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Participants in the Seminar Affirm that Religious Teachings Call for Respecting Others, Acceptance, and Advocating for Tolerance and Coexistence

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted its third seminar at the New Delhi World Book Fair, titled “Mutual Respect Among Religions” by Father M. D. Thomas, the Director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace in New Delhi, and Sheikh Manzoor Ahmed, the Editor-in-Chief of World Urdu Service. Participants in the seminar, held at Pavilion H05 in Hall 4 in Pragati Maidan, emphasized the importance of utilizing knowledge to address various problems and challenges.

During the session, Father Thomas explained the significance of respecting the beliefs of others, emphasizing that it contributes to building societies based on mutual and peaceful coexistence. He also noted that India is a prominent example of peaceful coexistence among diverse religions, where different faiths peacefully coexist side by side.

The Director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace in New Delhi praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders and its initiatives under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting global peace and coexistence. He also affirmed that Islamic teachings are clear about fostering harmony and peaceful coexistence with others.

For his part, Sheikh Manzoor Ahmed reiterated the principle of “One Nation, One Society,” emphasizing the need to confront those who exploit religion for divisive purposes. He added that that no religion promotes hatred, and therefore, knowledge is the society’s weapon to combat ignorance, hate speech, and extremism.

The Editor-in-Chief of World Urdu Service concluded by emphasizing the importance of building bridges of understanding and communication, promoting peaceful coexistence and tolerance among diverse communities and peoples. He affirmed that unconditional mutual respect reflects the values of recognizing human dignity and basic rights, contributing to creating a positive environment that strengthens social and cultural relationships.

The Muslim Council of Elders previously conducted two seminars during the New Delhi World Book Fair, these were, “Importance of Human Fraternity in Contemporary Times” and “Interfaith Coexistence: Answers for Peaceful Living.” The former featured Sanjay Kapoor, General-Secretary of the Editors Guild of India, Prof. Dr. Sameena Hameed, Senior Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Rohin Marker on behalf of Ava Khullar, President of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman. The latter seminar was presented by Mohammad Salim Ahmed, Secretary-General of Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity.

This is the second consecutive participation by the Muslim Council of Elders at the New Delhi World Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in the region which is particularly known for its large turnouts. The pavilion features over 220 publications in 5 languages, addressing various issues and aiming to correct misconceptions while rejecting extremist rhetoric and hatred. The Council’s pavilion (H05) is located in Hall 4 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Significant Interest in the Books of His Eminence the Grand Imam at the Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the New Delhi World Book Fair

’The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path’ and ‘ Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy of Ihsan ‘ Among the Fair’s Best-Selling Books at the Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the New Delhi World Book Fair.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 has witnessed remarkable engagement with diverse publications addressing various issues attracting visitors, intellectuals who have praised the council’s second participation in the fair and its many publications that have been showcased in the pavilion.

The publications of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, presented in five languages (Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam), attracted particular interest from attendees, including Islamic scholars from various universities in New Delhi as well as professors, and researchers. Notable books such as “For the Sake of Peace,” “Concept of Jihad in Islam,” “A Message to the Youth,” “Al-Azhar and the Unity of Muslims,” “A Talk on Peace,” and “Opinions on East-West Dialogue” garnered significant interest.

The English edition of the book “Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy of Ihsan” by Professor Muqtedar Khan from the University of Delaware and “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, also saw prominent interactions from fair visitors. The Council’s publications also received notable interest among visitors eager to learn the Arabic language with some travelling from afar and outside of India to obtain some of the Council’s publications.

Publications include “Identarian Peace Management in the Muslim World: Concepts, Underpinnings, and Mechanisms,” “Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance,” by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati and “Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco: Exploring Muslim-Christian Interactions.” The latter includes books such as “An Introduction to the Study of Traditional Logic” and “Mother of the Believers: Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her),” by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb. Additionally, the series features “Religion and Reason” by Dr. Suleiman Donya, “Concern for Female Rights” written by Sheikh Mohamed Ben Mustapha Ben Alkhoudja Al-Jazaeri, and “Cultural Pluralism and Acceptance of Others: Their Role in Advancing Global Peace,” written by Dr. Ghada Abdel Jalil Ahmed Al-Ghonemy. Also exhibited were a number of series documenting international conferences and seminars, including “Proceedings of the International Seminar: Islam and the West Diversity and Integration,” “The World Conference of Al-Azhar in Support of Jerusalem,” and “Dialogue between East and West for Human Coexistence.”

This is set to be the second consecutive participation by the Muslim Council of Elders at the New Delhi World Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in the region which is particularly known for its large turnouts. The pavilion features over 220 publications in 5 languages, addressing various issues and aiming to correct misconceptions while rejecting extremist rhetoric and hatred. The Council’s pavilion (H05) is located in Hall 4 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Secretary-General of Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity Commends the Efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in Promoting Peaceful Coexistence

The Muslim Council of Elders organized the second seminar at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 titled ‘Interfaith Coexistence: Answers for Peaceful Living.’ by Professor Dr. Mohammad Salim Ahmed, the Secretary-General of the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity. The seminar focused on addressing the key challenges in promoting the values of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence among religions in diverse societies and communities.

