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His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Dr. Heba Hagrass, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to discuss avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam welcomed Dr. Hagrass and her delegation, emphasizing Islam’s emphasis on ethical and methodological principles in engaging with persons with disabilities. He also highlighted that Islam advocates solidarity, mutual respect, and the safeguarding of individual rights, prohibiting any infringement upon them. His Eminence further stressed the humanitarian essence of Islam, which promotes kindness, dignity, and equity in all interactions.

The Grand Imam also expressed Al-Azhar’s willingness to introduce a dedicated curriculum for primary school students aimed at raising awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. This curriculum would clarify Islam’s authentic teachings on the subject, dispel misconceptions rooted in outdated societal traditions, and encourage respectful and inclusive treatment and aims to empower individuals with disabilities by ensuring they receive their full rights as prescribed by Islamic teachings.

Dr. Hagrass praised the Grand Imam’s significant role in shaping public attitudes. She underscored the unique capacity of religious scholars to positively influence societal behavior, raise awareness of critical issues, and derive meaningful lessons from religious teachings.

Dr. Hagrass also emphasized the importance of highlighting inspiring figures with disabilities from Islamic history, showcasing their remarkable achievements and contributions to society since it not only enhance the perception of individuals with disabilities but also provide hope to their families and encourage them to invest in the education and empowerment of their children.

The stand of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair offers visitors a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the highlights is the book “Peace in Africa: Studies and Visions for Enhancing Stability and Development,” a collective work by the team from the project “Muslim Communities and Peacebuilding in Africa,” published by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research.

The book highlights a significant paradox concerning Africa: despite its complex and challenging landscape, characterized by difficulties in various aspects of life, fluctuating stability, and declining development indicators across many countries, Africa remains historically important and holds promising potential—materially and culturally. These attributes establish Africa as a continent of the future, fiercely contested by various powers eager to tap into its human and natural resources and secure their economic interests and strategic positions across the region.

The author further explains that despite this, African countries and communities are commonly perceived as being plagued by instability, chronic conflicts, and various disputes. While this portrayal may not fully align with the actual conditions, it continues to attract significant attention from academic circles, intellectuals, community leaders, and research institutions, particularly focusing on these aspects. This interest is especially directed towards the African reality, influenced by these general perceptions on one hand, and by the digital and statistical data about the continent on the other.

This book is the culmination of a collaborative effort within the African Studies program at the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, affiliated with the Muslim Council of Elders. It is part of a broader series of regional studies launched by the center, featuring contributions from approximately thirty scholars and experts in African studies from across the globe, with scholarly works presented in both Arabic and English.

This book delves into the complex dynamics of conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Africa, with a specific emphasis on the Sahel and Sahara regions. It seeks to harness the potential of traditional African knowledge systems and practices in addressing modern challenges, providing practical ideas and insights to bolster peacebuilding efforts across the continent. Additionally, the book calls for a transformative shift in peace studies related to Africa, aiming to better utilize the continent’s expertise, values, and knowledge systems.

The book emphasizes that achieving peace in Africa requires more than just the absence of violence according to the Western liberal understanding; it necessitates active efforts towards reconciliation and coexistence based on principles of human rights, social justice, economic equality, and political justice, with a focus on reconciliation and restoring social and human solidarity.

The book comprises ten chapters. The first chapter, authored by Adil Moussaoui, discusses conflict resolution efforts in Africa, aiming to understand the challenges that hinder peace on the continent. In the second chapter, Mohamed Ashour Mehdi sheds light on the various dimensions of religious extremism and violence within Muslim communities across the continent. The third chapter by Adam Yousif explores the impact of African community cultures on democratic processes. The fourth chapter by Dr. Sodfa Mohamed Mahmoud presents alternative views on Western peace models, emphasizing the role of cultural heritage in resolving conflicts in Africa. The fifth chapter by Lama Gaith offers a detailed case study on managing internal conflict in Mali, focusing on institutional methods.

 
In the sixth chapter, Al-Bashir Al-Kut addresses Islamic political movements in Libya and their impact on regional stability. The seventh chapter, by Rahal Boubrik, discusses “jihadist” groups in the Sahel countries, explaining their ideological and ethnic affiliations. Mustafa Zahran, in the eighth chapter, explores the role of armed Sufi movements in Somalia. In the ninth chapter, Abdulrahman Sebi discusses the role of religious scholars in promoting peace and combating extremism in Mali. Finally, the tenth chapter by Ahmed Al-Salehi assesses the effectiveness of the G5 Sahel Joint Force in enhancing peace and security in the region. Thus, each chapter contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges and potential pathways toward peacebuilding in Africa.

