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Muslim Council of Elders Strongly Condemns Attack on Church in Michigan, USA

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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the attack targeting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, USA, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of people.

The Muslim Council of Elders unequivocally rejects all forms of violence and terrorism, which are contrary to the teachings of divine religions, international laws, norms, and human and moral values. These principles prohibit attacks on places of worship and assaults on innocent civilians. The Council calls for intensified international efforts to promote the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt condolences to the United States of America and to the families and loved ones of the victims of this heinous attack, praying that Almighty Allah grants a swift recovery to those injured.

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Muslim Council of Elders Engages Religious, Academic, and Civic Leaders in Utah to Advance Interfaith Dialogue and Human Fraternity

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A delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders concluded a visit to the state of Utah in the United States of America, having met with religious leaders, academics, and officials to promote the values of human fraternity, strengthen interfaith collaboration, and advocate for ethical innovation in artificial intelligence.

During the visit, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam held meetings with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President Dallin H. Oaks, Elder David A. Bednar, and Elder Gerrit W. Gong. Discussions focused on shared values, peaceful coexistence, and the ethical implications of technological advancements. Judge Abdelsalam also engaged with Utah’s Muslim community at the Khadeeja Islamic Center Mosque and met with Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson, underscoring the importance of inclusive dialogue between religious institutions and governmental bodies.

The delegation also visited Brigham Young University (BYU), having met with President Shane Reese to explore opportunities for collaboration in academic research, student exchange programs, youth leadership development, and initiatives related to artificial intelligence. The delegation also participated in a Strategic Planning Collaboration Workshop with representatives from the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on shared priorities for youth programs, technological projects, and efforts to enhance interfaith dialogue.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Conference Center, several local meetinghouses, and the Bishop’s Central Storehouse, gaining insights into the Church’s worship practices, community life, and humanitarian efforts.

Judge Abdelsalam stated, “I have been deeply inspired by all that I have witnessed in the remarkable state of Utah, which is truly a place of warmth and hospitality.” During his visit to BYU, he added, “Brigham Young University exemplifies the belief that science and religion are not in conflict, and that all truths are complementary and harmonious.”

For his part, Elder David A. Bednar commended the growing partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stating, “I am grateful for the deepening relationship between the globally influential Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has grown significantly in importance and depth.” He further emphasized that the coming period will see further collaboration on numerous inspiring projects and initiatives.

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Muslim Council of Elders – Access to Information is a Fundamental Human Right that Advances Justice, Transparency, and the Values of Human Fraternity

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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar affirms that the right to access information is a cornerstone for upholding justice and transparency, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples and cultures, and contributing to a more equitable and unified world.

In a statement on the International Day for Universal Access to Information, observed annually on September 28, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that providing youth with access to reliable knowledge is a vital step toward empowering generations to contribute meaningfully to humanity’s progress and to build a more informed and cohesive future. The Council urged media, cultural, and educational institutions to fulfill their ethical responsibilities by disseminating accurate information and combating misinformation, thereby promoting societal harmony and reinforcing the values of human fraternity.

Additionally, the Muslim Council of Elders reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that ensure universal access to information without discrimination, rooted in the belief that knowledge is an inherent human right and a key instrument for achieving sustainable development and fostering cooperation and solidarity among nations and peoples. The Council also underscores that universal access to information plays a critical role in shaping a future built on justice, transparency, and shared responsibility.

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Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Extends Condolences to Shiite Religious Leader Ayatollah Sistani on the Passing of His Wife

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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 His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani on the passing of his wife. May Allah envelop the deceased in His boundless mercy and grants her family and loved ones patience and solace.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

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Muslim Council of Elders Participates in the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan

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The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from September 17 to 18, under the patronage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan with attendance by prominent religious leaders and figures from around the world.

In his address during the congress’s main session, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that this distinguished gathering reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, which transcends mere exchanges of words. It represents a culture demanding courage and resolve, particularly when involving religions—not just rituals and practices but comprehensive visions of the human self, the other, and the ethical values that guide them toward fostering refined interactions, mature human relationships, and constructive engagement.

He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders has consistently championed interfaith dialogue, working for years to promote its values through numerous global initiatives. Notable among these is the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. Additionally, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was organized to foster dialogue among all components of the Islamic world.

He further highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders launched the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement by Religious Leaders for Climate” and, for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties, established the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29. The Council is currently collaborating with Al-Azhar and the Holy See to develop a document on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, recognizing this transformative technology’s potential to benefit humanity while requiring an ethical and value-based framework to ensure its optimal use for all.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the crucial role that religious leaders can play amid the wars and conflicts facing the world today, particularly the unjust aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in tens of thousands of victims. Over two million people are currently enduring policies of killing, starvation, and attempted forced displacement. He called on religious leaders and figures to work together to rally support for halting this aggression and finding effective solutions to wars and conflicts around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders also expressed its appreciation for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions’ outstanding efforts to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and deeper understanding among religious communities. Since its inception in Astana in 2003, the Congress has laid the foundation for a pioneering experience. The Council also praised Kazakhstan’s rich religious, cultural, and civilizational diversity, which has defined its historical landscape through the ages and continues to thrive today.

