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The world is set to celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity which coincides on the 4th of February of each year. The date marks the anniversary of the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by 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 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

On the 22nd of December 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted the 4th of February as the ‘International Day of Human Fraternity’.

The Muslim Council of Elders along with its branches around the world are set to organize a number of events and seminars that promote coexistence and human fraternity around the world. This includes, the ‘World Tolerance Summit’, which is set to be held in partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence on the 6th and 7th of February 2023 with attendance by various religious leaders, thinkers and academics from around the world.

Likewise, tomorrow sees the announcement of winners of the ‘Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’ which is one of the fruits of the ‘Document on Human Fraternity’. The award recognizes individuals or entities across the world who lead by example in promoting peace and coexistence as well as collaborating selflessly and tirelessly to bridge divides and create real human fraternity. 

The Muslim Council of Elders calls on people around the world to celebrate the ‘International Day of Human Fraternity’ by practically applying the noble values of the Document on Human Fraternity such as justice, love, peace and coexistence into their everyday lives

The tenth seminar by the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair took place at the Council’s stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. The seminar was titled ‘Renewal of Religious Discourse: Reality and Hopes’ and presented by Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Ghany Shama, Professor of Islamic Studies at the Faculty of Languages and Translation in Al-Azhar University and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Family House alongside Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Siraj, Professor of Islamic Studies at the American University in Cairo.

During the seminar, Dr. Shama remarked that in order to instill values and ideals in the conscience of young people, as well as to give their personality a solid educational foundation, there are certain issues on which the renewal issue must be built. These issues arise from the curricula in all Islamic institutions. This would aid individuals in improving themselves, giving back to those around them, and helping to create a civilization that advances with the times.

Dr. Shama stressed that in order to develop the religious spirit, we must practice correct behavior, recognize the other and respect their faith and beliefs. He also emphasized the importance of teaching Islamic culture to all university students in the Islamic world since Islam is not only a religion that encourages acts of worship but also a religion that encourages worldly work to develop the earth.

For his part, Dr. Siraj discussed the concerns that occasionally arise when addressing renewal and how they are typically caused by the hurried ambition of those discussing the question of renewal in Islamic philosophy. The norm of altering the fatwa with changes in time, place, and circumstances is another example of how the Islamic legal system is built on spiritual sources and takes progress into account. As a result, jurisprudential thought is related to ongoing modernization and renewal.

The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair comes as part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds. The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in Hall 4 next to the Al-Azhar stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

The book ’The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path’ by Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalm is available to visitors of the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 54th Cairo International Book Fair. The book documents the birth of the Human Fraternity Document which was co-signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The book’s introduction is co-written by His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders and has received widespread acclaim from various prominent international figures. Judge Abdelsalm says, “I tirelessly thought about publishing my memoirs on the birth of the Human Fraternity Document which was well-received internationally. I felt like that the world is my village and that humanity is family and hence it became imperative that I publish my memoirs on the matter.”

The book helps readers understand and digest the events that shaped the creation of the Human Fraternity Document through Judge Abdelsalam’s perspective. The author particularly highlights his close-knit relationship with the Grand Imam, who he describes as a peace-loving and great leader who believes in coexisting with people of different backgrounds.

Judge Abdelsalam chronicles the steps taken by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis to spreading global peace which began with the Grand Imam’s visit to the Vatican followed by the Pope’s visit to Al-Azhar. These two events would develop into a great relationship between the two religious leaders. The author also retells the United Arab Emirates’ historic role in supporting the birth of the document and particularly the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who is the patron of human fraternity. The book concludes by documenting the efforts exerted to applying the values of the Human Fraternity Document through the formation of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity.

Additionally, Judge Abdelsalam recounts the crucial role that the United Arab Emirates and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country’s president, had in promoting the document that spurred inspiration around the globe. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made tolerance and human fraternity a model to follow for future generations, is recognized in the author’s admiration of the UAE for its efforts in promoting dialogue and coexistence and spreading these values.

