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Under the theme “Messages of Hope and Peace,” the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders organized a series of programs and events aimed at promoting the spirit of fraternity and peaceful coexistence among various segments of Indonesian society which marked the International Day of Human Fraternity, observed on February 4th each year, and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

The events included a Friday sermon held at the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, attended by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. The sermon addressed the Human Fraternity Document, emphasizing its principles and values in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence worldwide. It highlighted Indonesia’s model as a prominent example of diversity and acceptance of others, with a society encompassing various races, cultures, and religions.

Additionally, the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders organized a sermon-writing competition on the theme of human fraternity. The competition garnered significant interest and participation from a broad spectrum of Indonesians across different provinces, including women. This reflects a strong commitment to the values of human fraternity, with various segments of Indonesian society ready to contribute to spreading the message of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

As part of the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Council’s Indonesian branch also coordinated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to disseminate the values and principles of the Human Fraternity Document. The ministry issued directives to preachers in approximately 800,000 mosques across Indonesia to dedicate Friday sermons to this vital and central topic. The branch also collaborated with local Indonesian media to provide media coverage of the Friday sermons throughout the country.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Indonesian Committee for Persons with Disabilities, the Council’s branch also organized special events addressing the comprehensive concept of fraternity and equality with one hundred and fifty people of determination participated, being honored and engaged in discussions and workshops. The Human Fraternity Document was translated into Braille and distributed to the visually impaired, underscoring the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to conveying the messages and values of human fraternity to all facets in society.

These activities are part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to solidify the values of human fraternity as the foundation for coexistence and global peace. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, for organizing these seminars and events contributing to the dissemination of the spirit of fraternity and understanding among all.

The Pakistan branch of the Muslim Council of Elders held a seminar titled “Human Fraternity: Messages of Hope and Peace in the World” on Sunday, commemorating the International Day of Human Fraternity observed annually on February 4th in recognition of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity between His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The seminar discussed efforts to promote the values and principles of human fraternity, aiming to achieve peaceful coexistence, acceptance of others, and diversity through dialogue and mutual understanding. It also emphasized the significant role played by benevolent religious teachings in promoting peace and hope not only in the Pakistani context but globally.

The seminar witnessed diverse participation from prominent figures in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Among them were Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the Director-General of the Islamic Research Institute and Shariah Professor at the International Islamic University; Dr. Sardar Tahir Tabassum, the founder and president of the Institute of Peace and Development, and Chairman of the Global Harmony Council; Reverend Samuel Robert Azaira, the Director of the Christian Studies Center in Rawalpindi; Mr. Sardar Ranjeet Singh, a former member of the local parliament; Dr. Sanaullah Al-Azhari, an associate professor at the Maritime University’s College of Islamic Studies; and Allama Liaqat Ali, the director of the Jafari Jurisprudence School in Attock.

Participants expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, particularly through its branches in various countries which serve as effective platforms for communication and disseminating the council’s message aimed at promoting peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The speakers underscored the pivotal role of the Document on Human Fraternity as a global message for peace, embodying the spirit of coexistence and tolerance among religions. The document’s signing by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis symbolized their sincere commitment to enhancing dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and acceptance of others.

Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq emphasized the central role of the Document on Human Fraternity as a global message for peace and an embodiment of the spirit of coexistence and tolerance among religions which brought together the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Pope of the Catholic Church to affirm their earnest commitment to promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Dr. Sardar Tahir Tabassum highlighted the urgent need to activate constructive dialogue between religions to address religious conflicts and enhance the values and principles of human fraternity as well as expanding international cooperation and mutual understanding could contribute to addressing major human issues and challenges. Meanwhile, Reverend Samuel Robert Azaira stressed the importance of working towards human fraternity and peace, confirming the role that the Document on Human Fraternity can play in promoting the values of coexistence and reconciliation among religions.

