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Dr. Khalifa Al-Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities: The Muslim Council of Elders is leading pioneering efforts in promoting dialogue—both among religions and within Islamic schools of thought.

Dr. Tarek Shawki, Former Minister of Education of Egypt: We must strengthen Arab and Islamic initiatives to preserve identity and language for current and future generations.

As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled “The Role of Educational Institutions in Raising Awareness of the Importance of Intra-Islamic Dialogue,” featuring Dr. Khalifa Al-Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, and Dr. Tarek Shawki, former Minister of Education and Technical Education of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Al-Dhaheri emphasized that the humanities represent the intellectual foundation upon which nations and civilizations are built, as they encompass values, ethics, and profound meanings. He noted that contemporary humanities encompass fields such as sociology, psychology, and philosophy, and are essential to civilizational development, underscoring the need for their active presence in today’s cultural and intellectual discourse.

Dr. Al-Dhaheri underscored that intra-Islamic dialogue constitutes a vital pillar for fostering understanding among various Islamic schools of thought. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond historical conflicts that have claimed innocent lives in favor of a unifying discourse rooted in shared values. “Values such as mercy and justice are common to all religions and schools of thought,” he said, “and these values must be instilled in younger generations. The voice of peace must rise above all others, and we must continue the journey of values and dialogue without being swayed by voices of discord.”

The Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the endeavors of its Secretary-General, H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, in promoting a culture of dialogue and human coexistence. He stated that the Council has emerged as a global leader in dialogue, both between religions and within Islamic schools of thought. “The Council played a pivotal role supporting the Document on Human Fraternity—one of the most important documents in the history of inter-religious dialogue—signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, marking a major milestone in strengthening Christian–Muslim relations,” he said.

Dr. Al-Dhaheri further noted that His Eminence the Grand Imam is committed to advancing intra-Islamic dialogue through pioneering initiatives, foremost among them the “Call for the People of Qiblah” declaration, which aims to foster dialogue and unity among Islamic schools of thought.

For his part, Dr. Tarek Shawki emphasized that developing educational curricula must begin with the early inculcation of values in childhood. He pointed to the rapid changes of the modern era and the widening generational gap as one of the most significant challenges of our time. “We cannot apply the curricula of the past to Generation Alpha,” he explained, “and it is essential that teachers and parents embrace new educational approaches before expecting students to do so.”

Dr. Shawki called for a comprehensive review of the materials presented to children and for expanding initiatives that reinforce identity and language. “Investing in human capital is the most important form of investment,” he stated, “and we need a conscious and responsible media to support these efforts.”

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity. The Council’s pavilion is located in Hall 10, booth 10C35.

Abdulrrahim Youssef Mendi, Professor at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities: Intellectual security is a fundamental pillar in protecting societies from ideological deviation and extremist currents.

Adama Dieng, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders: Intellectual security is the foundation of peaceful societies.

As part of its cultural and intellectual program during the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled “Intellectual Security: Confronting Hate Speech and Islamophobia.” The session featured Professor Abdulrrahim Youssef Mendi from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities and Mr. Adama Dieng, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders.

At the outset of the seminar, Professor Abdulrrahim Mendi underscored the importance of intellectual security as a cornerstone for safeguarding societies against ideological deviation and extremist currents. He explained that intellectual security is not merely about combating extremism and hate, but rather about fostering a resilient mindset capable of resisting manipulation and the lure of deviant ideologies. He warned that hate speech and Islamophobia pose a direct threat to social peace, noting that ignorance, fanaticism, and misunderstanding are among the key drivers of such phenomena.

Professor Mendi stressed that hatred should not be met with hatred, but with dialogue, education, and the cultivation of mutual respect. He affirmed that human dignity is only complete when paired with the recognition of others’ dignity. He further noted that the United Arab Emirates has set an inspiring example in promoting a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Mr. Adama Dieng commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for their work in countering hate speech, radicalization, discrimination, and Islamophobia. He emphasized that “intellectual security forms the bedrock of peaceful societies and is essential in countering the rising tide of hate speech in today’s world.” He noted that international law still lacks a precise definition of hate speech, even though the concept of discrimination is well-established. He called for the enrichment of cultural awareness and the protection of cultural heritage in an age marked by rapid technological advances and the risks posed by online content and social media.

