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The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Lahore International Book Fair hosted its second cultural seminar, titled “The Efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders to Advance Intra-Islamic Dialogue.” The event featured prominent speakers, including the esteemed  scholar Lal Hussain Al-Tuwaheedi, Coordinator of Shia Institutes in Pakistan, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Abdullah, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center at the University of Punjab – Lahore. The session was moderated by Dr. Arshad Al-Azhari, Director of the Muslim Council of Elders’ Office in Pakistan, and was attended by a large audience of fair visitors.

The seminar addressed the importance of Islamic unity in confronting the challenges facing the Muslim world. It emphasized the need to promote moderate religious education in schools and universities to protect young people from falling into sectarianism. Speakers called on governments and Islamic institutions to adopt educational programs that reinforce the values of unity, tolerance, and coexistence. They stressed that the Glorious Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) call for unity and solidarity among Muslims and that the many commonalities that bring them together should far outweigh the few differences that exist.

In his address, Lal Hussain Al-Tuwaheedi emphasized that the Muslim Ummah nation chieving unity by returning to the Glorious Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. He highlighted Al-Azhar’s role as a leading institution in promoting global peace and fostering intra-Islamic dialogue. He noted that Al-Azhar is among the few institutions that teach all Islamic schools of thought, thus playing a crucial role in fostering understanding and dialogue among Muslims. He also pointed to the significant role of social media and urged young people to use it to spread a culture of peace and fraternity rather than focusing on divisions.

Dr. Muhammad Abdullah echoed this sentiment, calling for a re-evaluation of sectarian practices that divide Muslims and instead focusing on commonalities that unite the Muslim nation. He referenced the vision of the renowned scholar Muhammad Iqbal on Muslim unity, in which he likened Islam to a tree with a single trunk and multiple branches or a river that gives rise to different streams, illustrating that diversity in perspectives does not equate to division.

The seminar witnessed significant engagement from attendees, who participated in in-depth discussions on the importance of intra-Islamic dialogue and the crucial role of religious and educational institutions in fostering these values.

This seminar is part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ ongoing efforts to promote intra-Islamic dialogue. The Council is also organizing the “Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference: One Nation, A Shared Destiny”, scheduled to be held in Bahrain from February 18 to 19. This conference serves as an extension of the Council’s initiatives to enhance communication among different Islamic schools of thought and explore mechanisms for uniting efforts to address the common challenges facing the Muslim world.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Lahore International Book Fair continues to attract a large number of visitors for the second consecutive day. It has welcomed many prominent academics and media figures, who have praised the Council’s valuable publications and pioneering initiatives in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among different Islamic schools of thought. They also commended the Council’s leading role in spreading a culture of peace and coexistence among nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will continue welcoming visitors at the Lahore International Book Fair until February 9 at Expo Center Lahore, Hall 1, Booth 1-6. The pavilion showcases a remarkable selection of books, intellectual publications, and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and coexistence, reflecting the Council’s pioneering role in uniting Islamic efforts and fostering greater understanding among Muslims of various intellectual and theological backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the International Religious Freedom Summit, held in Washington, D.C., USA, from February 3 to 5. The summit featured the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, along with hundreds of attendees from around the globe, including faith leaders, global institutions dedicated to advancing religious freedom, civil society organizations, human rights institutions, academics, researchers, and decision-makers.

During the summit, the Council’s delegation showcased its efforts in promoting peace and fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. They highlighted several inspiring initiatives and projects, including the historic Document on Human Fraternity, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29, and efforts to advance the role of faith leaders in addressing global challenges. Additionally, they emphasized the Council’s commitment to promoting enlightened, moderate thought and countering all forms of intolerance, hatred, discrimination, and Islamophobia.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the fifth edition of the International Religious Freedom Summit aligns with its mission to build bridges with institutions dedicated to fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and criminalizing offenses against religious symbols and sanctities. The Council’s presence was well-received by attendees, many of whom visited its booth and praised its pioneering efforts and diverse initiatives aimed at fostering pluralism, diversity, and mutual respect.

As part of its engagement, the Council’s delegation held several high-level meetings with prominent international figures and institutions attending the summit. Additionally, they visited several Islamic centers and met with various religious leaders in the United States to enhance cooperation and coordinate joint efforts.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Lahore International Book Fair 2025 held its first seminar under the title “Celebrating the International Day of Human Fraternity: The Importance and Role of the Document on Human Fraternity in Promoting Interfaith Harmony.” The seminar featured participation from Prof. Dr. Saeed Ahmad Saeedi, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Punjab, Lahore; Reverend Nadeem Kamran, the tenth Bishop of Lahore in the Anglican Church of Pakistan; Prof. Dr. Kalyan Singh, Professor of Punjabi Language at the Government College University, Lahore; and Mr. Arun Kumar, Coordinator of the Pakistan Hindu Council. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Mudassir, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Lahore College.

