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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli occupation forces’ shelling of the Al-Tabi’in School, which was providing shelter to displaced persons in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, east of Gaza City, during their dawn prayers. This attack resulted in the martyrdom of more than 100 Palestinians and left dozens severely injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders firmly rejects the targeting of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip and calls on the international community to take urgent action to end this humanitarian catastrophe. The Council urges all necessary measures to be taken to stop the violence in Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid and relief, provide protection to Palestinian civilians, initiate an international investigation into this horrific massacre, hold the perpetrators accountable under international law, and support the Palestinian people’s 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, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the racist statements made by Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister of Finance in the Israeli occupation government, in which he described the starvation of the residents of the besieged Gaza Strip as morally justified. The Council affirms that these statements not only reflect a low level of human values but also constitute a clear violation of all international norms and conventions that protect human rights and dignity. These remarks represent an extremist ideology that seeks to justify crimes against innocent Palestinian civilians.   

The Muslim Council of Elders warns of the continuous escalation of the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing negative repercussions of this escalation, which now pose a serious threat to regional and international stability and security, hindering international efforts aimed at establishing peace. The Council calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and all peace-loving forces to work towards an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, to provide international protection for the besieged residents of Gaza, and to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and relief to them.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the position of the European Union, France, and the United Kingdom, which condemned Minister Smotrich’s statements and called on the Israeli occupation government to unequivocally distance itself from these remarks, describing the deliberate starvation of civilians as a war crime. The Council reaffirms its steadfast position in support of the Palestinian people’s rights, including their right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

In a related context, the Muslim Council of Elders expresses its appreciation for the joint statement from the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States regarding the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The Council also praises the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for joining this call, urging the concerned parties to respond to the resumption of urgent consultations on August 15th and reach an agreement to end the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.

For the third consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special booth at the 9th edition of the International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair 2024, which will be held from August 10 to 18 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Council’s participation is rooted in its mission to promote peace, reinforce the values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of different races and beliefs.

The Council’s booth at the fair will feature more than 220 diverse publications in multiple languages, addressing key intellectual and cultural fields, working to correct misconceptions, and spreading enlightened, moderate thought. Additionally, a distinguished cultural program will be organized, featuring a variety of activities and events.

Among the most notable publications are over 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighting Islam’s tolerance and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. These works include Al-Qawl Al-Tayyib (The Good Word), Muqawmat Al-Islam (Essential Features of Islam), Ra’y Fi Hiwar Al-Sharq Wal-Gharb (A View on East-West Dialogue), Al-Awda ila Al-Iman (The Return to Faith), Kalima ila al-Shabab (A Word to the Youth), Fi al-Mustalah al-Kalami wal-Sufi (On Theological and Sufi Terminology), Al-Turath wal Tajdid (Heritage and Renewal), as well as publications released in 2024 such as Al-‘Onf wal Silm: Nahw Fahm Mutakamil (Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding), Al-Gharb wa E’adat Ektishaf al-Islam (The West and the Rediscovery of Islam) by Tijani Boulaouali, Fikrat al-Silm Fajr al-Nahda al-Europea (Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance) by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati, Medyat al-Ta’aruf Fi Al-Maghreb wal-Andalus (Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco) by Dr. Jaafar Ben El Haj Soulami, among others.

The booth of the Muslim Council of Elders at this year’s International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair will also feature a collection of important publications, including Al-Hob Fi Al-Qur’an Al-Karim (Love in the Holy Qur’an) by Jordanian Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders; The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path — A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; Qawa’id al-Fahm wal-Tafahum Min al-Fikr wal-Lugha (Rules of Understanding and Communication in Thought and Language) by Dr. Mustafa Bin Hamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Mutashabih al-Nazm Fi Qasas Al-Qur’an Al-Karim: Muqarana wa-Tahlil (Studies on the Similarities of Style in Quranic Stories: A Comparative and Analytical Study) by Abdelghani Al-Rajhi.

Believing in the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations for constructive communication, the Muslim Council of Elders has continued its efforts to translate books that promote peace. Among the notable translated works are Religious Tolerance in World Religions by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton, Confronting Islamophobia in Europe by various researchers, Islam and Good Governance by Professor Muqtader Khan from the University of Delaware, USA, and Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence by Aaron Tyler.

Coinciding with the Council’s celebration of its tenth anniversary, the Council’s booth at the 2024 International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair will host a series of intellectual and cultural events and programs catering to visitors’ interests and needs. This includes a section dedicated to selling books to visitors and a special children’s corner featuring various entertaining and educational activities specifically designed for them.