Mr. Dieng called upon followers of all faiths to study the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), particularly the Constitution of Medina, which serves as a historic model for safeguarding minority rights and upholding the principles of pluralism and justice. He affirmed that “diversity is a foundational element of human existence, as stated in the Glorious Qur’an,” and reiterated that the Document on Human Fraternity, launched from Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, stands as a universal charter for fostering dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity. The Council’s pavilion is located in Hall 10, booth 10C35.

Secretary-General and First Assistant to the President Discuss Uzbekistan’s Hosting of the Upcoming Edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, with Her Excellency Saida Shavkat Mirziyoyeva, First Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in reviving the intellectual heritage of the Muslim Ummah’s scholars and highlighting their contributions across various fields of knowledge, as well as reintroducing their legacy and scientific and humanitarian contributions to present and future generations.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General expressed the Council’s appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in preserving Islamic heritage—particularly in historically significant Islamic cities such as Bukhara and Samarkand. He also affirmed the Council’s support, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for the Center for Islamic Civilization, which is scheduled to be inaugurated in Uzbekistan later this year and is expected to serve as a beacon of Islamic civilization in Central Asia.

The Secretary-General also praised the vital role played by Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva and her efforts in supporting youth initiatives, empowering Uzbek women, and presenting an inspiring model of Muslim women’s success across all fields.

For her part, the First Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan welcomed the participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in the international conference titled “Maturidism: A Doctrine of Tolerance, Moderation, and Knowledge” held in Samarkand. She expressed her appreciation for the Council’s continued interest in Uzbekistan, which was recently reinforced by the appointment of His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, as a member of the Muslim Council of Elders. She commended the strong and deep-rooted relations between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates, noting that the coming period will witness increased cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Muslim Council of Elders through various initiatives and events that promote dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides discussed Uzbekistan’s potential hosting of the upcoming edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, one of the Muslim Council of Elders’ most impactful initiatives, in conjunction with preparations for the inauguration of the Center for Islamic Civilization.

The Muslim Council of Elders is set to take part in the inaugural edition of the America International Arabic Book Fair in Dearborn, Michigan, from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. The Council’s participation aims to strengthen engagement with Arab and Muslim communities, as well as with the broader American public, by promoting the values of moderation, tolerance, and coexistence, and fostering constructive dialogue around key issues facing local communities.

Throughout the fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will showcase over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including several of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing for 2025. The pavilion will also feature more than 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works aim to highlight the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Titles include “Al-Qawl al-Tayyib,” “From My Old Notebooks,” “A Perspective on East-West Dialogue,” “Tradition and Renewal,” “For the Sake of Peace,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash‘ari,” “Etiquette and Values,” and “Toward a Contemporary Jurisprudential Renewal,” 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 Pope and the Grand Imam: 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; “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by various researchers; and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler, among others.

As part of its seminar program, the Council will host a seminar titled “Countering Islamophobia: Building Bridges Through Dialogue and Understanding,” on Friday, May 2, 2025. The seminar will feature Dr. Muqtedar Khan, Professor of Political Science at the University of Delaware and author of “Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy on Ihsan”; Dr. Mohammad Hassan Khalil, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies Program at Michigan State University; and Dr. Morgan Shipley, Foglio Endowed Chair of Spirituality at Michigan State University. The seminar will tackle the pressing issue of Islamophobia, a significant concern for Arab and Muslim-Americans, while also shedding light on the Council’s efforts in combatting this issue. Furthermore, it aims to explore how dialogue and cultural exchange can reshape perceptions, as well as the crucial role of the media and cinema in propagating and countering this phenomenon.

