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Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The World is Experiencing Accelerating and Unprecedented Crises Due to the Devastating Impacts of Climate Change

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Islam Has Shown Great Concern for the Environment and Made Its Protection a Religious, Moral, and Humanitarian Duty

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: Promoting the Values of Human Fraternity Includes Maintaining Balance and Harmony Between Humanity and Nature and Safeguarding Planet Earth

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the world is currently facing accelerating and unprecedented crises in food security, water scarcity, and agriculture due to the devastating consequences of climate change. He noted that addressing these challenges requires collective efforts from individuals and institutions, alongside strengthening collaborative action that combines a forward-looking vision with moral responsibility to secure a better and more sustainable future for humanity.

In a speech at the seminar titled “Keen on Achieving Sustainability: Fostering the Ties between Faith and Ecological Resilience”, organized by Nahdlatul Ulama in Indonesia, the Secretary-General stated that Islam has shown profound concern for the environment, making its protection a religious, moral, and humanitarian duty. He added that promoting the values of human fraternity extends beyond achieving harmony among people; it also encompasses maintaining balance and harmony between humanity and nature while ensuring the preservation of planet Earth.

Abdelsalam also praised the pioneering efforts of Nahdlatul Ulama and its distinguished members, whose numbers exceed 100 million across Indonesia, for their invaluable humanitarian contributions. He further remarked that the recognition of Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity last year marked a significant milestone and a well-deserved international acknowledgment of their efforts to serve humanity across various domains of life.

Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted a leading example of cooperation among religious leaders in addressing climate change last year, when His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, united to sign the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate”. This significant step was accompanied by the inauguration of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first of its kind in the history of the Conference of the Parties. The pavilion served as a global platform that brought together religious leaders, environmental experts, academics, and representatives of civil society, youth, women, and indigenous communities to find tangible and effective solutions to climate change. 

He added that this year, the Muslim Council of Elders organized the Faith Pavilion at COP29, aiming to build on the achievements of the previous edition and amplify the participation of ethical and spiritual voices. This effort reflects the importance of involving religious institutions in tackling climate change, recognizing their influential role in raising awareness and inspiring collective action to achieve harmony between humanity and nature while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

The Secretary-General concluded by expressing his hope that the seminar, with its activities and initiatives such as tree planting, would serve as a practical model of shared human responsibility rooted in ethical values and spiritual principles toward planet Earth and stressed that such efforts are tangible steps that carry a message of hope for future generations, demonstrating a collective commitment to building a better and more sustainable future for all.

For the second time, the Muslim Council of Elders will have a dedicated pavilion at the Jeddah International Book Fair 2024, which kicks off tomorrow in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Council’s participation is driven by its mission to foster peace, instill values of dialogue and tolerance, and enhance cooperation and coexistence. 

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders will present more than 220 publications and books that address significant intellectual issues, contribute to correcting misconceptions, and combat hate speech, racism, bigotry, and discrimination. Additionally, these works promote values of goodness, love, and peace. Notably, it includes 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. The publications aim to introduce the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Among them are “Al-Qawl Al-Tayyib” (“The Good Word”), “Min Dafatery al Qadeema” (“From My Old Notebooks”), “Ra’y Fi Hiwar al-Sharq wa al-Gharb” (“An Opinion in the Dialogue between East and West”), “Madkhal Fi Dirasat al-Mantiq” (“An Introduction to the Study of Logic”), “Hadith fi al-‘Ilal wa al-Maqasid” (“A Discussion on Causes and Purposes”), “Fi al-Mustalah al-Kalami al-Sufi” (“On Theological and Sufi Terminology”), “Al-Turath wa al-Tajdid” (“Tradition and Renewal”), “Min Ajl al-Salam” (“For the Sake of Peace”), “Nazrat Fi Fikr al-Imam al-Ash’ari” (“Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari”), and “Adab wa Qiyam” (“Ethics and Values”).

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will also feature several significant works including ‘Love in the Holy Quran’ by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, ‘The Grand Imam and the Pope and the Thorny Path: A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document’ by the Council’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, ‘Rules of Understanding and Dialogue from Thought and Language’ by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and ‘Studies on the Similarity of Style in Quranic Stories: A Comparative and Analytical Study’ by Abdul Ghani Al-Rajhi. The pavilion will also showcase “Al-Muslimun fi Muftaraq Turuq” (“Muslims at a Crossroads”) by the late Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq, along with a selection of the Council’s publications for 2024 including “Al-Unf wa al-Silm Nahwa Fahm Mutakamil” (“Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding”), ‘The West and the Rediscovery of Islam’ by Professor Tijani Boulaouali, ‘Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance’ by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati, ‘Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco: Exploring Muslim-Christian Interactions’ by Dr. Jaafar Ben El Haj Soulami, and the books “Khalid Ibn Al-Walid” and “Uthman Ibn Affan” by Muhammad Al-Sadiq Arjun.

Recognizing the pivotal role that translation plays as a bridge to enhance understanding and constructive communication between cultures, the Muslim Council of Elders has dedicated efforts to translate a number of works aimed at promoting and establishing values of peace, coexistence, acceptance, and respect for others. Among these notable publications are the book “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by several researchers, “Islam and Good Governance” by Professor Muqtedar Khan, a professor at the University of Delaware in the United States, and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler.