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Muslim Council of Elders Mourns the Passing of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia

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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, mourns the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al al-Sheikh, Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Fatwa. Sheikh Abdulaziz passed away today after a distinguished career marked by profound scholarly and religious contributions.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister; and the people of Saudi Arabia on the loss of the esteemed Sheikh. May Almighty Allah envelops him in His boundless mercy, grant him a place in the vast gardens of Paradise, and provide his family, loved ones, students, and admirers with patience and solace. “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him, we shall return.”

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Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Meets Singapore’s President – Agree to Continue Pressing for an End to Aggression in Gaza

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Grand Imam and Singapore’s President Discuss Conference on ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ to be Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and First Lady Jane Yumiko Ittogi, to strengthen academic and advocacy cooperation.

During the meeting, His Eminence commended Singapore’s exemplary model of scientific and educational advancement, which he observed during his previous visit to the country. He also affirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to training Singaporean imams, enhancing their skills in addressing contemporary issues, and establishing an Arabic language learning center in Singapore to serve its people in studying the language.

For his part, President Shanmugaratnam praised His Eminence’s efforts in promoting global peace and harmony. He stated, “I come to you today with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious delegation, reflecting the profound respect and admiration we hold for you, which words cannot fully convey.”

The Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam also discussed the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the urgent need to advocate for an immediate and unconditional end to the aggression targeting innocent civilians. His Eminence declared, “We call on you and the world’s wise leaders to exert every effort to intervene and halt this aggression.” His Eminence also expressed appreciation for efforts toward recognizing the State of Palestine.

Furthermore, the Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam discussed Singapore’s participation in the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference, which will be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with Al-Azhar. His Eminence remarked, “We have agreed with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to hold the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference to showcase these nations as models of development and interfaith coexistence, and to share their pioneering experiences with the Muslim world. This will foster knowledge and expertise exchange, contributing to a comprehensive vision for the advancement of our Muslim world. We are fully confident that Singapore’s participation and support will ensure the conference’s success in fulfilling its mission and amplifying its message.”

President Shanmugaratnam welcomed Singapore’s participation and pledged his nation’s support to ensure the conference’s success.

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Muslim Council of Elders Welcomes Recognition of the State of Palestine by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal

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The Muslim Council of Elders Urges International Community to Recognize the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as Its Capital

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar welcomes the decision by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal to recognize the State of Palestine. This milestone represents a historic and vital step toward achieving justice for the Palestinian people and ending their suffering, which has endured for over seven decades.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls on the international community to follow suit by recognizing the State of Palestine by granting it full membership in the United Nations, and affirming the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Council also renews its appeal to the international community to take urgent and decisive action to halt the aggression on the Gaza Strip by ensuring the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian and relief aid and by confronting policies of killing, starvation, and forced displacement, and working toward a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue which are essential to fostering security and stability for the region and the wider-world.

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Muslim Council of Elders Strongly Condemns Attack on Mosque in North Darfur

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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the bombing of a mosque in the city of Al-Fashir in Sudan’s North Darfur State, which resulted in tens of deaths and injuries among innocent civilians.

The Council states that this attack contradicts the tolerant teachings of Islam, all divine religions, and international conventions and norms and represents a clear violation of international law, which prohibits attacks on places of worship and mandates their protection, preservation, and respect.

The Muslim Council of Elders renews its call for an immediate ceasefire, urging increased international efforts to end the war in Sudan and to protect innocent civilians, and implement the Jeddah Declaration to prioritize the interests of the Sudanese people and fulfill their aspirations for peace and stability.

The Council extends its deepest condolences to the Sudanese people and the families of all the victims, praying to Almighty Allah to grant the injured a swift recovery.

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On the International Day of Peace, Muslim Council of Elders Urges the International Community to Fulfill Its Legal, Moral, and Humanitarian Responsibilities to End Wars, Conflicts, and Protect Innocent Civilians

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Muslim Council of Elders: Celebrating the International Day of Peace Amid Gaza’s Horrific Humanitarian Crisis Tests the Global Conscience

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls for unified international efforts to halt all conflicts and wars that have claimed tens of thousands of lives around the world.

In a statement issued on the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that peace is the core of Islam’s message and all divine religions, which were revealed to bring happiness to humanity, not to incite wars or conflicts. The Council clarified that peace transcends the mere absence of conflict, encompassing harmony, justice, and mutual respect among people. It warned against the rise of violent and hateful rhetoric, the ideological misuse of religious texts, and their exploitation to justify the killing of innocent civilians.

The Council stressed that celebrating the International Day of Peace while Gaza endures a horrific humanitarian crisis presents a critical test for the global conscience which also demands that the international community uphold its legal, moral, and humanitarian responsibilities by taking urgent action to protect innocent civilians in Gaza, end the killing, starvation, and forced displacement policies, ensure the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid, and pursue a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, affirming the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders is diligently working to promote peace and foster the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence through numerous inspiring initiatives, such as the ‘ Emerging PeaceMakers Forum’ and the ‘Student Dialogues for Human Fraternity Program’. These efforts culminated in the launch of the ‘Document on Human Fraternity’ which was co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pope of the Catholic Church. The document called for rediscovering the values of peace, justice, goodness, and human fraternity to end the wars and conflicts afflicting the world today.

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