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His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and was received by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al-Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

His Eminence proceeded to the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God rest his soul, where he recited the Fatiha and prayed for mercy and forgiveness for him, remembering his legacy and wise approach that fostered a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among different peoples of the world.

His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed that Sheikh Zayed, God rest his soul, was a unique example of a wise leader whose vision made the UAE a model of development, progress, preservation of religion, and values. He also left a rich legacy in supporting charitable and humanitarian work, significantly contributing to establishing a culture of tolerance and coexistence through his honorable deeds and positions.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the civilizational message of the mosque, advocating coexistence and tolerance and openness to others; emanating from the virtues and values of the founding father, and the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in promoting the tolerant Islamic culture and advancing civilizational communication among different cultures and peoples worldwide.

Accompanying His Eminence the Grand Imam during the visit were His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, and His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, asserts that youth are the cornerstone of achieving progress and development. The Council calls for the empowerment of young people and the enhancement of their skills through scientific and intellectual training, providing them with human values, and giving them opportunities for active participation, expression of their opinions, and support for their constructive initiatives and ideas, contributing to a better future.

In a statement marking World Youth Skills Day, which is observed annually on July 15, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the need to expand cooperation between governments, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and others to support efforts aimed at equipping young people with the skills necessary for creativity and innovation. The Council, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, places great importance on empowering youth and developing their abilities to face global challenges, recognizing the active role of youth in fostering peace, enhancing human coexistence, and building bridges of communication and dialogue with others.

Likewise, the Muslim Council of Elders is deeply committed to supporting youth and developing their skills and abilities to strengthen their role in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. This commitment is demonstrated through various initiatives such as the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” which provides a platform for dialogue among youth aged 18 to 30, enabling them to launch national and regional projects related to peacebuilding and promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity. Additionally, the “Human Fraternity Dialogues” aims to introduce university students to the values of human fraternity, creating an international network and platform for students worldwide to share creative ideas for fostering interfaith and intercultural solidarity within communities. Other initiatives include the “Ethics Education Fellowship,” which seeks to integrate human and ethical values into educational curricula, and the “Azadi Fellowship Program” in Islamabad, which aims to establish a culture of religious and cultural dialogue, support efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence, combat hate speech and extremism, and address global peacebuilding challenges. These efforts reflect the Council’s belief in the crucial role of youth in nation-building and community development.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, at his residence in Abu Dhabi to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in supporting the causes of the Ummah and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He praised the initiatives and efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan in this regard, highlighting the close cooperation between the Ministry of Tolerance and the Muslim Council of Elders in consolidating common human values, fostering a culture of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, and the importance of shielding the youth against extremist ideologies, while instilling values, ethics, and loyalty to the nation.

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Grand Imam, which have significantly contributed to showcasing the moderation and tolerance of Islam, countering extremism and terrorism, correcting misconceptions, and fostering constructive engagement with Muslims worldwide. He commended the importance of the Grand Imam’s visit to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and the “Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace” initiative announced during his visit to Indonesia. He affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of the Grand Imam, greatly contributes to promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan also congratulated the Grand Imam on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders. In turn, the Grand Imam presented the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence with a special edition of the commemorative medal marking the 10th anniversary of the Council’s founding.

The meeting was also attended by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

ABU DHABI, 12th July, 2024 (WAM) – UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received His Eminence Professor Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, His Highness welcomed Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, wishing him good health and a successful visit to his second home, the UAE.

The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between relevant entities in the UAE and both Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to consolidate shared human values and promote a culture of coexistence, civilised dialogue, and peace among various cultures and peoples worldwide based on the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting also discussed the Muslim Council of Elders initiative titled Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace, established in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia, which aims to strengthen the role of religious scholars and leaders in supporting global development and peace efforts.

Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

His Highness commended the Grand Imam’s significant efforts in spreading the message of understanding and human coexistence, as well as in fostering a culture of mutual respect. He also praised the pivotal role of Al-Azhar in presenting the true image of Islam and maintaining its benevolent and peaceful message.

The Grand Imam praised the initiatives and charitable efforts of His Highness supporting regional and global peace and development. He also highlighted His Highness’ humanitarian approach, which focuses on human development and empowerment worldwide.

The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s commitment to Islamic issues, continuing its historical support for its brothers, especially the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people at various levels.

