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His Eminence, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Dr. Mohamed Shabibah, Yemen’s Minister of Endowments and Guidance, to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam reaffirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to provide all necessary religious and educational support to the people of Yemen. He emphasised Al-Azhar’s and the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to strengthening scientific and religious cooperation with Yemen, aiming to promote and reinforce the values of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Yemen’s Minister of Endowments expressed his pleasure in meeting the Grand Imam and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, underscoring Yemen’s deep appreciation for His Eminence’s unwavering support for the causes of the Islamic world. He stated, “Your influence is immense, and your efforts in supporting the issues of the Islamic world are tangible. The people of Yemen hold great respect for your stances on Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, and other matters of importance to the nation. We have learned from Al-Azhar’s scholars, been nurtured by their knowledge, and drawn inspiration from their teachings. Al-Azhar is our school and mentor, and we take pride in our association with it.”

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair presents a selection of its 2025 publications, including the book “The Issues of Division in the Ummah: Sunni and Shia – Causes and Solutions” by Professor Elias Belka. This release is timely, coinciding with the Council’s preparations for the forthcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference set to be hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February.
The book explores the historical divisions within the Muslim Ummah, particularly between Sunni and Shia, asserting that these divisions are not predetermined fate but can be transcended. It stresses that the vision for the Ummah’s unity is deeply rooted in the divine revelations of the Noble Quran and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family. Based on these fundamental and original sources, the scholarly endeavors of imams, jurists, and scholars were established, giving rise to a rich heritage of diverse jurisprudential and theological schools whose insights continue to benefit the Ummah across generations, despite doctrinal differences. The book advocates for a comprehensive and profound study of these origins to foster a unified future where conflicts are resolved.
Committed to fostering unity and peace, the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research presents this important work by Dr. Elias Belka, a professor at the Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences in Fez and a noted researcher in futures studies. He also serves as the Coordinator of the Pioneering Studies Program at Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. Dr. Belka’s study, through education and dialogue, addresses the divisions within the Muslim Ummah, emphasizing that differences should not impede the quest for mutual understanding and unity among Muslims.
Analyzing the historical roots of the Sunni-Shia split, the book examines the social and political factors perpetuating these divisions, highlighting how contemporary conflicts often mirror historical injustices. The media’s role in emphasizing these divisions further entrenches the cycle of conflict. Dr. Belka proposes viable solutions to foster unity among all Muslims.
This study and other similar works underscore the urgent need for unity as both a cultural imperative and a religious duty to mitigate the impacts of division within the Muslim Ummah. These are among the essential endeavors that scientific and religious institutions should prioritize in their production and scholarly efforts. This approach was highlighted by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in his historic call for intra-Islamic dialogue at the Bahrain Dialogue Forum. This vision represents the aspirations of all segments of the Muslim Ummah today: Sunni, Shia, Ibadi, and Zaidi, reflecting the Ummah’s collective voice.
The Muslim Council of Elders will feature a prominent pavilion at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The pavilion will showcase a vast array of the Council’s distinguished publications and host a series of seminars and activities dedicated to promoting values of goodness, peace, and harmonious coexistence among all people.
Located at the Cairo International Book Fair next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif pavilion, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion can be found in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center, in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has emphasized the crucial role of Braille as a bridge of communication connecting persons with visual impairments to diverse fields of knowledge and learning. The Council highlighted how Braille fosters positive societal integration, empowering these individuals to contribute their unique talents and skills to the advancement of communities and nations.

In a statement marking World Braille Day, observed annually on January 4th, the Council called for leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence to maximize the benefits of Braille. These efforts, it noted, would encourage persons with visual impairments to read, learn, and engage actively in their societies.

The statement also underscored Islam’s compassion for people of determination, especially persons with visual impairments, advocating for measures to simplify their daily lives and ensure they receive their rightful place in society. Islam honors them in both this world and the hereafter, promising them blessings and rewards. With their remarkable determination and unique abilities, many have achieved outstanding success in fields such as philosophy, management, and the humanities. Islamic history is filled with inspiring examples of their contributions.

The Muslim Council of Elders places great importance on promoting Braille as a tool for spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, peace, and human coexistence. In collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the Council translated the Document on Human Fraternity—signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019—into Braille in Arabic, English, and Italian. This initiative ensures that the document is accessible to persons with visual impairments worldwide.

‎#TheMuslimCouncilofElders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-‎Azhar Al-Sharif, condemns the car-ramming attack that occurred on the streets of New Orleans ‎and the explosion outside a hotel in Las Vegas, United States, both of which resulted in numerous ‎deaths and injuries‏.‏

The Council unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and terrorism that target innocent ‎individuals, emphasizing that such acts starkly contrast with the compassionate teachings of Islam, ‎all sacred laws, and global conventions and norms. The Council reiterates its call for collective action ‎to combat all forms of hatred, violence, and intolerance, and to promote principles of dialogue, ‎tolerance, and peaceful coexistence‏.‏

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the government and citizens of ‎the United States, as well as to the families of the victims, and prays for a swift recovery for those ‎injured‏.‏

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the horrific car-ramming incident that occurred in a market in Magdeburg, Germany, which resulted in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries.