Mr. Sardar Ranjeet Singh, a former member of the local parliament, expressed pride in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, considering it an expression of shared fundamental principles among religions, including values of charity, cooperation, and the sharing of goodness, which are foundational teachings in Sikhism and other religions worldwide. Additionally, Dr. Sanaullah Al-Azhari and Allama Liaqat Ali discussed the vital role that communication and dialogue play in combating and rejecting hate speech and extremism. They emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity to support peace, peaceful coexistence, and spread them among people and nations, regardless of their cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its fifteenth seminar titled “Women between the Teachings of Islam and Traditions.” The seminar featured the participation of Prof. Dr. Shafiqa Al-Shahawi, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies for Females, and Prof. Dr. Khadra Salem, Member of the Senate and was moderated by Dr. Saad Al-Mat’ani.

During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Shafiqa Al-Shahawi emphasized that Islam has elevated the status of women, granting them full rights and positioning them as crowned queens within their homes. She highlighted that humanity soars with two wings, represented by both men and women, and the harmonious collaboration between them contributes to the orderliness of society.

The Dean of the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies urged society to uphold women’s rights by emulating the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) guidance in dealing with women. She emphasized the significant role of the media in highlighting women’s rights and accomplishments while debunking erroneous traditions surrounding them.

Prof. Dr. Khadra Salem affirmed that Islam cares for women, raising their status and honoring them as daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers. She emphasized that women play a significant role in Islamic society, holding multiple roles within their homes and communities. She commended the efforts of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in advocating for women and preserving their rights.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized the necessity of adhering to the values of human fraternity for a world that is more just, peaceful, and secure. He pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, has sparked global initiatives in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

During his speech at the international symposium “Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue as Factors for International Solidarity,” organized by the Islamic Academy in Uzbekistan on the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, the Secretary-General stated that our world urgently needs to reinforce the values of fraternity and coexistence, especially in the face of wars, conflicts, and challenges that call for collective action to establish the values of peace, justice, and love among people.

Judge Abdelsalam added that involving local communities in peace-building and gaining societal acceptance is a fundamental step toward realizing the values of human fraternity and enhancing global solidarity. He expressed gratitude to the Islamic Academy in Uzbekistan for organizing this international symposium coinciding with the International Day of Human Fraternity and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity. He also appreciated the Republic of Uzbekistan, a land of diversity and coexistence, and a nation with a rich Islamic civilization that has contributed significantly to humanity’s intellectual heritage throughout history.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the decisions issued by the International Court of Justice regarding the imposition of interim measures in the Gaza Strip as well as calls for temporary measures to protect civilians, halt any statements or practices, and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide against the Palestinian people.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its satisfaction with the decisions of the International Court of Justice aimed at stopping the violations of Israeli occupation and providing protection for Palestinians.

The Council commends the efforts of South Africa and all initiatives calling for the protection of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the urgent delivery of humanitarian and relief aid, preventing further loss of life, avoiding escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories, and affirming the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ booth at the Cairo International Book Fair will host a seminar tomorrow, Thursday, at 3:30 PM Cairo time. The seminar, titled “In the Sanctuary of the Arabic Language… Why Should We Preserve It?” will be presented by Dr. Hassan El-Shafei, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar. This event reflects the council’s role in raising awareness about the importance of the Arabic language and its contribution to the advancement of sciences.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 welcomed His Eminence Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, the Deputy of Al-Azhar, accompanied by a high-level Azhari delegation. The delegation included Dr. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University, Dr. Nazir Ayad, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy at Al-Azhar, Dr. Abbas Shoman, the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, Dr. Nahla Al Saidi, Advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for International Student Affairs, Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Head of the Al-Azhar Institutes Sector, and Dr. Isma’il Al-Haddad, Secretary-General of the Higher Council of Al-Azhar.