His Eminence highlighted Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts in promoting values of peace, coexistence, and human fraternity, as well as combating hate speech and extremism and supporting the role of religious scholars and leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs;Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; and Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Teachers and students at Darunnajah Islamic Institutes in Indonesia to His Eminence the Grand Imam: Your visit is a long-cherished dream and a historic moment we will always remember

­ Teachers and students at Dar Darunnajah Islamic Institutes in Indonesia: The Grand Imam has brought knowledge and enlightenment to Indonesia 

­ Director of Darunnajah Islamic Institutes in Indonesia announces naming of new building as ‘Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: Seeing the enlightened faces of the students today confirms that Islam has men and women capable of carrying its message

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif: Al-Azhar’s doors will remain open to all Indonesian students wishing to study there

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to the students: Pursue knowledge and do not succumb to extremist currents that confuse national with Ummah allegiance

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to the students: Studying various schools of thought revives acceptance of others and openness to all cultures

Thousands of teachers and students at the Darunnajah Islamic Institutes (Darunnajah Nodern Pesantren) in Indonesia warmly welcomed His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb. They expressed their profound love and appreciation for His Eminence and their immense joy at his visit, emphasizing that this visit represented a long-cherished dream and a historic moment that they will always remember.

In his welcome address during the celebration titled “Al-Azhar and Its Civilizational Message in Islamic Advocacy and Education,” Dr. Sofwan Manaf, Director of Darunnajah Islamic Institutes, stated that the honor of hosting His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders was a significant and historic moment, long dreamed of by the institute’s founding father, who had always anticipated this visit. Today, the dream has come true. He noted that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is greatly loved and respected by all Indonesians and has been instrumental in preparing generations of scholars and jurists who uphold the banner of knowledge and moderation worldwide, affirming that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has always been and will continue to be the primary Islamic authority  for Muslims globally.

The director of Darunnajah Islamic Institutes confirmed that this visit serves as significant motivation for the institutes’ students and teachers to continue working toward preparing a new generation of Muslim preachers. He expressed his anticipation of opening more avenues of cooperation between Darunnajah Islamic Institutes and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, noting that the Grand Imam has brought knowledge and enlightenment. He also announced that a new building soon to be opened at the institute would be named ‘Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.’

In his speech, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, expressed his immense pleasure at seeing the enlightened faces of the students and faculty, stating that their presence today instilled in him a sense of the capability of Islam’s men and women to carry its message. He highlighted the exemplary dedication and commitment to ethics and academic excellence of Indonesian students studying at Al-Azhar, affirming that the doors of Al-Azhar will always remain open to all Indonesian students wishing to study there. Furthermore, he announced a number of Al-Azhar scholarships for students at the Darunnajah Islamic Institutes and university to encourage their continued excellence.

His Eminence urged the students to be diligent in their studies, stating, “Knowledge, then knowledge, then knowledge,” and highlighted their role as the core of the nation’s future scholars and bearers of its message. He stressed the importance of “loving one’s nation” and resisting extremist currents that try to conflate national allegiance with allegiance to the Ummah, with the intention of sowing division among Muslims. He called on students to engage with and study all schools of jurisprudence and science, advising against adherence to a single school of thought. His Eminence pointed out that studying various schools of thought  fosters acceptance of others and openness to all cultures.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Urges Indonesian Scholars to Shield Their Children Against Those Who Cast Doubt on the Authenticity of the Sunnah, Emphasizing:

• The bond of the Ummah with the Prophet of Humanity (peace be upon him) is strong and grows firmer with time.
• There are recurring old and renewed calls that consistently cast doubt on the Sunnah.
• One of the doubters of the Sunnah has even gone so far as to claim prophethood.
• Separating the Quran from the Sunnah leaves it vulnerable to misinterpretation.
• “Doubt” and “suspicion” are common traits among those who question the Sunnah.
• Scholars of the Muslim Ummah have dedicated their lives and strained their eyes to verify the narrations of the Sunnah.
• Since my tenure as President of Al-Azhar University, I have called for the development of curricula focused on critiquing dubious texts.
• Some who deny the Sunnah call themselves “Qur’anists,” but they are the furthest from the Qur’an.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned us 14 centuries ago about those who would call for the exclusion of his Sunnah.