The discussion offered a holistic view of the critical role of fostering dialogue and tolerance among different religious groups, underscoring the need to integrate the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity into everyday practices to further global peace and stability.

Aroon Kumar, the Coordinator of the Pakistan Hindu Council, emphasized at the beginning of the seminar that all religions advocate for peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity. He pointed out that unity and human fraternity are solutions to global challenges such as climate change, extremism, poverty, and pandemics.

On his part, Bishop Nadeem Kamran expressed gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders for providing an opportunity for representatives of different faiths to come together at the same table. He highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders in promoting values of coexistence and mutual respect. He stressed the need to disseminate the concept of human fraternity in all forums and to make every day a day of human fraternity. Without acceptance and respect for others, the aspired human fraternity cannot be achieved. He noted that the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by two global religious figures in Abu Dhabi in 2019 came at a time when the world desperately needs peace and security.

Prof. Dr. Kalyan Singh highlighted that the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis in the UAE was a “gift to the world.” He emphasized that spreading the culture of human fraternity is key to ensuring a safe and stable future for generations to come. He also pointed out that the Indian subcontinent serves as a model of religious and cultural diversity, where different faiths and civilizations have coexisted peacefully for centuries.
 
Concluding the seminar, Prof. Dr. Saeed Ahmad Saeedi spoke about the significance of Islamic values in promoting human fraternity. He noted that Islam emphasizes the unity of humanity, interfaith coexistence, and the shared lineage of all people as descendants of Adam (peace be upon him). Citing the Charter of Medina as an early example of religious pluralism and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, he stressed that achieving human fraternity requires respect for human dignity, adopting a compassionate and dialogue-based discourse, and fostering communication and understanding among followers of different religions and cultures. 

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the first time in the 2025 Lahore International Book Fair, taking place from February 5 to 9. The Council’s pavilion is located in Hall 1, Pavilion R1-6 at Expo Centre Lahore.

On the opening day of the Lahore International Book Fair 2025, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion saw an impressive influx of visitors right from the start, establishing itself as a key attraction for reading enthusiasts from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds eager to learn about the Council’s pivotal role in fostering dialogue and tolerance among different faiths.

The Council’s participation was enthusiastically welcomed by distinguished leaders from the executive, academic, diplomatic, and media sectors. Prominent individuals, including Dr. Muhammad Saleem Baig, Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA); Mr. Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs; and renowned Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi, all praised the Council’s vigorous efforts to promote peace and coexistence. They lauded the Council’s endeavors and its high-quality publications, underscoring the importance of its mission to cultivate a culture of tolerance within diverse communities.

The pavilion experienced significant interaction with the Council’s scholarly and research-focused publications that explore issues of peace and tolerance. It featured approximately 250 works in eight languages, including 12 Urdu publications dedicated to interfaith dialogue, human fraternity, and the challenges encountered by multicultural societies.

The opening seminar drew a large audience and initiated deep discussions on methods to enhance mutual understanding and the pivotal role that religious and cultural institutions play in advancing the values of peace and dialogue.

The first day wrapped up in a positive atmosphere with substantial attendance, signaling a clear interest in the Council’s role and intellectual offerings.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will maintain its presence at the book fair, offering a series of intellectual seminars, panel discussions, and opportunities for direct engagement with visitors at Hall No. 1, Pavilion R1-6 in the Lahore Expo Center, until February 9, 2025.

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled “Document on Human Fraternity – A Basis of Tolerance and Coexistence” at its pavilion during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025. Held in commemoration of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the seminar marked the 6th anniversary of the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by 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, in Abu Dhabi. 

The seminar featured Goswami Sushil Maharaj Ji, National Convenor of the Indian Parliament of Religions alongside the Spiritual Researcher and Peace Activist, Giani Jaskirat Singh and Dr. Henna Praveen, Educator and Prominent Social Activist. 

Giani Jaskirat Singh emphasized that peace is a state of mind that should not be disturbed by external circumstances. He urged individuals to overcome fear, ego, and divisions, stating, “True wisdom lies in inner purity, not external differences. Humanity suffers when we focus on what divides us rather than the common values that unite us.” He further highlighted that misunderstanding, not reality, fuels fear and conflict and stressed the need for dispelling ignorance through knowledge and education.

