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His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders, met in Berlin with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in the presence of former President of the European Council Charles Michel. The meeting addressed several current global issues and challenges, as well as ways to promote peace and human fraternity and strengthen dialogue among civilizations and cultures.

During the meeting, Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in promoting the values of dialogue, coexistence, and peace. She affirmed that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, possesses a long-term strategic vision and has contributed to establishing the UAE as a distinguished model of development, stability, and humanitarian work. She also emphasized the pivotal role played by Egypt in enhancing stability in the Middle East.

The former German Chancellor also expressed her deep appreciation for His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, describing him as an exceptional figure characterized by openness to others and respect for cultural and civilizational diversity. She highlighted his important role in promoting dialogue and understanding among peoples. She also commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peaceful coexistence and combating hatred, as well as its dialogue initiatives and the Document on Human Fraternity, which she described as a global model for human coexistence.

Merkel also praised the role of the late Pope Francis in promoting peace and fostering closer relations among peoples and cultures. She also expressed her admiration for the papal message on artificial intelligence issued by Pope Leo XIV, noting the ethical and humanitarian insights it offers to help guide technological development in the service of humanity.

For his part, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam conveyed the greetings of His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with his deep appreciation for Chancellor Merkel’s humanitarian positions—particularly her support for refugees and vulnerable groups—and for the inspiration she has provided to many leaders around the world. 

He further emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to promote the values of dialogue, coexistence, and mutual understanding, and to address the challenges that threaten global peace and stability. He stressed that the world needs wise and responsible voices with clarity of vision and the courage to take principled stands, contributing to a culture of peace and building bridges of trust among peoples.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam presented Angela Merkel with a copy of his book “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path,”* while she presented him with a signed copy of her memoir “Freedom: Memories 1954–2021.” Both parties also affirmed the importance of continuing dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of perspectives on humanitarian and intellectual issues of mutual interest, in ways that contribute to strengthening the values of peace, understanding, and coexistence among peoples.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that hate speech, intolerance, and discrimination constitute some of the most serious challenges facing societies, as they lead to division and fragmentation, fuel conflicts, and undermine the values of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, observed annually on June 18, the Muslim Council of Elders states that Islam, as well as all divine religions, call for safeguarding human dignity, respecting diversity, and fostering understanding among peoples and cultures, while rejecting all forms of hatred, racism, and exclusion.

The Muslim Council of Elders warns of the growing spread of hate speech across digital platforms and social media, often accompanied by misinformation, distortion, and incitement campaigns. It calls for concerted efforts to strengthen ethical responsibility in the digital sphere and to develop legislative, educational, and media frameworks that contribute to curbing this phenomenon and protecting societies from its harmful consequences.

The Muslim Council of Elders has been making extensive efforts to counter hate speech and extremism through a range of leading initiatives. Foremost among these are East–West dialogue, International Peace Convoys, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, student dialogue programs for human fraternity, and the “100 Questions” project. In addition, the Council organizes numerous conferences and issues a wide range of publications focused on confronting extremist ideologies, correcting misconceptions, promoting a culture of dialogue, understanding, coexistence, tolerance, and peace, and raising awareness about the dangers of rhetoric that incites or justifies hatred.

The Muslim Council of Elders further emphasizes that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late His Holiness Pope Francis, former head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, represents an important human reference point in countering hate speech, extremism, and intolerance. It also reinforces the values of citizenship, coexistence, solidarity, respect for others, and cooperation for the good of humanity. The document affirms that religions have never been a cause of wars and conflicts, nor a source of hatred, hostility, or extremism, and calls for ending the misuse of religion in inciting violence, hatred, and blind fanaticism, while working together to promote the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its sincere congratulations to the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as to Muslims around the world, on the occasion of the New Hijri Year 1448 AH. The Council prays to Almighty Allah to return this blessed occasion to all humanity with goodness, prosperity, and blessings, and to make it a year marked by greater security, peace, stability, and compassion.

The Council affirms that the noble Prophetic Hijrah will always remain a profound spiritual and human milestone in the history of the Muslim nation. It embodies great lessons in patience, perseverance, love of one’s homeland, and reliance on Allah while taking practical means. It also reflects the foundations of building a society rooted in the values of mercy, justice, and fraternity. Furthermore, it serves as an inspiring model for moving from challenges to opportunities for building, progress, and hope, while reinforcing the values of solidarity, cooperation, and coexistence.

On this blessed occasion, the Muslim Council of Elders calls for drawing inspiration from the meanings of the Prophetic Hijrah in our contemporary reality, strengthening the values of tolerance and human fraternity, and intensifying joint efforts to promote peace, reinforce stability, and uphold dignity. The Council prays to Almighty Allah to make this new Hijri year a year of goodness, security, and prosperity for the Arab and Islamic nations and for all humanity.

On the International Day Against Child Labour – Muslim Council of Elders: Providing Education, Care, and a Dignified Life for Children Is the Cornerstone of Building Stable and Prosperous Societies

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that protecting children from economic exploitation and all forms of abuse is a shared moral and humanitarian responsibility. It requires the concerted efforts of governments, international organizations, and local communities to ensure that all children enjoy their fundamental rights to education, care, protection, and healthy development in a safe and dignified environment.

In a statement on the International Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on 12 June, the Council emphasized that child labour is not only a violation of children’s rights and human dignity, but also deprives millions of children around the world of opportunities for education and personal development. It further exposes them to physical, psychological, and social risks, the consequences of which may extend into their future and the future of their communities.

The Council noted that the tolerant teachings of Islam, along with all divine religions and international conventions and laws, call for safeguarding human dignity and ensuring the protection and care of children. These frameworks emphasize the importance of providing a suitable environment for children’s upbringing, education, and development, enabling them to contribute positively to their societies and nations. The Council also called for strengthening international efforts aimed at eliminating child labour and addressing its underlying economic and social causes, thereby contributing to a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for coming generations.

The Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church, affirms that children’s fundamental rights—to family upbringing, nutrition, education, and care—are both a duty and a moral responsibility shared by families and society. These rights must be guaranteed, protected, and never denied to any child, anywhere. Any practice that undermines children’s dignity or violates their rights must be firmly condemned.

The Muslim Council of Elders also reiterates that true investment in the future of humanity begins with protecting and empowering children. Providing them with education, care, and a dignified life is the cornerstone of building stable and prosperous societies grounded in security, peace, and sustainable development.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has affirmed that protecting the environment and preserving natural resources are shared moral and humanitarian responsibilities that require concerted international efforts to address growing environmental challenges and secure a more sustainable future for generations to come.

In a statement marking World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that Islam, along with all divine laws, calls for the stewardship and flourishing of the Earth and forbids corruption and destruction within it. These teachings promote the values of moderation and responsibility in the use of natural resources, helping to achieve a balance between the demands of development and the preservation of the environment.
The statement highlighted the importance of raising environmental awareness and supporting initiatives aimed at tackling climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. It stressed that environmental protection is no longer merely a local or regional concern, but a global responsibility that requires effective international cooperation, sustainable partnerships, and collective action at every level.

The Muslim Council of Elders has made significant efforts to strengthen the role of religious leaders and faith communities in addressing global challenges, particularly environmental and climate-related issues. In this regard, the Council organized the Global Faith Leaders’ Summit on Climate Action. The summit resulted in the issuance of the Confluence of Conscience: Uniting for Planetary Resurgence”, also known as “The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28”. The statement was endorsed by more than 30 prominent religious leaders from around the world, including His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion during COP28 in the United Arab Emirates and COP29 in the Republic of Azerbaijan—the first initiative of its kind in the history of the UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs). The pavilion helped highlight the vital role of religions and ethical values in supporting international efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders renews its affirmation that caring for the environment and safeguarding its natural resources are integral to humanity’s responsibility toward itself, its communities, and future generations. The Council calls for continued collective action to protect our planet and preserve the future of humankind.