The Muhammadiyah Society of Indonesia in Jakarta held a special reception for the Grand Imam, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the occasion of his third visit to Indonesia. The event, themed “Al-Azhar and Muhammadiyah: Their Pioneering Role in Spreading the Moderation of Islam and Achieving Global Peace,” was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Haedar Nashir, the General President of the Muhammadiyah Society, the institution’s leaders, presidents of Muhammadiyah universities, and a select group of Indonesian scholars and intellectuals.
At the beginning of the ceremony, His Excellency Sheikh Haedar Nashir, the General President of the Muhammadiyah Society of Indonesia, expressed his happiness at the visit paid by Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam to the society’s headquarters. He highlighted Al-Azhar’s unlimited support for Indonesian Muslims through scholarships and welcoming Indonesian students to Al-Azhar University. He affirmed that Al-Azhar is a model in developing religious education and advocating for Islam, being the largest Islamic reference and a pillar of Islamic civilization.
Mr. Haedar Nashir emphasized that the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar is the foremost supporter of Islamic and humanitarian causes worldwide. He is not only an imam for Muslims but also a symbol of peace and humanity globally. He pointed out the necessity of activating the provisions of the Document on Human Fraternity, which His Eminence Sheikh Al-Tayeb signed with His Holiness Pope Francis in 2019, as it contains humanitarian principles that protect the interests of all people, regardless of their color, religion, or race. He also noted the Indonesians’ appreciation for the initiatives stemming from this document, foremost among them being the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama were honored with this award for their efforts in establishing peace and human fraternity within Indonesia and their active participation in economic and social development through the expansion of institutes, universities, and hospitals that serve millions of Indonesians.
On this occasion, His Eminence the Grand Imam delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the bond of the Muslim Ummah with Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), the Prophet of Humanity who brought humanity out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge, and from the narrowness of brutality and oppression into the expanse of mercy and peace, is a strong bond that only grows firmer with time. He explained that Muslims around the world study his life and his teachings, hold him in the highest regard, and firmly believe that he was the link that dispelled the darkness of the earth with the light of the heavens.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar pointed to the emergence of recurring old calls that have consistently sought to cast doubt on the value of the Sunnah (the Prophet’s traditions), its authenticity, and its authority, and to criticize its narrators: the Companions, the Followers, and those who came after them. These calls demand the exclusion of the Prophet’s Sunnah entirely from the realm of legislation and rulings, advocating reliance solely on the Qur’an for all that a Muslim does and refrains from in terms of worship and transactions. They claim that what is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an does not bind Muslims by any command or prohibition, or any declaration of permissibility or prohibition. He described it as an ancient and renewed issue.
The Grand Imam and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders clarified that separating the Qur’an from the Sunnah places it in jeopardy and opens the door to tampering with its verses, rulings, and legislations. He explained the scholars’ views on this matter with the example of prayer: while it is established in the Qur’an, there is not a single verse that explains to a Muslim how to pray, nor the details of the prayer, its number of units (rak’ahs) and prostrations, or its postures. These details and similar ones cannot be understood, known, or derived except through the Sunnah, which is the second source of legislation in Islam. He pointed out that many legislations are mentioned in the Qur’an in a general manner and are detailed by the Sunnah.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar explained that these skeptics, regardless of their places and times, and despite their differing backgrounds and tastes, share a common trait: doubt and suspicion towards the narrators of hadiths, and disregard for the immense, painstaking scientific efforts that the scholars of the Ummah have dedicated their entire lives to. These scholars exhausted themselves, straining their eyes in research and investigation, with a singular goal: to distinguish the authentic from the inauthentic in the narrations of the Sunnah. This was achieved through meticulous, unique, and remarkable research into the history and biographical accounts of the narrators, their scientific and moral conduct, and their trustworthiness and accuracy. From this emerged an independent field known among scholars as “Ilm al-Isnad” (the Science of Transmission [of Hadith]) or “Ilm al-Rijal” (the Science of Men), a discipline unparalleled among non-Muslims, both historically and in contemporary times. This is attested by prominent European scholars who have studied the Sunnah. The Grand Imam emphasized that such fair statements from Western scholars came only after extensive study, research, and investigation, realizing that history does not know any other person—prophet, leader, or hero—other than Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), whose entire life events, actions, sayings, travels, morals, habits, even his clothing, facial features, manner of speaking, walking, eating, drinking, sleeping, smiling, and the lifestyle of his family and companions, were recorded in great detail.
His Eminence praised Al-Azhar for designing curricula that critique dubious texts, a project initiated during his tenure as the President of Al-Azhar University at the beginning of this century. He personally requested senior Hadith scholars in the Faculty of Usul al-Din (Fundamentals of Religion) to elucidate the flaws in such texts and to publish this critical Hadith heritage, bringing these rare treasures in this field to light, as they have not received their due attention in study and dissemination.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar expressed his astonishment that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had informed his Ummah—fourteen centuries ago—that individuals claiming affiliation with him would one day emerge, calling for the exclusion of his Sunnah and relying solely on the Quran. He warned us against their actions even while they were still hidden in the folds of the unknown. His Eminence Prof. Dr. Al-Tayeb said, “Isn’t this a sign of his Prophethood (peace be upon him) and one of his enduring miracles over time and ages?” He also expressed surprise that some of the deniers of the Sunnah call themselves “Qur’anists,” affirming that they are the furthest from the Qur’an. If they were true Qur’anists, they would not deny what Allah has mandated in the Qur’an, the obligation to follow the Prophet’s Sunnah and the way of the believers. He confirmed that the Sunnah is preserved by the same divine protection as the Qur’an.
In concluding his speech, His Eminence urged Indonesian scholars to give this issue (the authority of the Sunnah) significant attention. He suggested integrating it into university requirements and even into pre-university education curricula to safeguard the youth from being led astray to a place with neither Sunnah, Quran, nor religion. He added, “There is much to discuss, but it suffices that I have sounded the alarm on the danger that is beginning to resurface in our times in Muslim lands, both East and West.”

