May 26 to 27, 2025, under the theme: “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas.” The event brought together a wide array of religious leaders, policymakers, scholars, and experts from across the globe.

In his address at the conference, Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, emphasized that confronting Islamophobia requires moving beyond conventional approaches and adopting strategies that are both more comprehensive and specialized. He stressed that Islamophobia is not merely a natural fear of difference, but rather a deliberate, targeted behavior stemming from an institutionalized hate discourse that is learned and perpetuated. He called for the urgent need to renew the concepts and terminology associated with the phenomenon, in a way that reflects the actual lived experiences of Muslims in the West and enhances understanding within international institutions and societies.

Dr. Boudinar, delivering the speech on behalf of His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized the need to develop clear conceptual frameworks and precise practices that contribute to building a robust knowledge base—one that enables the design of effective initiatives and projects. He also stressed the importance of strengthening media monitoring and analyzing Western narratives related to the portrayal of Muslims, particularly in light of the growing wave of hate speech driven by the rise of populist right-wing movements that exploit media tools and artificial intelligence to spread negative stereotypes about Islam.

He went on to explain that five years ago, the Muslim Council of Elders launched an initiative to produce a comprehensive legal report on hate speech targeting Muslims and the legal procedures surrounding it in countries affected by Islamophobia. Developed in cooperation with international legal and consulting institutions, the report—spanning over 140 pages—offers an in-depth analysis of the legislative frameworks and procedural challenges involved in combating Islamophobia in several European countries.
 
He also emphasized the pivotal role of youth, describing them not only as a central focus of institutions but as a vital force for renewal and innovation, especially in the areas of media influence, grassroots engagement, and digital communication. The Muslim Council of Elders, he noted, places great importance on youth empowerment through various initiatives such as the Emerging Peacebuilders Forum (EPF) and the “Global Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity” program, among others.

The conference “Islamophobia in Focus” was co-organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) in Azerbaijan, the Baku Process Initiative Group, and several international partners. It brought together prominent religious leaders and policymakers from across the globe to examine the pressing challenges posed by Islamophobia.

On the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit—held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai—His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, met with His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

During the meeting, His Highness welcomed the Grand Imam, wishing him continued health and well-being. He expressed deep appreciation for His Eminence’s tireless efforts and Al-Azhar’s pivotal role in advancing tolerance and human coexistence, fostering a culture of mutual respect, and conveying the true essence of Islam—a faith rooted in noble values and a message of compassion, harmony, and peaceful living.     

Also present at the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The discussion underscored the UAE’s strong commitment to promoting shared human values and nurturing a global culture of coexistence, dialogue, and peace. The leaders highlighted the importance of building bridges of understanding and reinforcing the foundations of harmony and reconciliation worldwide.

The meeting also addressed the importance of the media’s role in rooting authentic Islamic and Arab values and principles, and in confronting harmful trends that target the youth of the Ummah and seek to undermine its core foundations. Given the media’s powerful influence on societies, the discussion emphasized the need to cultivate a new generation of media professionals equipped to counter such foreign and unfamiliar ideologies—an urgent responsibility that the media sector must shoulder.

For his part, His Eminence the Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, praised the UAE’s leading role—under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai—on both regional and global fronts. His Eminence commended the nation’s contributions to serving Islam and its steadfast support for peace and development across the region and the world, following an approach that upholds human dignity and seeks to advance the well-being of all.

His Eminence also expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s continued attention to the concerns of the Muslim Ummah, reflecting its longstanding and principled stance in supporting its Arab brothers, foremost among them, the Palestinian cause, and its consistent support for the Palestinian people at all levels.

The meeting was attended by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt; H.E. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council (UAEMC); H.E. Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; and H.E. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit.

At his keynote address opening the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, calls for an Arab media strategy that safeguards identity and upholds the causes of the Ummah

The Grand Imam unveils a forthcoming global document on AI ethics, initiated in collaboration with the late Pope Francis, and confirms ongoing coordination with the Vatican under its new leadership to complete the project.

The Grand Imam: Islamophobia is no more than a delusion—a pathological fantasy crafted to defame Islam and undermine its foundations of peace and coexistence.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, called for the development of an actionable and comprehensive Arab media strategy—one that defends truth, upholds values, articulates the concerns of the Arab and Muslim worlds, and preserves cultural and spiritual identity. His Eminence warned of the dangers posed by digital platforms that manipulate young people’s emotions, disconnect them from the realities of their Ummah, and blur the boundaries between virtue and vice, all while promoting misleading slogans such as progress, openness, and modernity.

His Eminence extended his sincere gratitude to the United Arab Emirates and to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as well as to the Dubai Press Club, for organizing this landmark media forum. Now approaching a quarter of a century since its launch, the Arab Media Summit has become a prominent platform for dialogue in the Arab and Islamic media landscape. His Eminence commended the forum’s focus on the role of Arab media in navigating the complex ethical challenges of our time amid a rapidly changing world marked by technological advances and compounding humanitarian and ethical crises.

The Grand Imam added: “We, Arabs and Muslims, have long endured media narratives and reports crafted to distort our image in the minds of the West. These portrayals have repeatedly linked Islam to violence, extremism, and the oppression of women—falsely depicting it not as a religion or civilization, but as a radical movement or political ideology that incites hatred, violence, and rebellion against the global order.” He emphasized that Western media has led the way in promoting these falsehoods and continues to do so.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed his deep regret that many of the misleading and distorted media portrayals have found their way into our own societies. These false images have had profoundly negative and disorienting effects on Arab media discourse. He noted that certain individuals from within our own communities have excelled in promoting a counterfeit culture—one preoccupied with criticizing everything of Arab origin or Islamic thought and orientation. This has only intensified the challenges we face today, foremost among them the widening gap between our contemporary consciousness and a heritage that, until recently, stood as one of the greatest sources of our pride, dignity, and resilience in the face of those seeking to undermine the past and present of this Ummah.

Regarding the media’s coverage of the aggression on Gaza, His Eminence affirmed that no just observer—whether in the East or the West—can deny that the cause which should take center stage in Arab media coverage is the tragedy of Gaza: the wars and devastation it has endured, along with the horrific violations that have accompanied it—violations that have been, and continue to be, denounced and condemned by people of conscience around the world for nineteen consecutive months. He stressed that Arab media carries a historic responsibility to continuously highlight the suffering of the rightful owners of the land, to showcase the resilience of this steadfast people and their unwavering connection to their homeland, and to keep the Palestinian cause alive in the hearts and minds of people across the world.

The Grand Imam also welcomed the shift in the positions of many European Union countries regarding the ongoing events in Gaza, commending the awakening of their noble human conscience. He likewise praised the steadfast Arab stance in confronting the machinery of aggression and calling for an immediate ceasefire and the facilitation of humanitarian and relief aid, despite the obstinance of the occupying force. His Eminence concluded by saluting all the free voices around the world who recognize what is unfolding as a grave humanitarian crime that must be brought to an immediate end.

On the rising issue of Islamophobia, His Eminence called for intensified media efforts to confront this illegitimate phenomenon. He noted:
“Islamophobia is no more than a delusion—a pathological fantasy crafted to malign Islam and discredit its principles of peace and coexistence.” He emphasized that Islam enshrines the rights of human beings, animals, and the environment—rights that are unmatched in many contemporary legal and political systems. He asserted that the tragedy unfolding in Gaza has exposed the double standards of those who once boasted of such values while accusing us of lacking them.

His Eminence also criticized the broader assault on Eastern civilizations and ethical systems by some in Western media, which he said go beyond the distortion of Islam to target the foundational values of family and human relations in Eastern societies. He condemned calls to erase these values under the guise of personal freedom—even when such calls result in the breakdown of the family unit, the erosion of children’s rights, and the normalization of behaviors rejected by religious teachings, moral conscience, and cultural norms. He warned that such efforts—including the promotion of same-sex marriage, atheism, and rebellion against faith—represent a dangerous attempt to undermine the sources of strength, independence, and pride in Arab and Islamic identity. “These efforts,” he warned, “place a great responsibility on our shoulders—particularly on media professionals—to reflect seriously on how best to resist these destructive trends and safeguard our youth and nations from cultural erasure and moral disintegration.”

Recognizing the urgent need to keep pace with technological development, His Eminence stressed that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence must be accompanied by clear ethical frameworks and professional safeguards. Without such measures, he warned, AI could become a dangerous force that threatens humanity itself. He called on experts and lawmakers to protect these technologies from deviation or misuse, guided by humanitarian principles that reject hegemony, exploitation, and cultural domination.

The Grand Imam revealed that he had initiated, together with the late Pope Francis, an international document on the ethics of artificial intelligence. The project had reached an advanced stage before the Pope’s passing, and discussions are now ongoing with the Vatican’s new leadership to finalize this important initiative.

Turning to the plight of journalists and correspondents in war zones—particularly in Gaza—His Eminence expressed heartfelt solidarity with Palestinian journalists and others who have paid the ultimate price in defense of truth and the sanctity of honest reporting. He noted that more than 200 journalists and reporters have been killed in Gaza, while many others have suffered grave injuries, the destruction of their homes, or the loss of their families.

He condemned these systematic attacks as a deliberate attempt to silence the voice of truth, erase critical documentation, and prevent justice from being served. “It is,” he said, “an attempt to prevent the world from seeing and understanding the full scope of this aggression.”

In conclusion, His Eminence called upon all those who belong to this noble profession of media and journalism to actively contribute to formulating a unified Arab media strategy—a strategy that stands as a shield for truth and protects the values and identity of our Ummah. He affirmed that Al-Azhar is ready and eager to stand alongside them in fulfilling this noble and sacred duty.