The leadership of Al-Azhar commended the diverse publications presented by the Muslim Council of Elders which aim to promote and enhance peace, coexistence, and the redistribution of the treasures of Islamic heritage books. This contributes to spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, pluralism, and acceptance of others.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair will welcome the public starting from tomorrow, Thursday, offering more than 220 authors and publications, including 22 new books addressing various prominent issues.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair will feature a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with José Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste, to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation in promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

During the meeting, the two sides explored mechanisms to broaden the utilization of the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This includes enhancing awareness and mutual understanding among different religions and sects, as well as emulating the model of Timor-Leste, which declared the Document on Human Fraternity as a national document and incorporated it into educational curricula.

The pair also affirmed that as the fifth anniversary of the signing of this pivotal document in modern human history approaches, the world now more than ever requires the practical application of the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity in the face of global challenges such as wars, conflicts, and humanitarian crises.

The Muslim Council of Elders will be participating in the 55th Cairo International Book Fair 2024, held from January 24 to February 6. The participation aligns with the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

This year, the Council’s pavilion will showcase over 220 authors and publications, including 22 new books addressing prominent intellectual issues. Notable releases include ” The West and Rediscovery of Islam: Approaches to Islam in Contemporary Western Thought” by Professor Tijani Boulaouali, ” Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco: Exploring Muslim-Christian Interactions”, and ” Identarian Peace Management in the Muslim World: Concepts, Underpinnings, and Mechanisms” by a group of researchers.

Visitors to the pavilion will also find 11 works by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works highlight the nobility of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Titles include “Components of Islam,” “In the Azhar Method,” “In Theological and Sufi Terminology,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Ash’ari,” “Heritage and Renewal: Discussions and Responses,” “Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’a,” “Discussions on Illnesses and Purposes,” “Al Qawl Al Tayeb,” “Indeed, Religion is Easy,” “Etiquettes and Values,” and “From My Old Notebooks.”

The Council’s pavilion also features significant releases such as “Love in the Holy Quran” by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and ” Methods of Thinking in Creed” by Dr. Imad Khafaji.

Recognizing the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations for constructive communication, the Council will also continue its efforts in translating purposeful books to enhance peace. Notable translations include “Religious Tolerance in the World Religions” by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton and “Countering Islamophobia in Europe” by various researchers.

The Council’s pavilion will also host over 23 seminars and events where thinkers, experts, and religious leaders discuss various important intellectual and humanitarian issues. Notable discussions include “Knowledge Integration between Islamic Heritage Sciences,” “Orientalists and Sources of Islamic Legislation,” and “Women between Islamic Teachings and Inherited Traditions.” Additionally, the Council will organize seminars presented by the youth of the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” aiming to refine the skills of young people and build and develop their abilities in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of human fraternity.

The Council’s pavilion will be located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ booth at the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 presents the book “Islamic Philosophy in Al Maghreb (A Critical Study)” by Dr. Imad Kahafaji, a distinguished scholar of Al-Azhar. The book delves into the intellectual movement in Al-Andalus and the factors that led to the transfer and flourishing of philosophy in the region.

In the introduction to the book, the author explains that it specifically addresses one stream of philosophical thought in Islam, referring to the philosophical trend known as Al-Masha’i in Islamic thought. He emphasizes that the discussion is limited to the Andalusian region (present-day Spain and Portugal).

The book comprises three sections; firstly, Al-Ghazali’s Journey with the Masha’i Trend in Islamic Thought in the East, covering elements such as Al-Ghazali’s pursuit of certain knowledge, his exploration of means of knowledge, his evaluation of intellectual trends in his era, and his criticism of philosophy and philosophers. The second section discusses the intellectual movement in Al-Andalus, exploring the factors that led to the transfer and flourishing of philosophy in the region. The third and final section analyzes the philosophical movement in Al-Andalus, detailing its characteristics and notable figures. The author thoroughly examines the philosopher Ibn Bajjah from Saragossa, shedding light on Ibn Bajjah’s culture, scholarly status, philosophical doctrine, theory of knowledge, and contributions to ethical discussions.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.