It is worth noting that the Jeddah International Book Fair is an annual cultural event that brings together authors, publishers, and readers from around the world in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the most significant cultural events in the region, providing a platform to showcase the latest literary releases and host numerous accompanying cultural activities. This year, the fair features the participation of 1,000 local and international publishers and agencies from 22 countries, spread across more than 450 pavilions. Additionally, there is a diverse cultural program, comprising over 100 different events. The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders is located in the General Sciences and Knowledge section, Pavilion No. A52.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasized that people of determination are an essential element of the community structure. It highlighted that their active participation in various life aspects is critically necessary for the development of thriving and advanced societies, showcasing a visionary future-oriented approach that leverages all available human resources and fosters creativity and innovation across all sectors.

In a statement released on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3, the Council noted that Islamic principles firmly advocate for the human dignity of all individuals without discrimination and call for a supportive social, economic, and cultural environment that promotes equity and justice. The Council urges both institutions and individuals to establish the necessary conditions and resources that allow people of determination to overcome challenges and realize their ambitions. Throughout history, these individuals have demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in achievement and effort, making significant contributions that set them apart as exemplary figures of determination and perseverance.

The statement further mentioned the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in February 2019, which reiterates that safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, including those with special needs, is not merely optional but a mandated religious and humanitarian obligation. The document specifies that ensuring appropriate support for these groups requires robust legislation and effective enforcement mechanisms to guarantee their dignity and provide them with opportunities to fully engage in society-building efforts. The Council remains committed to integrating this crucial community segment into its various initiatives and projects aimed at fostering and strengthening the values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, as well as to his fellow rulers and sheikhs of the UAE, and to the noble Emirati people on the occasion of the 53rd National Day—a day that commemorates the founding of the UAE’s union in a spirit of unity and solidarity.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the UAE for its outstanding civilizational and developmental achievements for its people and its global efforts in promoting the values of tolerance, fraternity, and fostering peace and coexistence among nations and cultures. The Council prays to Almighty Allah for continued prosperity and well-being for the Emirati people and for the Arab and Muslim nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. The Council affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.

In a statement, the Muslim Council of Elders expressed its hope that this agreement would mark the beginning of lasting stability in Lebanon, preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity while strengthening its security and stability. The Council also called on all active parties to adopt a similar stance and intensify efforts to reach an urgent and lasting ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Such an agreement would ensure the delivery of emergency relief and humanitarian aid to the civilians among the Palestinian people, who are enduring severe humanitarian conditions.

The Muslim Council of Elders also renews its call to the international community to assume its responsibilities and work towards a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. It stresses the importance of ending the suffering of the Palestinian people, which has persisted for more than 70 years, and reaffirming their legitimate right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Republic of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, and the COP29 Presidency for the remarkable success in hosting the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 12 to 22.

The Council commends the outstanding efforts by Azerbaijan’s leadership and its people in ensuring the success of this conference. It notes that COP29 marked a significant breakthrough with its outcomes that bolstered climate finance for developing nations, activated carbon markets, and highlighted the critical role of youth leadership in climate initiatives. These achievements are seen as pivotal steps towards achieving environmental equilibrium and advancing climate justice.

The Muslim Council of Elders organized the Faith Pavilion at the COP29 conference, which over two weeks hosted more than 54 dialogues and discussions featuring over 230 speakers from diverse backgrounds. This global alliance included 97 organizations representing 11 religions and denominations from around the world, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the United Nations Environment Programme, the COP29 Presidency, the Caucasus Muslims’ Board, the Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan. The Pavilion’s activities saw significant momentum, diverse participation, and widespread acclaim from COP29 attendees for its pivotal role in highlighting the critical contributions of religious leaders to global climate efforts, serving as an inspiring model of cooperation among different faiths in addressing shared environmental challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the partnership between religious leaders and uniting their efforts to address global challenges. It aims to mobilize ethical and spiritual voices to tackle the climate crisis at future COP conferences, promoting an inclusive approach that fosters dialogue and collective action. This strategy is intended to shape policies that support the transition to environmental sustainability and achieve climate justice, considering the needs of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has affirmed that women are fundamental partners in the development and progress of nations, crucial to shaping both the present and future of societies. The Council emphasized that gender-based violence significantly threatens the social and human fabric, depriving women of their fundamental rights and undermining their ability to contribute effectively to societal advancement and fulfill their aspirations.

In a statement issued to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed annually on November 25, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that protecting women and safeguarding their dignity and identity are both a humanitarian priority and a societal necessity. The Council noted that Islam establishes clear principles honoring women and respecting their roles at every stage of life—as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. Islam recognizes them as equals to men in rights and responsibilities, fully affirming their rights without any diminishment. It prohibits any form of harm or violence against them and advocates for their kind and respectful treatment. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is quoted as saying: “The best of you is he who is best to his family.” The Council also called for the development of comprehensive strategies to tackle gender-based violence, including enacting laws that ban such acts and reinforce values of mutual respect.

The Muslim Council of Elders has stressed that imposing specific identities or roles on women that contradict their values, culture, and religion constitutes a clear violation of their rights and an infringement on their freedom. The Council referred to the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This landmark document emphasizes the urgent necessity of women’s rights to education, work, and the exercise of their legal rights. It calls for the liberation of women from historical and social pressures that are contrary to the tenets of their faith and dignity, the cessation of all inhumane practices and customs that demean women, and the revision of laws that hinder women from fully realizing their rights.