In the book, His Eminence the Grand Imam said, “His Excellency Judge Abdu-Salam should be praised for his testimony because it will allow us all to remember this human legacy with all its details; otherwise, these would be forgotten forever, the case which would be a tragedy for humankind.”

Likewise, Pope Francis remarked in the book, “This book registers the significant moments in this journey, which drove us to co-sign the Human Fraternity Document on February 4th 2019 in Abu Dhabi. My dear son Muhammad Abdu-Salam was an eyewitness of the steps that had been taken and the challenges and difficulties we all faced and overcame in order to realize this great objective.”

The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair comes as part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds. The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in Hall 4 next to the Al-Azhar stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

The eighth seminar by the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair took place at the Council’s stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. The seminar was titled ‘Tips for Arabic Students’ and presented by Ivorian scholar and Al-Azhar graduate Shaykh Faozi Konate. The seminar explored the importance of the Arabic language for researchers and students in academia.

During the seminar, Shaykh Konate remarked that the Arabic language is a means of knowledge and comprehension that affords a person the ability to grasp both his own language and that of others. Additionally, he highlighted how crucial it is for scholars and students of Arabic to study the 12 sciences of the language.

The Ivorian scholar also noted that academics unanimously agree that learning and absorbing any academic field should begin with research in the Arabic language before moving on to the field itself. He also referenced a number of intellectuals, like Al-Baqalani, Al-Ramani, and Al-Khattabi, who wrote about Arabic before writing about their respective fields of expertise. He concluded by emphasizing the significance of Arabic language studies and specializations for students and researchers.

The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair comes as part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds. The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in Hall 4 next to the Al-Azhar stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

The seventh seminar by the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair took place at the Council’s stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. The seminar was titled ‘Towards an inter-Islamic dialogue’ and presented by the Vice-president of Al-Azhar University Dr. Mohamed Abdul Malek. The seminar explored the calls by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders for an inter-Islamic dialogue.

During the seminar, Dr. Abdul Malek remarked that through the Document on Human Fraternity, which aspires to foster coexistence and tolerance among people of different races, colours, religions, and sects, the Grand Imam worked to connect people both internally and externally. Externally, this was done by reaching out to people of different backgrounds while internally, the Grand Imam urged a dialogue between Sunnis and Shiites to bring all Muslims together. Abdul Malek also pointed out that this occurred at a pivotal moment when Muslims needed to band together in the face of mounting difficulties.

Abdul Malek added, “Since all Muslims believe in the same God and Messenger (PBUH), the Islamic nation has many things in common that should bring it together rather than divide it. The Qur’an, which is acknowledged as the message of God Almighty, is regarded as the sacred book by all Muslims of varying backgrounds.”

The Vice-president of Al-Azhar University also emphasized the significance of removing various barriers that impede inter-Islamic dialogue, one of which being the insulting of prominent historical Islamic figures.

The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair comes as part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds. The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in Hall 4 next to the Al-Azhar stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

The Muslim Council of Elders under the Chairmanship of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb strongly condemns the terrorist attacks targeting a mosque in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan which resulted in the deaths and injuries of scores of innocent civilians.

The Council reiterates its categorical rejection of such terrorist attacks and violence, which contradict the teachings of all religions as well as international laws and norms protecting freedom of religion and prohibiting the targeting of places of worship. This is something that has been reiterated within the Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by 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 which called on people to refrain from using the name of God to justify acts of murder, exile and terrorism.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls for united international efforts to uproot all forms of violence, extremism, hate and terrorism. It also extends its utmost condolences to the families of the victims of the attack while praying for a speedy recovery for the wounded.

’Basis of Understanding from Thought and Language’ by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza on display at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair 2023

’Great demand for the publication by visitors to the Cairo International Book Fair’

The book ’Basis of Understanding from Thought and Language’ by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, member of the Higher Scientific Council of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders and President of the Ulema Council of Oujda in Morocco is available to visitors of the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 54th Cairo International Book Fair. The book discusses the significance of focusing on the discrepancy between general awareness and understanding among people in the Islamic world. 

Likewise, the publication also explores the effects of misunderstanding spreading throughout society and the hate and hostility that arises from it. Additionally, it covers how to deal with misunderstandings by using a methodical strategy that ensures accurate reading and understanding of scientific and intellectual concerns. 

The author mentioned that his inspiration for this work was the current state of miscommunication and understanding among Muslims which troubles him greatly since he is witnessing first-hand how miscommunication is growing, escalating, and ultimately fueling Muslim people’s overwhelming hatred for one another.  The result of all this is to ignite a fierce competition and a violent conflict which is prevalent in many Muslim countries.

The author appeals to those considering the future of the Muslim world to make an intellectual contribution to understanding, eliminating, and eradicating miscommunication. Additionally, he calls on those with influence to educate people about the gravity and magnitude miscommunication and to persuade them that the Muslim world’s future depends on its ability to uphold both its diverse and divisive elements.

The three main topics covered in ’Basis of Understanding from Thought and Language’ are; ‘Scientific Fundamentals of Understanding’, ‘Obstacles to Understanding among Muslims’ and ‘Dysfunctions in reading texts’.

The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair comes as part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds. The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in Hall 4 next to the Al-Azhar stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is exhibiting one of the Council’s latest translated publications ‘Countering Islamophobia in Europe’ by Ian Law, Amina Easat-Daas, Arzu Merali and Salman Sayyid. 

Following the publishing of the cartoons insulting the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (PBUH) the inspiration to publish the book arose. The Muslim Council of Elders convened to discuss these unfortunate incidents and potential solutions to the problems it had caused. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb queried about voices of reason in the West, specifically academic intellectuals who oppose ongoing provocations that defame Islam and its messenger. Al Hokama Publishing chose to translate and distribute ‘Countering Islamophobia in Europe’ for Arab readers in an effort to emphasize the contributions of Western rationalists and thinkers in stemming the growth of hate speech and Islamophobia in Europe. This despicable phenomenon is frequently encouraged by global media outlets and political parties who put their interests and electoral success ahead of fostering a coexistent society.

‘Countering Islamophobia in Europe’ draws on new evidence from eight national contexts to provide an innovative kit of counter-narratives, which were presented and well received at the European Parliament in September 2018, and subsequently launched across Europe in national workshops in selected states.

The book discusses Islamophobia and possible ways to counter it in various European states including; the United Kingdom, Greece, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Portugal, France, Belgium and Germany. It also provides a “New Counter-Islamophobia Kit” for readers, intellectuals and organizations looking to counter this discriminatory phenomenon.

The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair comes as part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds. The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in Hall 4 next to the Al-Azhar stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

The Emerging Peacemakers Forum organized an interactive workshop titled ‘Peace and Love’ at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair which was presented by forum member Meera Al Mheiri from the United Arab Emirates. The workshop discussed various topics including promoting inter-cultural relations, peace and human fraternity.

During the workshop, four groups of males and females of various ethnicities who had never met before were formed. This was done to assist them meet new people, form new connections, and receive training in how to put a set of human principles into practice in order to spread and advance the values of coexistence and peace in their societies.

“How do you define peace?” was a key question in the interactive workshop. This was done so that each participant can share a personal experience with their fellow group members. Participants would then comment on this based on their observations in order to learn and build on the scenario.

During the workshop, each group also presented their respective projects and ideas for promoting peace as well as intercultural harmony and human fraternity in society.

The Emerging Peacemakers Forum is considered one of the most prominent initiatives by the Muslim Council of Elders in partnership with Al-Azhar and the Church of England. It features young people from the East and West brought together to discuss their respective roles in creating peace and justice as well as spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence.

The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair comes as part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds. The Council’s participation at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in Hall 4 next to the Al-Azhar stand at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.