The Muslim Council of Elders participates with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand hosts a large number of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to organizing a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting values of goodness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located at the Cairo International Book Fair, Stand B43, Hall No. 4, at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center, in the Fifth Settlement.

His Eminence, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Dr. Mohamed Shabibah, Yemen’s Minister of Endowments and Guidance, to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam reaffirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to provide all necessary religious and educational support to the people of Yemen. He emphasised Al-Azhar’s and the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to strengthening scientific and religious cooperation with Yemen, aiming to promote and reinforce the values of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Yemen’s Minister of Endowments expressed his pleasure in meeting the Grand Imam and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, underscoring Yemen’s deep appreciation for His Eminence’s unwavering support for the causes of the Islamic world. He stated, “Your influence is immense, and your efforts in supporting the issues of the Islamic world are tangible. The people of Yemen hold great respect for your stances on Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, and other matters of importance to the nation. We have learned from Al-Azhar’s scholars, been nurtured by their knowledge, and drawn inspiration from their teachings. Al-Azhar is our school and mentor, and we take pride in our association with it.”

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair presents a selection of its 2025 publications, including the book “The Issues of Division in the Ummah: Sunni and Shia – Causes and Solutions” by Professor Elias Belka. This release is timely, coinciding with the Council’s preparations for the forthcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference set to be hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February.
The book explores the historical divisions within the Muslim Ummah, particularly between Sunni and Shia, asserting that these divisions are not predetermined fate but can be transcended. It stresses that the vision for the Ummah’s unity is deeply rooted in the divine revelations of the Noble Quran and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family. Based on these fundamental and original sources, the scholarly endeavors of imams, jurists, and scholars were established, giving rise to a rich heritage of diverse jurisprudential and theological schools whose insights continue to benefit the Ummah across generations, despite doctrinal differences. The book advocates for a comprehensive and profound study of these origins to foster a unified future where conflicts are resolved.
Committed to fostering unity and peace, the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research presents this important work by Dr. Elias Belka, a professor at the Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences in Fez and a noted researcher in futures studies. He also serves as the Coordinator of the Pioneering Studies Program at Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. Dr. Belka’s study, through education and dialogue, addresses the divisions within the Muslim Ummah, emphasizing that differences should not impede the quest for mutual understanding and unity among Muslims.
Analyzing the historical roots of the Sunni-Shia split, the book examines the social and political factors perpetuating these divisions, highlighting how contemporary conflicts often mirror historical injustices. The media’s role in emphasizing these divisions further entrenches the cycle of conflict. Dr. Belka proposes viable solutions to foster unity among all Muslims.
This study and other similar works underscore the urgent need for unity as both a cultural imperative and a religious duty to mitigate the impacts of division within the Muslim Ummah. These are among the essential endeavors that scientific and religious institutions should prioritize in their production and scholarly efforts. This approach was highlighted by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in his historic call for intra-Islamic dialogue at the Bahrain Dialogue Forum. This vision represents the aspirations of all segments of the Muslim Ummah today: Sunni, Shia, Ibadi, and Zaidi, reflecting the Ummah’s collective voice.
The Muslim Council of Elders will feature a prominent pavilion at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The pavilion will showcase a vast array of the Council’s distinguished publications and host a series of seminars and activities dedicated to promoting values of goodness, peace, and harmonious coexistence among all people.
Located at the Cairo International Book Fair next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif pavilion, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion can be found in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center, in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has emphasized the crucial role of Braille as a bridge of communication connecting persons with visual impairments to diverse fields of knowledge and learning. The Council highlighted how Braille fosters positive societal integration, empowering these individuals to contribute their unique talents and skills to the advancement of communities and nations.

In a statement marking World Braille Day, observed annually on January 4th, the Council called for leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence to maximize the benefits of Braille. These efforts, it noted, would encourage persons with visual impairments to read, learn, and engage actively in their societies.

The statement also underscored Islam’s compassion for people of determination, especially persons with visual impairments, advocating for measures to simplify their daily lives and ensure they receive their rightful place in society. Islam honors them in both this world and the hereafter, promising them blessings and rewards. With their remarkable determination and unique abilities, many have achieved outstanding success in fields such as philosophy, management, and the humanities. Islamic history is filled with inspiring examples of their contributions.

