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Lebanese Prime Minister Invites the Grand Imam to Visit Lebanon, Stating: “A Visit Eagerly Awaited by All Lebanese, Across All Sects”

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Mr. Nawaf Salam Nawaf, Prime Minister of Lebanon, at His Eminence’s residence in Dubai.

The Grand Imam emphasized the deep-rooted and historic ties between Al-Azhar and the Lebanese people, affirming Al-Azhar’s readiness to provide all forms of support to Lebanon, ranging from training imams and preachers to increasing the number of scholarships allocated to Lebanese students. He prayed that God Almighty bestow security, stability, progress, and prosperity upon this dear nation, so close to the heart of every Arab and Muslim.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar also stressed the importance of unity among the Lebanese and their vigilance against any attempts to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty. He urged collective efforts to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, pointing out that Lebanon is in dire need of its wise leaders and loyal citizens to unite ranks and thwart the schemes of those who wish the country ill.

For his part, the Lebanese Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam and praised His Eminence’s principled stances and influential role in conveying the true image of Islam, promoting a culture of peace, and reinforcing the values of fraternity. He remarked, “We take great pride in Al-Azhar, this venerable Islamic institution, which has played a significant role in our country through its scholars, envoys, and Lebanese alumni who have positively contributed to fostering the coexistence and diversity that characterize the Lebanese people.”

The Prime Minister extended a formal invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Lebanon, stating that the entire Lebanese population eagerly anticipates such a visit out of the deep love and great respect they hold for His Eminence. The Grand Imam welcomed the gracious invitation and confirmed his intent to fulfill it at the earliest opportunity.

The Muslim Council of Elders took part in a panel discussion organized by the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue in Kazakhstan, bringing together several prominent religious and intellectual figures to explore the role of religious leaders in advancing sustainable peace.

Speaking during the virtual session, Mr. Mohamed Al-Amin, Director General of the Council’s Regional Office in Central Asia, emphasized that religious leaders play a vital role in building peace and ensuring its long-term sustainability. He called for interfaith dialogue to evolve into meaningful partnerships that serve communities and uphold shared human values. He also commended Kazakhstan’s leading efforts in promoting dialogue, coexistence, and harmony among followers of different faiths.
Mr. Al-Amin added that the role of religious leaders today extends beyond spiritual guidance—they are also called to be builders of trust and sources of inspiration. Despite their differences, all religions converge on a common goal: promoting peace and preserving human dignity. He pointed out that the moral authority held by religious leaders must be harnessed to promote reform and harmony, and to encourage collaboration and dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures.

He highlighted the exemplary partnership between His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church, which culminated in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. This historic document, he noted, stands as an inspiring ethical framework for ongoing efforts to promote peace and coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its humanitarian mission: to spread a culture of dialogue and tolerance, and to foster collective efforts toward building a world rooted in justice, peace, and stability. The Council stressed that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the active establishment of justice, dignity, prosperity, and harmony.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to attend the opening of the Arab Media Summit, scheduled from May 26 to 28, 2025. His Eminence’s participation follows an official invitation from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

The Grand Imam and his travelling delegation, including His Eminence Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt; were received upon their arrival by His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs in the United Arab Emirates; His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; and His Excellency Hossam Hussein Ismail, Consul-General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Dubai.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders is set to deliver the keynote address at the Arab Media Summit which will emphasize the vital role of the media in addressing contemporary global challenges.

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The Muslim Council of Elders is set to participate in the 3rd International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas,” scheduled for May 26–27, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference, organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre (BIMC), the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), and the Baku Initiative Group, in collaboration with various international partners will convene global scholars, religious leaders, and policymakers to address the pressing issue of Islamophobia around the world.

Featuring experts from nearly 40 countries, the conference will feature a diverse array of sessions addressing critical facets of Islamophobia, with the aim of fostering comprehensive and practical discussions as well as actionable strategies to counter hate crimes, systemic discrimination, and media biases targeting Muslims and Muslim-majority countries. The conference will also feature the launch of an observatory platform (https://anti-muslimhatred.com) to monitor global Islamophobia trends and the presentation of a comprehensive report to guide international organizations in their efforts. 

Representing the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research and a member of the Council’s Executive Office, will participate in the session titled “Youth Voices for Inclusion: Tackling Prejudice and Misconceptions” on Tuesday May 27. Dr. Boudinar will deliver a presentation titled “Creating More Opportunities to Address Islamophobia: The Role of Youth in Institutions” which will highlight the critical role of youth in fostering inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and promoting interfaith dialogue to counter Islamophobia.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation underscores its commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding globally while aiming to contribute towards actionable strategies that address the rising challenges of hate in general and Islamophobia in particular.