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We are ready to intensify the training courses for Indonesian imams at the Al-Azhar Academy for Imams

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We are ready to receive all girls forced to abandon their education in some Muslim countries to complete their studies at Al-Azhar

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders warns of the dangers of incorrect education in creating extremist individuals

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with Jusuf Kalla, former Vice President of Indonesia and Chairperson of the Indonesian Mosque Council, at his residence in Jakarta, Indonesia. The pair discussed ways Al-Azhar can support Indonesian imams.

Jusuf Kalla welcomed the Grand Imam on his third visit to Indonesia, emphasizing the high regard in which Indonesians hold Al-Azhar as a significant religious authority. He also noted that graduates of Al-Azhar among Indonesian imams are trusted by the public for their balanced approach, which accommodates social developments while preserving religious and Islamic heritage.

The Chairperson of the Indonesian Mosque Council requested the Grand Imam to intensify the training programs for Indonesian imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imams and Preachers, increase the number of Al-Azhar envoys to Indonesia, and allocate scholarships for Indonesian imams to pursue postgraduate studies at Al-Azhar University.

The former Vice President of Indonesia further highlighted the necessity for Al-Azhar to play a pivotal role in combating extremist ideologies prevalent in some Islamic countries, which seek to prevent girls from attending schools and universities. He stressed that Al-Azhar is capable of addressing and refuting such ideologies, thus saving these societies from potential future crises.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for Jusuf Kalla’s remarks and affirmed that Al-Azhar takes seriously the responsibility of preparing its graduates to meet global challenges, especially those in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that imams and preachers should be key figures in promoting societal stability and protecting it from extremist ideologies.

The Grand Imam re-assured that Al-Azhar is ready to enhance cooperation in training Indonesian imams and preachers through tailored programs, provide scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies at Al-Azhar University, and foster collaboration between Al-Azhar University and different Indonesian universities.

Additionally, His Eminence stated Al-Azhar’s readiness to intervene in assisting Muslim communities affected by extremist ideologies, clarifying the true image of Islam, and offering necessary support. He declared, “We are prepared to receive all girls forced to abandon their education in some Muslim countries to complete their studies at Al-Azhar with fully funded scholarships, without limiting the number of scholarships due to the harsh conditions these communities are facing.” He also emphasized the danger of incorrect education, which is a significant cause of today’s suffering, leading to individuals who prohibit many aspects of life.

The World’s Largest Islamic Organization Organizes a Grand Reception for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, with the Attendance of Faith Leaders and Figures in Indonesia

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: “Difference is a Divine Law, and We Must All Adopt the Culture of Dialogue, Tolerance, and Mutual Coexistence.”

The Indonesian Nahdlatul Ulama Association, the world’s largest Islamic organization with over 120 million followers, organized a grand reception for His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. The event was attended by leaders and figures of different religions in Indonesia, including Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, Hindus, and Confucians. Thousands of leaders, symbols, and youth from the association attended the reception, while hundreds of thousands followed the event through a live broadcast.

In his speech at the event titled “Dialogue and Harmony between Religions and Civilizations,” His Eminence stated that different religions and sects are essentially messages of peace to humanity, animals, plants, and nature as a whole. He emphasized that Islam, for example, does not permit Muslims to bear arms except in self-defence. He affirmed that Muslims have never fought others to force them into Islam, as Islam views non-Muslims through a lens of love and human fraternity, not hostility or suspicion. Several verses in the Quran explicitly stipulate that the relationship between Muslims and peaceful non-Muslims—regardless of their religions or sects—is one of love, kindness, and fairness.

His Eminence added that Islam does not need to prove that it is a religion of dialogue, integration of civilizations, cultural exchange, and respect for others. These facts are known to both believers and non-believers alike. History has testified to the civilization of this religion as one of human fraternity and global religious camaraderie, never a source of human suffering. It never showed intolerance toward other religions and never took a hostile stance, overt or covert, in its armed conflicts with non-Muslims. Islam always adhered to the principles of justice and self-defense.

The Grand Imam stressed the need for Easterners to feel closer and more connected to the West, moving away from viewing Western civilization as entirely evil or contrary to religious values and virtues. He suggested adopting a more optimistic view, seeing Western civilization as a human civilization that, despite its flaws and deficiencies, has saved humanity and advanced it to scientific and technological horizons that would have been unattainable throughout its ancient history without Western scholars’ dedication to literary, experimental, and artistic sources of knowledge. At the same time, the East has spiritual and religious resources to offer the West, helping prevent its civilization from decay and disintegration. Meanwhile, the West has much to offer the East in terms of rescuing it from scientific, technological, and industrial backwardness, among other areas.

He concluded, “The step taken jointly by His Holiness Pope Francis and me, perhaps for the first time in the history of Christian-Islamic relations, resulted in the Document on Human Fraternity, now recognized globally and with the United Nations declaring its anniversary on February 4th as International Day of Human Fraternity. This step may help dissolve the accumulated misunderstandings and tensions between followers of different sects and religions in both East and West, especially during times of war and crises. These meetings will yield the desired results—God willing—if intentions are sincere, wills are strong, hearts are pure, and minds are sound. Is there hope that the West will reduce its arrogance and that the East will abandon its suspicions and meet halfway for mutual understanding, love, experience exchange, benefits, and real cooperation for lasting peace and a secure civilization?”

Religious leaders and figures expressed their great welcome to His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, affirming that he is a symbol of peace, tolerance, and coexistence. They consistently draw inspiration from his efforts to promote values of truth, goodness, justice, and human fraternity, spreading the spirit of peace, coexistence, and citizenship. Members of the Nahdlatul Ulama Association expressed their love and appreciation for His Eminence and Al-Azhar, highlighting their constant efforts to draw from the light of Al-Azhar and its dedicated scholars who spread enlightened thought, moderation, and peace worldwide.

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, welcomed the third visit of the Grand Imam to Indonesia, responding to an invitation from the Indonesian President. He confirmed that this visit is of great importance, given the immense love and respect that the Indonesian people have for His Eminence, whose scholars were trained by Al-Azhar scholars and walked in the light of its knowledge and the blessings of its dedicated teachers. The CEO of the Nahdlatul Ulama Association expressed his great joy at the Grand Imam’s acceptance of the invitation to attend the celebration organized by the association during his visit to Indonesia, noting that more than 300 university presidents from the association attended, along with thousands of members, and hundreds of thousands followed through the association’s digital platforms, reflecting their love for the Grand Imam and Al-Azhar.

Bhante Pannavaro, the representative of the Buddhist community in Indonesia, expressed his gratitude for the reception of the Grand Imam, a globally recognized figure for his efforts in promoting dialogue and pluralism. He added, “As a representative of Buddhists, I express our gratitude for this cherished visit to all Indonesians, not just Muslims,” noting the Buddhist community’s follow-up on the Grand Imam’s stances and his calls for understanding and coexistence, pushing forward dialogue and closeness among followers of different religions and cultures. Rev. Gomar Gultom, the representative of the Protestant community in Indonesia, gave a welcoming speech to the Grand Imam, saying, “On behalf of the Christian churches in Indonesia, we express our gratitude and joy at welcoming Your Eminence to our country. Our meeting today is a significant step towards further joint meetings of religious leaders in our country. We are fortunate to be among this large Islamic community, representing the world’s largest Muslim country, committed to preserving pluralism, diversity, harmony, and unity among all segments of society.”

Dr. Mangku Pastika, leader of the Hindu community in Indonesia, stated that the Grand Imam’s visit brought the spirit of peace at a time when the world desperately needs it amid widespread conflicts. He expressed his appreciation for the Grand Imam’s efforts in promoting human fraternity, coexistence, and mutual respect, and his joy at the meeting organized by Nahdlatul Ulama to welcome the Grand Imam. He emphasized that Nahdlatul Ulama is a pillar of Indonesian society in maintaining its security, stability, and good relations among followers of different religions. Dr. Budi Wibowo, leader of the Confucian community in Indonesia, said, “We welcome the Grand Imam to our country. This is truly a visit of peace and affection for everyone. We pray that God grants him success in his efforts to establish peace and love, spreading them worldwide, making the world more harmonious and inclusive, providing a fertile ground that embraces everyone and ensures their rights and duties.”

Cardinal Suharyo, the representative of the Catholic community in Indonesia, said, “The Grand Imam is an advocate for peace, and it is a great honor to meet him in Indonesia. I have long wished for this meeting, especially after he signed the Document on Human Fraternity with His Holiness Pope Francis in 2019, which we have distributed to various churches in Indonesia. It inspired us to publish a book on coexistence authored by several religious leaders in Indonesia. We hope to continue the Grand Imam’s efforts to advance steps and closeness among followers of different cultures and religions.”

At the end of the celebration, the CEO of the Nahdlatul Ulama Association presented the Grand Imam with the Nahdlatul Ulama Shield, expressing the Indonesian people’s love for him and their happiness with this esteemed visit. 

The celebration was attended by Sheikh Miftachul Akhyar bin Abdul Ghani, President of the Supreme Council (Council of Senior Scholars) of Nahdlatul Ulama, Sheikh Dr. Yahya Cholil Staquf, Chairman of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs His Excellency Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Rev. Gomar Gultom of the Indonesian Protestant Church, a representative of Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of the Indonesian Catholic Church, Dr. Made Mangku Pastika, leader of the Hindu community in Indonesia, Bhante Pannavaro, Supreme Religious Leader of the Indonesian Buddhist community, Budi Santoso Tano Wibowo, leader of the Confucian community in Indonesia, and a large number of religious, intellectual, and cultural figures in Indonesia.

Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament: The Grand Imam’s visit to the Indonesian Parliament is a support for Indonesian women

Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament: We rely on Al-Azhar to maintain moderation and diversity in our country

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: Indonesia represents a pioneering model in diversity, religious tolerance, and social peace

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: The exclusion and marginalization of women from social participation is due to the mixing of societal traditions with religious rulings

Puan Maharani, Speaker of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, received His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Parliamentary Complex of Indonesia which was established by Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president in 1965.

The Speaker expressed her great pleasure at this cherished visit by the Grand Imam to Indonesia and the honor it brings to the Indonesian Parliament. She noted that this visit sends a message from His Eminence supporting Indonesian women amid the spread of incorrect fatwas about women’s empowerment and leadership roles, falsely accusing Islam of being anti-women. “As the first woman to chair the House of Representatives of the largest Muslim country, Indonesia, I thank you for your consistent positions that emphasize Islam’s respect for women, its preservation of their status, and its elevation of their role as partners and equals with men in all aspects of life,” she said.

The Speaker affirmed the Indonesian people’s trust in Al-Azhar as a scientific beacon and a moderate religious reference and noted that Al-Azhar’s stance against the aggression on Gaza reflects the deep bitterness felt by Indonesians who also look forward to Al-Azhar’s continued role in raising awareness of the suffering in Gaza. She emphasized that Indonesia and Al-Azhar share common goals of promoting religious and moral values, combating Islamophobia, and creating global Islamic entities capable of defending Muslim issues on a global level.