Dr. Henna Praveen spoke about the necessity of fraternity in building a harmonious society, explaining that “Fraternity means standing together, supporting one another, and ensuring that living in society is a blessing, not a burden.” She emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving differences and noted that ego is a significant barrier to peace, as many conflicts arise from a lack of communication and understanding. She also shared insights on how educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping future generations, fostering inclusivity, and instilling values of coexistence.

Goswami Sushil Maharaj Ji underlined the importance of preserving history and cultural heritage as a means of fostering unity. He stated, “Violence in the name of religion is a universal sin. Every faith condemns it, and we must unite in rejecting it.” He further stressed that India’s diverse heritage has always embraced integration, and that elders must guide younger generations toward ethical living and mutual respect. He called for greater efforts in interfaith dialogue and collaboration, recognizing shared human values as the foundation of a peaceful society.

The event drew a large and engaged audience, including scholars, students, and professionals, all eager to participate in discussions on the principles of unity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. It also sparked deep engagement from the audience, with attendees actively participating in discussions on human fraternity, tolerance, and coexistence.

This is set to be the Muslim Council of Elders’ third consecutive participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 which underscores its commitment to intellectual and cultural exchange, fostering dialogue, and promoting values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. Through its diverse publications, translated works, and engaging discussions, the Council continues to bridge cultures and reinforce the importance of shared human values on the global stage. The Council’s pavilion (I-04) at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is located in Hall 4 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Dr. Mohammed Abdel Malik, Vice President of Al-Azhar University, Praises Muslim Council of Elders’ Efforts in Promoting Moderation, Human Fraternity, and Peaceful Coexistence

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair held its eighteenth cultural seminar, titled “Towards Sound Social Ethics.” The event featured Professor Dr. Mohammed Abdel Malik, Vice President of Al-Azhar University and a professor of Tafsir and Quranic Sciences, with Dr. Mohammed Jamal, a researcher at the Office for the Revival of Islamic Heritage at Al-Azhar Headquarters, serving as the moderator.

Dr. Abdel Malik opened the seminar by stressing that ethics are fundamental in Islam, underscoring the critical need to intertwine good conduct with devout worship in today’s society. He emphasized that a complete religion involves both adherence to God’s commands and the fulfillment of obligations towards fellow humans. Additionally, he highlighted that cultivating good character and managing behavior are central goals of Islamic worship.

Dr. Abdel Malik, Vice President of Al-Azhar University, emphasized that teaching children ethical behavior requires a collaborative effort, not limited to families alone but involving educational institutions and the media as well. He highlighted three effective upbringing strategies: observational learning, leading by example, and moral guidance, while cautioning against giving children unrestricted access to the digital world without supervision.

Dr. Abdel Malik also commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its role in promoting moderation, tolerance, Human fraternity, and coexistence through its seminars and publications at book fairs worldwide. He stressed how these efforts help forge a global community where people coexist as brothers in harmony rather than as adversaries. He specifically appreciated the Document on Human Fraternity, celebrated each year on February 4th.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair offers visitors a selection of the latest publications from Al-Hokama Publishing for the year 2025. Among the highlights is the book ‘On Public Culture’ by Dr. Ali Al-Anani, a professor of philosophy at the Faculties of Dar Al-Uloom and Usuluddin (Islamic Studies), who passed away in 1940.

In this book, Dr. Al-Anani considers the scope of public culture as defined by the esteemed leadership of the Faculty of Usuluddin. The book includes an introduction that discusses general intellectual life and the subject of culture, followed by a main text that delves into three issues: religious thinking, philosophical inquiry, and literature.

The author underscores that the concept of culture encompasses the entirety of human intellectual output from its earliest instances to modern times. This output is categorized into four major domains: religious thought, philosophical inquiry, literary efforts, and the sciences. He notes that religion represents the oldest form of human thinking, which subsequently gave rise to both philosophy and literature. From these two areas, the field of science developed. The domains of philosophy, literature, and science are all encompassed within the broad and overarching realm of religion, which is the earliest to emerge and remains the most inclusive to this day.

The author further advises that research into human intellectual production should start with religion, progress to philosophy, move on to literature, and end with science and its various branches. He points out that philosophical thought originally stemmed from religion during the ages of Tadween (compilation of knowledge), thus placing literature before philosophy in terms of historical emergence. Therefore, it is necessary to rank literature second after religion, followed by philosophy, and lastly science, in their historical order of development.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The stand of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its 17th cultural seminar, titled “The Ethics of Dialogue in the Quran.” The event featured Prof. Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi, Head of the Development Centre for International Students, and Prof. Dr. Abdel Fattah Khidr, Former Dean of the Faculty of Quranic Sciences at Al-Azhar University. The seminar was moderated by journalist Mr. Mohamed Gomaa, a presenter on the Quran Radio Network.

Opening the discussion, Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi highlighted that the essence of dialogue is to foster peace, spread goodwill, and encourage mutual understanding and persuasion. She emphasized that the Quran teaches the most effective approach to dialogue—engaging with wisdom and in the best manner possible—which serves as the ideal path for shaping human behavior and nurturing intellectual convictions. She further noted that for dialogue to be meaningful, it must be built on strong foundations, adding that the real challenge is not in the values themselves but in our inability to put them into practice.

She added that the Quran serves as a timeless constitution for humanity, offering guidance for all eras and circumstances. It teaches essential forms of dialogue that uphold harmony in life—between leaders and their people, children and their parents, and even with those who hold opposing views. She highlighted the dialogues of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) with his father and his son, which exemplify respect and humility.

Dr. Abdel Fattah Khidr emphasized that dialogue is the cornerstone of human interaction; without it, everything else is lost. It has been the foundation of understanding among people since the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). He noted that the Quran’s diverse examples of dialogue form the backbone of family and societal cohesion. Encouraging open communication within families, he warned that households begin to break down when silence replaces conversation. He also pointed out that a major reason for failed dialogue is the inability to truly listen, stressing that when communication within a family stops, its stability is at risk.

The former Dean of the Faculty of Quranic Studies urged those engaging in dialogue to adopt a gradual approach when addressing those with differing views, using appropriate evidence tailored to the audience and the nature of the discussion. He emphasized that the right kind of proof—particularly rational arguments—helps the mind accept dialogue and ensures that the conversation achieves its intended purpose.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its 16th cultural seminar, titled “The Shores of Arabic Poetry.” The event featured Prof. Dr. Saber Abdel Dayem, former Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language in Zagazig and Chairman of the Universal League of Islamic Literature in Cairo. The seminar was moderated by Yasmin Obeid, a participant in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum. 

The seminar explored the richness of the Arabic language, its deep connection to the Quran, and Al-Azhar’s role in promoting Arabic and advancing the Arabization of sciences. It also emphasized that Islamic literature complements, rather than contradicts, Arabic literature, and highlighted the resilience of Arabic in the digital age, despite the increasing influence of foreign languages.

Opening the discussion, Prof. Dr. Saber Abdel Dayem described Arabic as a language of knowledge and life, firmly rooted among both Arabs and non-Arabs alike. While not exclusive to Arab speakers, he noted that Arabic needs greater global recognition and a stronger digital presence. He further stressed that Arabizing scientific disciplines requires significant translation efforts to keep pace with rapid advancements in various fields.

Prof. Dr. Abdel Dayem highlighted that the Arabic language remains vibrant in daily life, reflected in books, newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts, and school textbooks. He praised the role of book fairs across the Arab and Islamic world, noting how they foster competition in Arabic-language publishing and disseminate knowledge across various fields, including literature, religion, and social sciences.

As part of the seminar, the former Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language recited several of his poems at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand. Among the highlights were Al-Jabal (“The Mountain”), which explores themes related to Mecca, and Al-Mosafir fi Sonbolat Al-Zamn (“The Traveler in the Stalks of Time”), a piece from the travel literature genre.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, stands as a pioneering model in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity while rejecting hate speech, extremism, fanaticism, and discrimination.  

In a statement marking the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Secretary-General emphasized that the ‘Document on Human Fraternity’, which is being celebrated today on the sixth anniversary of its signing in the UAE—in Abu Dhabi, the capital of tolerance—represents the most significant milestone in the history of interfaith dialogue in the modern era. He called for intensified efforts to spread the values of goodwill, love, and coexistence.

He added that as the world commemorates the International Day of Human Fraternity, there is a renewed determination to continue advancing the noble human values enshrined in this historic document. He also highlighted the profound efforts of two of the world’s most prominent religious leaders—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, Pontiff of the Catholic Church—who presented humanity with this remarkable document at a time when the world urgently needs the voice of religion to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Secretary-General also extended his deepest appreciation and respect to all those who believed in the vision of the Document on Human Fraternity as well as those who supported and introduced it to the world as a beacon illuminating humanity’s path toward a better future—one where all people can live in security and peace under the umbrella of human fraternity.