His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, visits the United Arab Emirates at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to participate in the opening of the Arab Media Summit, which will be held from May 26 to 28.

His Eminence is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the summit, where he will highlight the crucial role that media can play in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Crown Prince of Fujairah: Al-Azhar is Our Foremost Religious, Spiritual, and Moral Authority

His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, on Wednesday at Al-Azhar in Cairo.

The Grand Imam warmly welcomed the Crown Prince and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between Al-Azhar and the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. His Eminence commended the Emirate of Fujairah for its efforts in promoting the Arabic language and preserving traditional Arab arts such as calligraphy and poetry.

For his part, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi expressed his great honor and pleasure in meeting the Grand Imam, praising His Eminence’s pivotal role in spreading the true teachings of Islam, promoting a culture of tolerance, dialogue, and human fraternity, and fostering peaceful coexistence among people of all backgrounds. The Crown Prince stated, “We always look forward to your pioneering role in advancing global peace. Al-Azhar is our foremost religious, moral, and spiritual authority, and Your Eminence holds a special place in the hearts of the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates.”

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, has received Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Vatican.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam conveyed the congratulations of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with the Council’s members, to Pope Leo XIV on his inaugration as head of the Catholic Church. He affirmed that the Pope’s messages emphasizing peace, love, unity, combating hate speech and violence, ending wars and conflicts, and supporting the marginalized and disenfranchised have resonated positively with advocates of peace and goodwill worldwide. Judge Abdelsalam noted that the global community looks to religious leaders to strengthen peace, dialogue, and efforts to resolve conflicts.

For his part, Pope Leo XIV expressed his appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the official papal inauguration and for the congratulatory phone call from His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb following his election. Pope Leo XIV underscored his commitment to continuing collaborative efforts to build bridges of dialogue, promote coexistence, tolerance, and human fraternity.

Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: Lebanon is dear to every Arab and Muslim; we pray that it may be blessed with peace and security

Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Lebanese President affirm the importance of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in promoting the values of citizenship

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received today, Monday, His Excellency President Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon, to discuss ways of enhancing mutual cooperation and addressing the challenges facing the region.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar warmly welcomed the Lebanese President and his accompanying delegation. He affirmed that “Lebanon holds a special place in the heart of every Arab and Muslim. We follow its developments closely and fully recognize the difficult circumstances you are facing. We pray that God grants you success in unifying the Lebanese people, liberating Lebanese lands, and preserving national unity.” His Eminence further praised Lebanon’s rich diversity and the harmony among its religious communities.

His Excellency President Aoun, for his part, expressed his delight at making his first visit to Al-Azhar, voicing his appreciation for the Grand Imam’s leadership. “We closely follow your vision and your efforts to serve humanity and combat extremism. The world today is in dire need of wise voices like yours,” the President remarked.

During the meeting, His Excellency President Aoun extended an official invitation to His Eminence the Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to visit Lebanon and to oversee the reopening of the Azhar Institute in Beirut, which had suspended its operations due to the country’s difficult circumstances. The Grand Imam graciously accepted the invitation and affirmed his intention to visit Lebanon at the earliest opportunity. He also confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to reopen the Beirut-based institute, supplying it with top-tier scholars and educators, as well as authentic Azhar curricula and resources. 

The conversation also highlighted the significance of the historic Document on Human Fraternity, signed by the Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis. Both sides emphasized the practical steps Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders have taken to engage with religious and cultural institutions worldwide. They also underscored the importance of a series of documents issued by Al-Azhar that have advanced the principle of “full citizenship” and rejected the divisive concept of “minorities.”

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the official inauguration ceremony of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as Head of the Catholic Church, which took place on Sunday in Saint Peter’s Square at Vatican City.

On behalf of His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, attended the inauguration. During the ceremony, he conveyed the Council’s heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his formal inauguration as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

Judge Abdelsalam noted that the messages conveyed by Pope Leo XIV since his election on 8 May reflect his strong commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and continuing the path of fraternity and coexistence. This was clearly evident in the Pope’s first audience with the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders last Monday—marking the first Islamic delegation received by the Pontiff following his election—as well as in the telephone call that took place between His Holiness and His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. During that call, the world’s two foremost religious leaders affirmed their shared resolve to work together in advancing the values of peace, fraternity, and coexistence; defending the rights of the poor, the vulnerable, and the oppressed; and striving to end the many conflicts and crises facing our world today—particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere.

The ceremony took place in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, marking the official inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the successor to the late Pope Francis, who left behind a profound humanitarian legacy, crowned by the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Widely regarded as one of the most important declarations in modern history, the Document calls for the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity.