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The Muslim Council of Elders hosted at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi a delegation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, representing the United States of America, the Middle East, and North Africa. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in interfaith dialogue and to entrench values of peace, understanding, and societal harmony.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders—under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar—places particular emphasis on building bridges of communication among religious leaders worldwide. This commitment aligns with the principles of the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, which serves as a comprehensive global framework for promoting dialogue and coexistence.

For their part, the delegation praised the positive image of Islam projected by the United Arab Emirates through its pioneering efforts to advance tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity, and pluralism, establishing the UAE as an inspiring global model for dialogue, coexistence, and peace. They also expressed deep appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ global role in fostering peace and mutual understanding across religions and cultures, highlighting the Council’s pioneering initiatives worldwide in support of human fraternity and in combating hate speech. They also conveyed their pride in the visit paid by a Muslim Council of Elders delegation to Utah last September, during which meetings were held with Church leaders, as well as with religious, academic, and government figures in the American state. 

Discussions also explored prospective joint initiatives and projects, particularly in the fields of interfaith dialogue, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and youth empowerment which are to be developed in the coming period, while aiming to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and a more peaceful and stable world.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, mourns with profound sorrow the victims of the horrific accident that occurred on Monday morning near Medina, claiming the lives of 40 Indian pilgrims.

His Eminence expresses his sincere condolences to the families of the victims who ascended to Almighty Allah as a result of this tragic incident, praying to the Almighty to envelop them all in His vast mercy and forgiveness, grant their families and loved ones patience and solace, and bestow a speedy recovery upon the injured.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extends warm congratulations to Adama Dieng, Special Advisor to the Council and former Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, on winning the “African Personality of the Year 2025” award, which is granted by the Kemet Boutros Ghali Foundation for Peace and Knowledge in recognition of his distinguished career and pioneering role in promoting peace, justice, and human rights—particularly his outstanding efforts in Rwanda during his work to halt civil wars and prevent the recurrence of genocide, as well as his contributions to the African continent in transitional justice and peacebuilding.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed the Muslim Council of Elders’ pride in this honor, affirming that Adama Dieng is one of the most prominent African and international figures who has dedicated his life to confronting genocide, defending human values, and supporting dialogue and reconciliation. He noted that Dieng’s extensive contributions—whether during his tenure at the United Nations or through his current efforts with the Council—represent a qualitative addition to global peacebuilding pathways.

He added that the Muslim Council of Elders takes pride in Dieng’s contributions and sincere efforts in supporting the dialogue and coexistence initiatives led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These initiatives have had a significant impact in raising global awareness of the dangers of hate speech and incitement, while emphasizing the necessity of joint action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent crimes of genocide.

Judge Abdelsalam pointed out that Dieng’s remarks during the ceremony—praising the role of Al-Azhar and His Eminence the Grand Imam, and highlighting the significant contribution of the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the late Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019—played an important role in confronting extremism and violence and entrenching a culture of coexistence among peoples. Additionally, Dieng’s call to strengthen early warning systems and prevent humanitarian disasters reflects a mature vision and extensive experience that underscores the global need for greater cooperation among religious, intellectual, and human rights institutions to spread values of peace and human coexistence.

He concluded by affirming that the Muslim Council of Elders, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, will continue—alongside its partners—to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, combating hate speech, and entrenching values of human fraternity across the African continent and around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the seventh edition of the National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence under the theme “Hand in Hand.” The event is taking place at Umm Al Emarat Park from November 14 to 16.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion features a variety of events and activities, including programs tailored for children and youth aimed at instilling values of tolerance and coexistence in younger generations. It also includes introductory activities highlighting the Council’s mission and its global initiatives to promote human fraternity and dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed the Muslim Council of Elders’ appreciation—under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar—for the significant efforts led by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence under His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in spreading and reinforcing values of tolerance and coexistence locally, regionally, and globally. He affirmed that the United Arab Emirates represents a leading global model in entrenching a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

He added that the seventh edition of the National Festival of Tolerance reflects the UAE’s commitment to mobilizing efforts toward enhancing values of dialogue and peace, noting that the festival has become a national and global platform that elevates the importance of coexistence and diversity while presenting an Emirati model to emulate in promoting societal harmony.

Judge Abdelsalam noted that the Muslim Council of Elders’ participation aligns with its commitment to fostering direct communication with the public and spreading values of human fraternity using innovative, interactive methods suitable for all age groups. This is consistent with the Council’s mission to build a more peaceful and understanding world, support joint efforts to entrench a culture of peace, and enhance initiatives for coexistence in the region and beyond.

The Muslim Council of Elders received at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi a high-level delegation from the Malaysian Catholic Church, comprising a number of religious leaders representing various religions in Malaysia. The meeting aimed to enhance dialogue among followers of religions and build bridges of understanding and joint cooperation.

During the meeting, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam affirmed that the Council, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, places great emphasis on promoting communication among religious leaders worldwide. This supports the values of human fraternity and entrenches a culture of coexistence and peace established by the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document has sparked a global movement resulting in numerous inspiring efforts and initiatives to spread values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

He also emphasized that diversity is a divine law, and wisdom lies in coexisting together in peace, security, and mutual respect. This is called for by the teachings of the noble Islamic faith and all heavenly religions, which affirm that the other is either a brother in religion or a peer in creation. He praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates and its representation as a leading model in promoting and advancing values of fraternity, coexistence, and tolerance globally.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of joint initiatives and programs in the fields of interfaith dialogue, cooperation to enhance societal peace, confronting hate speech and fanaticism, as well as highlighting successful experiences in religious diversity and positive coexistence. They also expressed their profound admiration for the inspiring initiatives they witnessed during their visit to the United Arab Emirates, which reflect a firm belief in the values of dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity.