The second seminar will take place on Saturday, May 3, and will be titled “Intra-Islamic Dialogue: A Reading of the Ahlul Qiblah Call,” and will feature Imam Mohamad Mardini, esteemed leader of the American Muslim Center in Dearborn, as well as Imam Ahmad Sobhy Mustafa from Kansas City, a member of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism. The seminar will discuss the “Ahlul Qiblah Call,” a charter for unity among Islamic traditions which was launched by the Council at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference which took place in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2025.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the America International Arabic Book Fair can be found at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, from May 1 until May 4, 2025.

Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: Upholding the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah and the legacy of its great scholars throughout the ages is the key to countering extremist and takfiri discourse

Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: The legacy of our distinguished scholars requires ongoing, insightful reflection and comprehensive research that draws on both inherited knowledge and the tools of our time to serve Muslims and the wider world

Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: The scholarly institutions of Al-Azhar have embraced the Islamic heritage worldwide, serving it with sincerity, honoring its sciences, and preserving the legacy of its noble scholars

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, took part in the international conference titled “Maturidism – A Doctrine of Tolerance, Moderation, and Enlightenment,” held in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from April 29–30. The event brought together a distinguished group of scholars and religious leaders from around the world. It aimed to explore the intellectual legacy of Imam Al-Maturidi and his followers, while highlighting the contemporary relevance of Maturidi principles.

Speaking during the opening session, His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that adherence to the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah—which represents the mainstream of the Muslim Ummah, including Ash‘aris, Maturidis, and scholars of hadith from the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools, along with the imams of spiritual refinement and discipline, and the enduring legacy of their great scholars throughout the ages—is the key to confronting extremist and takfiri rhetoric. This school of thought does not excommunicate anyone among the People of Qiblah, nor does it expel Muslims from the fold of Islam on the basis of sin, error, or doubt. Rather, it establishes the principles of moderation, balance, and coexistence—both within the Muslim community and with all of humanity.

The Secretary-General noted that in a world facing growing challenges, it is essential to recognize the noble attributes of the Maturidi tradition and the broader heritage of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah. These enduring schools prevailed not because they favored reason over revelation, or vice versa, but because they upheld the balanced path of the Prophet’s Companions—one rooted in sound belief, intellectual clarity, and harmony between scripture and reasoned reflection. This rich legacy must be continually revisited with insight, and studied comprehensively using both inherited knowledge and modern methodologies to serve Muslims—and indeed all people.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted Imam Al-Maturidi’s distinguished status in the history of Islamic theology (‘ilm al-tawḥīd) and scholastic theology (‘ilm al-kalām), not only in his birthplace and homeland but throughout the regions of Transoxiana and the wider Muslim world. He quoted His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who described Imam Al-Maturidi as “Imam al-Huda (the Imam of Guidance), may Allah be pleased with him,” a title recognized by scholars past and present. He further emphasized that the centers of Al-Azhar have long embraced Islamic scholarship from every corner of the Muslim world, serving it with sincerity, preserving its sciences, and honoring the memory of its righteous imams. In this spirit, the Muslim Council of Elders has published several works on the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, encompassing its diverse traditions and contributions to theology and foundational Islamic thought.

The Secretary-General concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Republic of Uzbekistan and its President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for their continued commitment to reviving the legacy of Islamic scholars. He expressed his hope that this conference would serve as a blessed step toward restoring the Muslim Ummah to its rightful place—as a just and balanced nation, a witness over humanity, and a bearer of goodness to the world.

Dr. Maria Mohammed Al Hatali, Secretary-General of the UAE Council for Fatwa: We must work to renew religious discourse in a modern and balanced way to reach youth through the platforms they use.
 
Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque in Abu Dhabi: The values of monotheism and human dignity are a shared foundation among religions.
 
Rev. Bishoy Fakhri, Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Anthony in Abu Dhabi: Peace is the essence of faith, not a secondary option.
 
S.P. Singh, Chief Sikh Priest and Director General of the Sikh Temple in the UAE: The unity of humanity lies at the heart of the message of religions.
 