The Council unequivocally rejects such criminal acts that terrorize innocent civilians, as they stand in stark contradiction to the teachings of Islam, all other religions, divine laws, and international conventions and norms. The Council calls for unified international efforts to combat all forms of violence and terrorism and to promote the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and prays that Allah Almighty grants a swift recovery to those injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes that human solidarity represents the core of values that foster compassion, unity, and the unification of humanity without discrimination or exclusion. This need is more urgent than ever, given the challenges the world faces today, including wars, conflicts, and crises that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands of women, children, and the elderly. Rising poverty levels and increasing numbers of people in need further highlight this necessity. Human solidarity, however, is not merely an emergency response to crises; it signifies a comprehensive, long-term vision and a shared commitment among nations, societies, and individuals to address global challenges effectively.

In a statement marking International Human Solidarity Day, observed annually on December 20, the Muslim Council of Elders underscores that Islam advocates for unity and solidarity as fundamental principles for building strong and compassionate communities. Human solidarity, as a religious duty, calls for enhancing international cooperation to tackle shared global challenges. This unified response must be grounded in the principles of justice and fairness. The Council commends initiatives and efforts that advance the values of human solidarity, particularly those aimed at alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations, including victims of wars, conflicts, and crises worldwide.

The statement also references the ‘Document on Human Fraternity’, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 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 of the Catholic Church. The document urges global policymakers to prioritize justice founded on mercy as the essential path to ensuring a dignified life for all. It emphasizes that dialogue, understanding, and the promotion of a culture of tolerance, acceptance, and coexistence among people can address many social, political, economic, and environmental challenges affecting large segments of humanity. 

The Muslim Council of Elders remains steadfast in its commitment to diverse initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening and promoting the values of tolerance, solidarity, compassion, and coexistence across cultures and religions. These principles are recognized as essential pillars for building societies founded on justice and peace.

President of Indonesia Expresses His Country’s Readiness to Host the First Edition of the Muslim Council of Elders’ Conference “Religions for Development and Peace”

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, on Wednesday to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam warmly welcomed the President of the Republic of Indonesia and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing the strong ties between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and Indonesia. He highlighted the significant impact of these relations in advancing joint efforts to clarify the true teachings of Islam, promote its moderate and enlightened approach, correct misconceptions, and foster values of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

His Eminence underscored the critical importance of unity among Arab and Islamic nations, stating that such solidarity is the only way to address the ongoing crises facing the Islamic world. He noted that Islamic nations possess all the resources necessary for progress and prosperity and expressed his hope that these challenges would serve as opportunities for greater unity, cooperation, and prioritization of Islamic interests and fraternity.

The Grand Imam also conveyed his appreciation for Indonesia’s hosting of the regional office of the Muslim Council of Elders and its readiness to play a pivotal role in the global alliance of religious leaders, organized by the Council under the theme: Religions for Development and Peace.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders for the second time, following their initial meeting in Jakarta. He expressed profound respect for the Grand Imam’s efforts in fostering values of human fraternity, mutual coexistence, and strengthening Islamic unity. The President also affirmed his confidence in the ability of Islamic nations to regain their distinguished position within the global system, given their abundant human and natural resources that guarantee growth and progress. He further reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to Islamic unity and its significant efforts to contain internal conflicts, resolve tensions, and promote dialogue and rapprochement.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia also expressed his country’s readiness to host the first edition of the Muslim Council of Elders’ conference Religions for Development and Peace, pledging full support to ensure its success and excellence.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The World is Experiencing Accelerating and Unprecedented Crises Due to the Devastating Impacts of Climate Change

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Islam Has Shown Great Concern for the Environment and Made Its Protection a Religious, Moral, and Humanitarian Duty

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: Promoting the Values of Human Fraternity Includes Maintaining Balance and Harmony Between Humanity and Nature and Safeguarding Planet Earth

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the world is currently facing accelerating and unprecedented crises in food security, water scarcity, and agriculture due to the devastating consequences of climate change. He noted that addressing these challenges requires collective efforts from individuals and institutions, alongside strengthening collaborative action that combines a forward-looking vision with moral responsibility to secure a better and more sustainable future for humanity.

In a speech at the seminar titled “Keen on Achieving Sustainability: Fostering the Ties between Faith and Ecological Resilience”, organized by Nahdlatul Ulama in Indonesia, the Secretary-General stated that Islam has shown profound concern for the environment, making its protection a religious, moral, and humanitarian duty. He added that promoting the values of human fraternity extends beyond achieving harmony among people; it also encompasses maintaining balance and harmony between humanity and nature while ensuring the preservation of planet Earth.