It is worth noting that the International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair is the largest non-profit international Arabic book fair held outside the Arab world. It aims to revive the Arabic language in Turkey and strengthen ties between Arabs and Turks. The fair attracts the Arab community residing in Turkey and many Turkish citizens interested in the Arabic language and its sciences. This year, more than 330 publishers from 30 countries around the world are participating, showcasing over 150,000 titles. The Muslim Council of Elders’ booth is located in Hall 9, Booth B42, at the Istanbul Expo Center.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, warns of the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Republic of Sudan, which is affecting over 25 million people facing the threat of famine and severe food insecurity. The Council expresses its deep concern over the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announcement regarding the spread of famine in the Zamzam Camp for displaced persons in North Darfur, which shelters over half a million displaced people. There is also a potential for famine in the Abu Shouk and Salam camps, as well as in nine other Sudanese states where residents are experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger.

In a statement, the Council calls on the international community to shoulder its moral responsibilities and take urgent and immediate action to bolster relief efforts, ensuring the provision of necessary support, including food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people, and to prevent a larger humanitarian catastrophe. The Council welcomes the joint statement issued by UN Security Council members, expressing deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, alongside numerous reports of severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

The Muslim Council of Elders also calls for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of internal conflict, as well as the end of divisions to promote reconciliation and solidarity among the Sudanese people. The Council reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at initiating serious and productive dialogue to resolve the Sudanese crisis through peaceful means, prioritizing national interests, and reaching a final agreement that ensures the unity of Sudanese territories and fulfills the aspirations of its people for safety, peace, and stability.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly warns against the rising wave of hate speech, racism, and Islamophobia directed at Muslims and migrants in parts of England and Northern Ireland. This surge follows the spread of misinformation claiming that a Muslim migrant carried out an attack in Southport.

The Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes that these false allegations, propagated by certain far-right groups to incite fear and hostility against Muslims and migrants, increase tensions and deepen divisions within British society, thereby threatening societal peace and security. Such actions are contrary to the teachings of all religions and divine laws, which advocate for peace, amity, tolerance, and respect for others and their beliefs and sanctities and criminalize attacking others. The Council calls for all necessary legal measures to be taken to combat hate speech and incitement and to hold all perpetrators accountable.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the British government’s stance in combating Islamophobia and protecting Muslim communities in Britain, particularly the statements made by UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary, Ms. Yvette Cooper. The two officials have pledged to protect Muslims and mosques in the country, enforce deterrent measures against extremists, and reject all forms of extremism, racism, and hatred while preserving the social fabric of British society. The Council also expressed its appreciation for the stance of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Justin Welby, who condemned the acts of violence that occurred in parts of the United Kingdom, including attacks on mosques, assaults on police officers, and the looting and burning of shops by the far-right.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Council’s Message Emphasizes the Importance of an Alliance of Major Religions and Philosophies to Advance Human Thought, Achieve Development, and Foster Civilizational Communication

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 25th World Congress of Philosophy, organized by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies, the Italian Philosophical Society, and Sapienza University of Rome. The event is taking place from August 1 to 8 in the Italian capital, Rome, and aims to explore and discuss scientific and general ideas about the future of societies by examining social, economic, political, technological, and cultural destinies.

In his speech at the session titled “Aristotle-Buddha-Confucius-Islam: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges,” the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that achieving conditions for coexistence among different perspectives in a small and interconnected world—where everyone is aware of and feels the impact of global events on their lives and their children’s future—begins with recognizing cultural diversity as an essential part of human rights. This is in contrast to the current reality marked by various tensions and conflicts in some societies, leading to the exclusion and marginalization of those who are different.

The Secretary-General added that the importance of dialogue between Confucian and Aristotelian philosophy lies in their cultural and civilizational role in addressing common challenges and the need for the wisdom inherent in their philosophies about life and humanity. He pointed out that integrating Aristotle and Confucius’s philosophies with Islamic philosophy could help overcome contemporary intellectual and human issues. He also explained that the call for an intellectual turn towards the East and interaction and dialogue has been present in the Islamic world for decades; Al-Azhar University, for example, has been studying Eastern and Western religions and philosophies since its establishment, a methodology followed by most Arab and Islamic universities and institutes.

In conclusion, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders asserted that Islam came as a moderate religion with distinctive social, economic, developmental, and cultural thought. This is a characteristic of religions that aim to create a thought pattern that promotes goodness and righteousness. Islam, as a divine religion, laid new foundations for social, cultural, and economic systems based on equality, solidarity, and justice. He highlighted the role of the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading its message aimed at promoting and enhancing values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the importance of an alliance of major religions and philosophies to contribute to advancing human thought, achieving development and civilizational communication, and ultimately building lasting peace and stability.

The session “Aristotle-Buddha-Confucius-Islam: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges” saw diverse global participation, where participants discussed philosophical ideas as a starting point for public discourses on urgent common concerns, including inequality, cultural diversity, the environment, justice, rights, and political transformations on a global scale. Participants also explored ways to expand philosophical discussions to include representatives from sciences, economics, information, medicine, public health, technology, and public institutions, as well as mechanisms to actively encourage and defend diversity in all its forms by bringing together ideas, traditions, and people from all continents and regions.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met with H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, President of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The pair discussed the ongoing preparations for the Faith Leaders Summit for Climate in Baku, under the patronage of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the organization of the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, following the success of its first edition in Dubai at COP28.

During the meeting, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted that the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate, hosted in Abu Dhabi last November prior to COP28, culminated in the launch of the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate,” which was co-signed by 30 religious leaders, including His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. This event underscored the significant role that religious leaders can play in raising community awareness about the existential issue of climate change and motivating positive environmental actions. He also emphasized the need to establish a mechanism to ensure the continuity of these efforts up to and beyond COP30 in Brazil.

H.E. Mukhtar Babayev praised the efforts led by the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, to activate the role of religious leaders in global climate action. He expressed his anticipation for the Faith Leaders Summit for Climate and the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, while noting that he is hopeful that the outcomes would contribute to achieving climate justice, protecting the planet, and ensuring the sustainability of its resources for future generations.

World Council of Churches: The Muslim Council of Elders Has Significantly Advanced Global Efforts to Promote and Spread the Values of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, congratulated the Muslim Council of Elders and His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the tenth anniversary of its founding. Rev. Pillay emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders has significantly advanced global efforts to promote and spread the values of tolerance, human fraternity, and peaceful coexistence.

In an official correspondence to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay stated that the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders came at a critical time when the world was witnessing an increase in extremist rhetoric and the misuse of religion to achieve geopolitical agendas, posing a significant challenge to humanity. He noted that the council has become a beacon of hope and a platform providing an authentic voice for Islam and its noble values that call for peace, love, justice, and respect for others. He added that the council has swiftly become a powerful force for spreading the values of goodness and human fraternity, challenging misconceptions, and promoting dialogue among diverse communities.

Rev. Pillay also praised the strong relationship between the World Council of Churches and the Muslim Council of Elders, stating, “Our initiatives and joint cooperation have strengthened the bonds between our communities and demonstrated a united stance against violence and division. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we reflect on the journey we have undertaken together. The World Council of Churches is proud to walk side by side with the Muslim Council of Elders in advocating for a world that embraces diversity, respects and values every individual, and achieves reconciliation and unity among all people, ensuring justice and equality for all. We also aim to enhance the role of religions in spreading hope, love, and peace.”

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches also expressed his hope that the Muslim Council of Elders would continue its successful journey and constructive efforts to build bridges of communication and dialogue with others, and that the coming decade would be filled with exceptional achievements and joint efforts to build a world characterized by justice, peace, and mutual respect.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that human trafficking is one of the most challenging issues facing the international community in the modern era. Individuals are exploited for various purposes, including forced labor, crime, begging, and more. This necessitates unifying international efforts to combat this dangerous phenomenon that violates human dignity and subjects millions of people to suffering and exploitation.

In a statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which falls on July 30th each year, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that all divine religions urge us to respect human rights and preserve human dignity, regardless of gender, religion, or race. Allah says in the Noble Qur’an: “Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures” (Al-Isra: 70). The Council called for increasing awareness of the dangers of human trafficking and the necessity of protecting the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children, refugees, the displaced, and those who have lost their homes and shelters. It also emphasized the necessity of providing victims with psychological, social, and legal support to ensure their reintegration into society in a manner befitting their human dignity.

The statement pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, confirmed that Allah created all humans equal in rights, duties, and dignity. The Document called for living as brothers to build the earth and spread the values of goodness, amity, and peace. It also called for the protection of the rights of migrants, displaced persons, and all victims of wars, persecution, and injustice, as well as the weak, the frightened, the prisoners, and the tortured without exclusion or discrimination.