She further stated that Indonesia has adopted a path of pluralism, acceptance of others, and providing an environment conducive to mutual coexistence and respect. This approach stems from the belief that diversity is a gift and wisdom from God intended for this universe. She explained that Indonesia relies on Al-Azhar to maintain Islamic moderation in the country, with its graduates and students serving as a soft power to uphold their cohesive social fabric. Hence, Indonesia invests in Indonesians studying at Al-Azhar and has a genuine desire to double their numbers.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his happiness at visiting the Indonesian Parliament, highlighting the strong Egyptian-Indonesian relations, noting that Egypt was one of the first countries to support and recognize Indonesia’s independence in 1946. He explained that Al-Azhar has been a crucial factor in strengthening these relations, with over 14,000 Indonesian students currently studying at Al-Azhar’s institutes and university and that Al-Azhar also offers 200 scholarships, and this number will be increased during this visit in appreciation of the Indonesian people.

The Grand Imam praised Indonesia’s development and progress, alongside its commitment to preserving religious and moral values. He noted that Indonesia serves as a pioneering model of pluralism, religious tolerance, and social peace, maintaining stability within the framework of unity. He stressed that the moderation of Islam is the secret to its endurance and distinction, keeping it far from extremism and excess.

His Eminence also emphasized that the history of excluding women and marginalizing their participation in social life is long, rooted in a mix of societal traditions with religious rulings, resulting in biased jurisprudence that hindered women’s progress out of fear of societal judgment. He pointed out that proper education and highlighting women’s role in building Muslim society alongside men have liberated women from long-standing fears and anxieties.

Grand Imam to Vice President of Indonesia: The Islamic World Lacks Coordinated Efforts and a Unified Islamic Voice Involving Political Decision-Makers and Religious Scholars

Grand Imam to Vice President of Indonesia: Efforts to Combat Islamophobia Will Only Succeed if Driven by Genuine Desire and Coordination Between Politicians and Religious Scholars

Vice President of Indonesia: We Coordinate with Al-Azhar to Combat Islamophobia and Highlight Islam’s Moderation to the West

Dr. Ma’ruf Amin, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, received His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

Dr. Ma’ruf Amin emphasized the importance of His Eminence’s visit due to the deep affection and respect the Indonesian people have for him. He highlighted that Al-Azhar is highly trusted by Indonesians as their primary religious and scholarly reference, playing a crucial role in shaping the relationship between Egypt and Indonesia. He noted Indonesia’s intention to elevate its academic relations with Al-Azhar by establishing an office for the development of education for incoming students in Indonesia to prepare them before they commence their studies at Al-Azhar University, considering these students as the future scholars and leaders of their communities.

The Vice President of Indonesia also expressed his appreciation for the efforts made in coordinating cooperation between the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House, Al-Azhar’s charitable arm, and the Indonesian Zakat and Charity Authority, particularly in organizing humanitarian aid convoys to Gaza. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people, as demonstrated by Indonesia’s advocacy against the oppression, displacement, and violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza at various international forums.

Dr. Ma’ruf Amin emphasized the need for continued collaboration with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to accurately present Islam globally, especially in an era where Islam is falsely accused of promoting violence and extremism. He stressed the importance of clarifying Islam’s moderation and compassion and addressing the false allegations against it to Western youth, pointing out the rising threat of Islamophobia in Western countries and its impact on the security and stability of Muslim communities.

For his part, the Grand Imam underscored Al-Azhar’s ongoing efforts to promote Islam’s moderation and that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders have conducted dialogues between the East and West and held international conferences on the status of women in Islam to go with advocating for the use of the term “citizenship” instead of “minorities,” promoting equality and empowerment regardless of religion, race, gender, or color. Al-Azhar has also introduced positive integration among all citizens within a country, drawing on the example of the first Islamic state established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which included the “Constitution of Medina” that ensured everyone’s rights. This document remains a pure Islamic stance on the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, based on respect, affection, coexistence, and integration.

The Grand Imam also highlighted the lack of coordinated efforts among Islamic countries and institutions, stressing the need for a unified Islamic voice to address its challenges and crises. He warned that efforts, no matter how substantial, would only be effective if driven by a genuine desire for change, which can only be achieved through full cooperation and coordination. Excluding any party would only lead to further fragmentation and disorientation, hindering the Islamic world’s path to progress and prosperity.