The Muslim Council of Elders places great importance on promoting Braille as a tool for spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, peace, and human coexistence. In collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the Council translated the Document on Human Fraternity—signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019—into Braille in Arabic, English, and Italian. This initiative ensures that the document is accessible to persons with visual impairments worldwide.

‎#TheMuslimCouncilofElders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-‎Azhar Al-Sharif, condemns the car-ramming attack that occurred on the streets of New Orleans ‎and the explosion outside a hotel in Las Vegas, United States, both of which resulted in numerous ‎deaths and injuries‏.‏

The Council unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and terrorism that target innocent ‎individuals, emphasizing that such acts starkly contrast with the compassionate teachings of Islam, ‎all sacred laws, and global conventions and norms. The Council reiterates its call for collective action ‎to combat all forms of hatred, violence, and intolerance, and to promote principles of dialogue, ‎tolerance, and peaceful coexistence‏.‏

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the government and citizens of ‎the United States, as well as to the families of the victims, and prays for a swift recovery for those ‎injured‏.‏

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the horrific car-ramming incident that occurred in a market in Magdeburg, Germany, which resulted in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries.

The Council unequivocally rejects such criminal acts that terrorize innocent civilians, as they stand in stark contradiction to the teachings of Islam, all other religions, divine laws, and international conventions and norms. The Council calls for unified international efforts to combat all forms of violence and terrorism and to promote the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and prays that Allah Almighty grants a swift recovery to those injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes that human solidarity represents the core of values that foster compassion, unity, and the unification of humanity without discrimination or exclusion. This need is more urgent than ever, given the challenges the world faces today, including wars, conflicts, and crises that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands of women, children, and the elderly. Rising poverty levels and increasing numbers of people in need further highlight this necessity. Human solidarity, however, is not merely an emergency response to crises; it signifies a comprehensive, long-term vision and a shared commitment among nations, societies, and individuals to address global challenges effectively.

In a statement marking International Human Solidarity Day, observed annually on December 20, the Muslim Council of Elders underscores that Islam advocates for unity and solidarity as fundamental principles for building strong and compassionate communities. Human solidarity, as a religious duty, calls for enhancing international cooperation to tackle shared global challenges. This unified response must be grounded in the principles of justice and fairness. The Council commends initiatives and efforts that advance the values of human solidarity, particularly those aimed at alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations, including victims of wars, conflicts, and crises worldwide.

The statement also references 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 His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. The document urges global policymakers to prioritize justice founded on mercy as the essential path to ensuring a dignified life for all. It emphasizes that dialogue, understanding, and the promotion of a culture of tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence among people can address many social, political, economic, and environmental challenges affecting large segments of humanity. 

The Muslim Council of Elders remains steadfast in its commitment to diverse initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening and promoting the values of tolerance, solidarity, compassion, and coexistence across cultures and religions. These principles are recognized as essential pillars for building societies founded on justice and peace.

President of Indonesia Expresses His Country’s Readiness to Host the First Edition of the Muslim Council of Elders’ Conference “Religions for Development and Peace”

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, on Wednesday to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam warmly welcomed the President of the Republic of Indonesia and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing the strong ties between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and Indonesia. He highlighted the significant impact of these relations in advancing joint efforts to clarify the true teachings of Islam, promote its moderate and enlightened approach, correct misconceptions, and foster values of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

His Eminence underscored the critical importance of unity among Arab and Islamic nations, stating that such solidarity is the only way to address the ongoing crises facing the Islamic world. He noted that Islamic nations possess all the resources necessary for progress and prosperity and expressed his hope that these challenges would serve as opportunities for greater unity, cooperation, and prioritization of Islamic interests and fraternity.

The Grand Imam also conveyed his appreciation for Indonesia’s hosting of the regional office of the Muslim Council of Elders and its readiness to play a pivotal role in the global alliance of religious leaders, organized by the Council under the theme: Religions for Development and Peace.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders for the second time, following their initial meeting in Jakarta. He expressed profound respect for the Grand Imam’s efforts in fostering values of human fraternity, mutual coexistence, and strengthening Islamic unity. The President also affirmed his confidence in the ability of Islamic nations to regain their distinguished position within the global system, given their abundant human and natural resources that guarantee growth and progress. He further reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to Islamic unity and its significant efforts to contain internal conflicts, resolve tensions, and promote dialogue and rapprochement.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia also expressed his country’s readiness to host the first edition of the Muslim Council of Elders’ conference Religions for Development and Peace, pledging full support to ensure its success and excellence.