As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders hosted a seminar titled “The Message of Religions for Coexistence and Peace.” The seminar featured a distinguished panel including Dr. Maria Mohammed Al Hatali, Secretary-General of the UAE Council for Fatwa; Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam and preacher of Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi; Rev. Bishoy Fakhri, Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Anthony in Abu Dhabi; and Mr. S.P. Singh, Chief Sikh Priest and Director General of the Sikh Temple in the UAE.
 
Opening the seminar, Dr. Maria Al Hatali expressed her appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to amplify the voice of religions in addressing global challenges and countering hate speech and violence. She emphasized the importance of shared religious values—such as belief in human dignity, freedom of belief, citizenship, and justice—noting that these values are common to Islam and other divine traditions.
 
She further explained that extremist groups have distorted religious texts to manipulate and recruit youth, pointing out that 80% of recruitment and radicalization takes place through social media platforms. Dr. Al Hatali stressed the urgent need to renew religious discourse so that it is balanced, relevant, and capable of engaging young people through the digital platforms they use.
 
Dr. Mahmoud Najah expressed thanks to the United Arab Emirates for its pioneering efforts in promoting human fraternity and fostering a culture of coexistence and mutual respect. He praised the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for its commitment to peacebuilding and the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.
 
He affirmed that the core values shared across all heavenly religions are rooted in the belief in the oneness of God, pointing out that the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran all converge on this central principle. He added that all divine laws have consistently emphasized the dignity of the human being, equality among people, and the idea of mutual understanding as a basis for peaceful relations rather than conflict.
 
Rev. Bishoy Fakhri underscored that peace is the essence of faith, not a secondary option. He stated: “We live in a world overwhelmed by the noise of division, yet as followers of divine religions, we carry the light of peace and love.” He expressed his regret that religion is at times misused as a tool for violence and hatred, and he called for the dissemination of religious messages through modern digital platforms to reach younger generations in a language they understand.
 
Mr. S.P. Singh, Chief Sikh Priest and Director General of the Sikh Temple in the UAE, praised the Muslim Council of Elders for its message of human fraternity, interfaith dialogue, and global peace. He affirmed that the teachings of religions emphasize the unity of humanity, despite cultural and linguistic differences.
 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair presents more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a number of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing in 2025. These publications address the most prominent intellectual and cultural issues, stemming from the Council’s mission aimed at promoting peace and instilling the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at Booth 10C35, Hall 10.

Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi: Sustainability embodies the vision of the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership in preserving the planet and its natural resources

Sheikh Al Nuaimi praises the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts in promoting the role of religions in environmental conservation

During a seminar held at the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi: Protecting nature begins with human beings recognizing their responsibility toward the Earth 
 

 
As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled “Environmental Protection is a Human Responsibility,” presented by Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman and fondly known around the world as “The Green Sheikh.”

At the beginning of the seminar, Sheikh Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed that sustainability reflects the vision of the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership in safeguarding the planet and its natural resources, aligning with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — may Allah rest his soul — who famously said: “Give me agriculture, and I shall guarantee you civilization.”

Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi emphasized that integrity is the foundation of sustainability, calling for the adoption of high human values such as honesty, integrity, and justice — values deeply rooted in Emirati society, which he described as a “rare diamond” in its leadership, people, and land. He also praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in strengthening the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, foremost among them climate change. He also highlighted the Council’s organization of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders, which resulted in the issuance of “The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration on Climate,” as well as the historic establishment of the Faith Pavilion — the first of its kind — at COP28 and COP29.

The Green Sheikh further explained that true reading and responsible writing form the pillars of intellectual and cultural sustainability. He stated: “When you open a book, you open a window to a new world and plant seeds of wisdom in your heart. Every act of reading builds the self, and every act of writing is a legacy for future generations.” He urged the audience: “Be readers who build, writers who sow, and humans who cultivate and flourish.” He emphasized that book fairs serve as vibrant spaces for reading, writing, and nurturing minds, citing the Quranic verse: “Nūn. By the pen and what everyone writes!” [The Qur’an, 68:1] to illustrate the sacredness of the word and its role in the making of civilizations.

The Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman also called for reviving the lifeblood of rivers and rescuing endangered animals from the threat of extinction. He stressed that protecting nature begins with human awareness of responsibility toward the Earth, sharing his personal experiences, such as his visit to the kingdom of the rare gorillas in Rwanda, noting that these creatures offer a living lesson in behavior and harmony with nature.
 
It is worth mentioning that the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is showcasing over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including several new releases from Al Hokama Publishing for 2025, addressing major contemporary intellectual and cultural issues. This is part of the Council’s broader vision and mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and reinforce the values of tolerance and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Stand No. 10C35, Hall 10.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: There is an urgent need for visionary thinkers who can open new horizons for inquiry and reflection

Dr. Mustafa Hijazi: Humanity is a “pure” concept in Islam, and we are now living in the “Age of Wisdom”

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation in the 30th Rabat International Book Fair with a cultural seminar titled “Between Two Humanities: A Dream and Wisdom Between Decline and Emergence.” The session was moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, and presented by renowned Egyptian academic and thinker Dr. Mustafa Hijazi.

Opening the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar emphasized Dr. Mustafa Hijazi’s profound intellectual vision and research expertise, noting the pressing need for thinkers who can chart bold new paths for questioning and understanding. He stressed the importance of strategic thinkers who can help navigate the complex realities of our societies through both critical and constructive engagement with philosophical and social issues.

In his remarks, Dr. Mustafa Hijazi highlighted the necessity of asking the “right and fundamental questions,” which he referred to as “questions of truth.” He observed that humanity has moved beyond the phase of “rehumanizing humanity” and now stands “at the threshold of an exchange between two humanities.” Dr. Hijazi pointed out that all of humanity traces its origins to a single source, and that the essence of creation is rooted in unity (Tawhid). He described historical divisions — between science and religion, between philosophy, science, and faith — as manifestations of a “non-human” condition marked by conflict and antagonism.
 
Dr. Hijazi further underscored the importance of considering higher moral objectives (maqasid) when developing strategies aimed at serving humanity. He emphasized the clarity and purity of the concept of humanity in Islam and noted that the post-information era has ushered in what he called the “Age of Wisdom.” In this new era, he argued, it is not enough to ask “how” — rather, we must ask the deeper “why” questions, focusing on causality.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Rabat International Book Fair showcased 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 hosted 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.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: Allusive interpretation offers a fresh approach to Qur’anic exegesis, going beyond the apparent meanings to uncover subtle insights revealed through deep reflection on the Holy Qur’an

Dr. Ali Shams Al-Din: Among the fruits of allusive interpretation are sincere devotion to Allah, pure-hearted monotheism, refinement of the soul, and advancement in faith

As part of its cultural program at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled “Allusive Interpretation: Principles, Guidelines, and Fruits.” The seminar was moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, and presented by Dr. Ali Shams Al-Din, a specialist in Qur’anic studies at the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar.

Opening the session, Dr. Samir Boudinar emphasized that the topic of allusive interpretation has long served as a bridge between scholars of the East and West, captivating generations of scholars and specialists. He explained that allusive interpretation intersects with various fields, including the disciplines of hermeneutics, Qur’anic studies, Arabic language sciences, and the fields of Sufism. Dr. Boudinar described it as a revitalization of Qur’anic interpretation — one that moves beyond surface meanings to the deeper indications that become accessible through profound contemplation of the Holy Qur’an. 

For his part, Dr. Ali Shams Al-Din explained that “allusive interpretation” derives its name from the concept of isharāt (subtle indications). Those who follow this approach are known as the “People of Indications” because they express the meanings they discern during their reading and meditation on the Qur’an through these insights. He noted that the term “allusive interpretation” is deliberately cautious, used by its proponents to acknowledge that true interpretation must adhere to proper foundations — drawing on authentic textual transmission, sound reasoning, and established linguistic norms.