Abdelsalam also praised the pioneering efforts of Nahdlatul Ulama and its distinguished members, whose numbers exceed 100 million across Indonesia, for their invaluable humanitarian contributions. He further remarked that the recognition of Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity last year marked a significant milestone and a well-deserved international acknowledgment of their efforts to serve humanity across various domains of life.

Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted a leading example of cooperation among religious leaders in addressing climate change last year, when 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, united to sign the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate”. This significant step was accompanied by the inauguration of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first of its kind in the history of the Conference of the Parties. The pavilion served as a global platform that brought together religious leaders, environmental experts, academics, and representatives of civil society, youth, women, and indigenous communities to find tangible and effective solutions to climate change. 

He added that this year, the Muslim Council of Elders organized the Faith Pavilion at COP29, aiming to build on the achievements of the previous edition and amplify the participation of ethical and spiritual voices. This effort reflects the importance of involving religious institutions in tackling climate change, recognizing their influential role in raising awareness and inspiring collective action to achieve harmony between humanity and nature while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

The Secretary-General concluded by expressing his hope that the seminar, with its activities and initiatives such as tree planting, would serve as a practical model of shared human responsibility rooted in ethical values and spiritual principles toward planet Earth and stressed that such efforts are tangible steps that carry a message of hope for future generations, demonstrating a collective commitment to building a better and more sustainable future for all.

For the second time, the Muslim Council of Elders will have a dedicated pavilion at the Jeddah International Book Fair 2024, which kicks off tomorrow in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Council’s participation is driven by its mission to foster peace, instill values of dialogue and tolerance, and enhance cooperation and coexistence. 

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders will present more than 220 publications and books that address significant intellectual issues, contribute to correcting misconceptions, and combat hate speech, racism, bigotry, and discrimination. Additionally, these works promote values of goodness, love, and peace. Notably, it includes 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. The publications aim to introduce the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Among them are “Al-Qawl Al-Tayyib” (“The Good Word”), “Min Dafatery al Qadeema” (“From My Old Notebooks”), “Ra’y Fi Hiwar al-Sharq wa al-Gharb” (“An Opinion in the Dialogue between East and West”), “Madkhal Fi Dirasat al-Mantiq” (“An Introduction to the Study of Logic”), “Hadith fi al-‘Ilal wa al-Maqasid” (“A Discussion on Causes and Purposes”), “Fi al-Mustalah al-Kalami al-Sufi” (“On Theological and Sufi Terminology”), “Al-Turath wa al-Tajdid” (“Tradition and Renewal”), “Min Ajl al-Salam” (“For the Sake of Peace”), “Nazrat Fi Fikr al-Imam al-Ash’ari” (“Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari”), and “Adab wa Qiyam” (“Ethics and Values”).

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will also feature several significant works including ‘Love in the Holy Quran’ by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, ‘The Grand Imam and the Pope and the Thorny Path: A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document’ by the Council’s Secretary-General, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, ‘Rules of Understanding and Dialogue from Thought and Language’ by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and ‘Studies on the Similarity of Style in Quranic Stories: A Comparative and Analytical Study’ by Abdul Ghani Al-Rajhi. The pavilion will also showcase “Al-Muslimun fi Muftaraq Turuq” (“Muslims at a Crossroads”) by the late Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq, along with a selection of the Council’s publications for 2024 including “Al-Unf wa al-Silm Nahwa Fahm Mutakamil” (“Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding”), ‘The West and the Rediscovery of Islam’ by Professor Tijani Boulaouali, ‘Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance’ by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati, ‘Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco: Exploring Muslim-Christian Interactions’ by Dr. Jaafar Ben El Haj Soulami, and the books “Khalid Ibn Al-Walid” and “Uthman Ibn Affan” by Muhammad Al-Sadiq Arjun.

Recognizing the pivotal role that translation plays as a bridge to enhance understanding and constructive communication between cultures, the Muslim Council of Elders has dedicated efforts to translate a number of works aimed at promoting and establishing values of peace, coexistence, acceptance, and respect for others. Among these notable publications are the book “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by several researchers, “Islam and Good Governance” by Professor Muqtedar Khan, a professor at the University of Delaware in the United States, and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler.

It is worth noting that the Jeddah International Book Fair is an annual cultural event that brings together authors, publishers, and readers from around the world in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the most significant cultural events in the region, providing a platform to showcase the latest literary releases and host numerous accompanying cultural activities. This year, the fair features the participation of 1,000 local and international publishers and agencies from 22 countries, spread across more than 450 pavilions. Additionally, there is a diverse cultural program, comprising over 100 different events. The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders is located in the General Sciences and Knowledge section, Pavilion No. A52.