Members of the Malaysian delegation expressed their appreciation for the global role played by the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading values of peace and understanding among peoples, affirming their anticipation to strengthen joint cooperation and benefit from the initiatives led by the Council in areas related to youth and promoting human fraternity values.

The meeting comes as part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to enhance dialogue among followers of religions, exchange experiences, and open new horizons for constructive cooperation, contributing to entrenching societal peace and solidifying human relations among different cultures.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extends his heartfelt condolences to the Republic of Türkiye—its leadership and people—for the victims of the tragic incident that occurred following the crash of a military cargo plane, which resulted in a number of fatalities.

His Eminence expresses his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims, praying to Almighty Allah to bestow mercy upon the deceased, envelop them in His vast forgiveness, grant fortitude to the hearts of their families and relatives, and bestow upon them patience and solace.

Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025, held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 5 to 16, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, enhance peace, and entrench values of coexistence and human fraternity among followers of religions and cultures worldwide.

This year, the Council’s pavilion features a distinguished collection of intellectual and cultural publications, exceeding 250 titles in more than 5 languages. Among them are over 30 works by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, including prominent titles such as ‘Al-Qawl Al-Tayyib’, ‘Manners and Values’, ‘From My Old Notebooks’, and others that highlight the tolerance of the noble Islamic faith and its teachings, alongside issues of religious extremism and its dimensions, peace and East-West dialogue, and various jurisprudential and life-related matters.

The pavilion also showcases important publications by Council members and leading thinkers, including: ‘Love in the Holy Quran’ by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad; ‘The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path’ by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam; ‘Rules of Understanding and Mutual Comprehension from Thought and Language’ by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza; ‘Muslims at the Crossroads’ by Dr. Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzuq; and ‘Problems of the Ummah’s Division into Sunnis and Shiites: Roots and Solutions’ by Dr. Elias Belka.

The Council is scheduled to host a series of cultural and intellectual events during the fair aimed at promoting a culture of dialogue and openness. These will include presentations of recent publications from Al-Hokamaa Publishing that highlight the Council’s global initiatives in the fields of peace and interfaith dialogue.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair stems from its commitment to active engagement in intellectual and academic forums, enhancing the cultural role of moderate Islamic institutions, spreading the message of moderation and tolerance, entrenching values of dialogue and understanding, and activating the contributions of scholars and thinkers in building more aware, peaceful, and harmonious societies worldwide. The Council’s pavilion is located at Expo Centre Sharjah, Hall 5, Pavilion L8.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium to discuss ways to strengthen mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, His Eminence affirmed that the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by him with the late Pope Francis, addresses the challenges facing humanity and serves as a guide directing people to values of mercy and goodness, rescuing modern humans from the crises and challenges surrounding them.

His Eminence explained that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders work to counter the rigid ideas promoted by various extremist groups—falsely attributing themselves to Islam—through various efforts, initiatives, and conferences aimed at correcting misconceptions and spreading enlightened moderate thought.

For his part, His Majesty the King of Belgium expressed his sincere appreciation for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Eminence’s efforts in spreading global peace, as well as his gratitude for the warm reception he received. He affirmed his delight in this meeting, which takes place in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, featuring deep dialogue on various issues related to establishing peace, spreading values of understanding and coexistence among peoples, enhancing dialogue among followers of religions, and entrenching concepts of human dignity as a fundamental basis for building a more just and cooperative world.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, accompanied by Archbishop Nicolas Thevenin, the Apostolic Nuncio to Egypt.

During the meeting, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra conveyed greetings from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pope of the Catholic Church, to His Eminence the Grand Imam, expressing His Holiness’s anticipation to meet him, wishing him continued health and well-being, and looking forward to ongoing cooperation with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading the message of peace and fraternity to the entire world.

The Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See expressed his delight in meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and his appreciation for His Eminence’s efforts in establishing values of global peace and human fraternity. He affirmed that the historic Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence with the late Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi, will remain etched in history forever, representing the convergence of religions in spreading values of goodness. He also confirmed that His Eminence’s vision on current affairs aligns with that of Pope Leo XIV, underscoring the necessity of continued joint work for the benefit of humanity.

For his part, His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed the depth of the relations connecting Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Vatican, which were greatly strengthened during the era of the late Pope Francis. “From the first moment we met, we sensed his love for peace and his commitment to dialogue. We have also sensed the same in His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Pontiff of the Catholic Church, through our phone conversation, his words, and his stances toward the oppressed. We look forward to continuing cooperation between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Vatican to spread the message of peace, fraternity, and dialogue among all.”

At the end of the meeting, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar requested that the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State of the Vatican convey His Eminence’s invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Al-Azhar.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has received Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Member of Parliament, accompanied by Ambassador Dominic Goh, Singapore’s Ambassador to Egypt, to discuss strengthening joint scientific and da’wah relations.

During the meeting, His Eminence expressed his appreciation for the Republic of Singapore, affirming readiness to study the establishment of Azhar institutes in Singapore under the supervision of the relevant authorities, in addition to creating a center for teaching the Arabic language to serve Singapore’s citizens in learning the language of the Holy Quran. This includes hosting Singaporean imams and training them at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imam Training, honing their skills in refuting extremist thought, to revive the authentic Islamic teachings that call for spreading fraternity and peace, extending societal stability and security, and promoting positive integration among all components of society.

For his part, Singapore’s Minister for Muslim AffairsMinister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs expressed his nation’s appreciation for the efforts of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders in establishing values of peace and fraternity and entrenching interfaith dialogue. He noted that Al-Azhar graduates in Singapore enjoy a prestigious status and hold high positions in various ministries and institutions, pointing out that most—if not all—of the muftis in Singapore received their education at Al-Azhar which confirms Singapore’s confidence in Azhar education as a global beacon that enhances societal peace.