Dr. Ali Shams Al-Din also outlined key aspects of the allusive interpretation of the Holy Qur’an, including its conditions, origins, major works, distinguishing features, and spiritual dimensions. He highlighted that Imam Al-Qushayri was the first scholar to author a major work dedicated specifically to allusive interpretation. He further noted that this method became particularly prominent among the Tabi‘un (the generation of Muslims who followed the Companions [Sahaba] of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) and their successors during the third and fourth centuries of the Hijri calendar.

Dr. Shams Al-Din emphasized that the fruits of allusive interpretation include cultivating sincere devotion to Allah, achieving pure and heartfelt monotheism, refining the soul, progressing in faith toward the station of Ihsan (spiritual excellence), elevating the spirit to the levels of mystical knowledge (‘irfan), and developing a deep, intuitive perception of hidden meanings while remaining firmly grounded in the recognized outward meanings based on the principles of Arabic linguistic tradition.

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. Ahmed Al-Haddad, Member of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Unity of the Muslim Ummah is a Religious Necessity to Address Contemporary Challenges
 
Dr. Ahmed Al-Haddad: The Muslim Council of Elders is Making Diligent Efforts to Unify the Ranks of the Muslim Ummah
 
Dr. Ahmed Al-Haddad: The Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Represented a Qualitative Leap Towards Unifying the Word of Muslims Under the ‘Call for the People of Qiblah’
 
As part of its cultural and intellectual activities at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled “Intra-Islamic Dialogue: One Nation and One Shared Destiny.” The seminar was presented by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Senior Mufti and Director of the Fatwa Department in Dubai, and member of the UAE Fatwa Council.
 
At the outset of the seminar, Dr. Al-Haddad emphasized that the unity of the Muslim Ummah is a fundamental pillar for achieving peace and stability. He pointed out that division and fragmentation open the doors to destruction, strife, and intellectual invasion. He clarified that the unity of the Muslim Ummah is a divine mandate outlined in the Glorious Quran and advocated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), where Allah Almighty commands the believers to hold fast to His rope and not be divided, as stated in the verse: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (The Quran, 3:103).
 
Dr. Al-Haddad added that since its establishment, the Muslim Council of Elders has been keen on building bridges of dialogue among various religions and cultures. One of its most prominent milestones was the signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity,” in Abu Dhabi, in 2019 by His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. This event represented a historic moment that advanced the concept of coexistence and global peace.
 
He explained that after the Council’s success in extending bridges of dialogue with followers of other religions, it found an urgent need to focus on intra-Islamic dialogue due to the sectarian differences and divisions that have weakened the Ummah and led to its fragmentation. He confirmed that the call for internal unity has become a religious duty and a collective responsibility. He noted that the Bahrain Conference on Intra-Islamic Dialogue represented a qualitative leap in this direction, as it called for the unity of Muslims under the “Call for the People of Qiblah,” a charter launched by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, advocating for it to be a cornerstone for Islamic constants and joint collective action.
 
Dr. Al-Haddad concluded by affirming that the current challenges facing the Ummah, whether sectarian strife, intellectual or moral invasion, require the Ummah to be united. He pointed out that its strength can only be achieved through its unity and solidarity. He directed several important messages to all Muslims, emphasizing the necessity of realizing that Islamic unity is a religious obligation, not an option; adhering to ethical values derived from the Glorious Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet; being aware of the dangers of division and what it causes in terms of fragmentation, weakness, and disintegration; enhancing cooperation and joint action among the members of the Ummah away from conflict; and prioritizing the interest of the Ummah over narrow interests. He further called for the cooperation of religious, scientific, and media authorities to instill the values of understanding and human fraternity.
 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair presents more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a number of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing in 2025. These publications address the most prominent intellectual and cultural issues, stemming from the Council’s mission aimed at promoting peace and instilling the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at Booth 10C35, Hall 10.