During the seminar, the Secretary-General of the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peaceful coexistence through its diverse programs, projects, and publications in this field. He urged the council to establish an office in India, representing an exemplary society with its diversity in religions, languages, dialects, and ethnicities.

Dr. Salim emphasized the necessity of collaboration among institutions with shared values to further disseminate and implement successful experiences and best practices in the realm of tolerance and coexistence. He highlighted the importance of generalizing these experiences to have a global impact, especially in a world currently facing instability in peaceful systems, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Secretary-General of the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity concluded by stating that Indian society is characterized by diversity and coexistence among all religions and that India encompasses followers of every religion globally, including Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others, making it an excellent example of successful coexistence and integration of all ethnicities and religions on its land.

This is set to be the second consecutive participation by the Muslim Council of Elders at the New Delhi World Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in the region which is particularly known for its large turnouts. The pavilion features over 220 publications in 5 languages, addressing various issues and aiming to correct misconceptions while rejecting extremist rhetoric and hatred.

The six-month program – co-hosted by Georgetown University, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Human Fraternity Majlis – culminated in a week-long interactive study tour in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The tour included participation at the Human Fraternity Majlis at the Abrahamic Family House and the second Zayed Award for Human Fraternity roundtable, as well a meeting and discussion with President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta.

The cohort included 11 undergraduate and graduate students from top universities around the world, representing 8 countries and 5 religions and denominations.

The first-ever Human Fraternity Fellows program finished Friday following an intensive week-long interfaith and intercultural study tour in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which included meeting President of East Timor José Ramos-Horta; speaking on a youth panel at the Human Fraternity Majlis; and participation in the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Roundtable.

The program – launched and co-organized by Georgetown University, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity – is an over six-month program that trains top university students to respond to the pressing need to foster peace and human fraternity, particularly in academic settings. By empowering the fellows to create more inclusive and connected campus communities, the program contributes to countering global trends of division and building a foundation for lasting peace and understanding.

During their time in Abu Dhabi, the fellows were featured speakers on a panel at the Human Fraternity Majlis at the Abrahamic Family House on February 4 – an event organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, which coincided with the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity. During the panel, the fellows shared their insights on challenges and opportunities to promote human fraternity as the future generation of leaders.

Ahead of the panel, the fellows met President of the Republic of East Timor His Excellency José Ramos-Horta who has spearheaded an initiative in his country to adopt the Document on Human Fraternity as a national document and to integrate it into the national educational programs.

On February 6, the fellows participated in the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity roundtable, where they engaged with high-level experts from various fields – including MCE Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam – on issues relating to human fraternity. They also visited New York University Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Abrahamic Family House.

“This program is part of the enduring legacy of the Document on Human Fraternity, which paves the way for a future where diverse cultures and faiths coexist in mutual respect and harmony,” said Secretary-General Mohamed Abdelsalam upon the conclusion of the first edition of the Human Fraternity Fellows program.

The 11 fellows – from eight countries including East Timor, Egypt, India, Italy, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, and Zimbabwe – represented prestigious universities including Georgetown University, Yale University, Harvard University, Bamberg University, Mohammed V University, the University of Edinburgh, and the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh.

Aisha Alyassi, a fellow from the United Arab Emirates and student at King’s College London, said: “The Human Fraternity Fellows Program made me grow both personally and spiritually. We had the pleasure to meet a number of international leaders, who emphasized the importance of youth in carrying out peacemaking processes and fostering human fraternity. Their faith in us left a mark in our hearts and made us all feel a sense of responsibility to provide a better world for the future generations.”

Ahmed Haykel Gaafar, a fellow from Egypt and student at Bamberg University, said: “This fellowship has been transformative, fostering a profound sense of peace. Through collaboration and diverse learnings, I have gained insights into effective cooperation, shaping my commitment to enhancing the well-being of my community and the world.”

As part of its participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled “Importance of Human Fraternity in Contemporary Times.” The session was presented by Professor Sameena Hameed, a researcher in Western Asia and the Gulf at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Sanjay Kapoor, General-Secretary of the Editors Guild of India, and Rohin Marker on behalf of Ava Khullar, President of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman.

During the seminar, Dr. Hameed emphasized the importance of applying the principles and values of the Document on Human Fraternity, integrating individuals within a unified human system. She stated, “The Earth should be a homeland for all humans, requiring intellectuals and influencers not to tire of discussing the importance of the concept of human fraternity and achieving its practical application in various local, regional, and international forums.” She highlighted the significance of teaching the Document on Human Fraternity to school and university students and proposed its inclusion in master’s studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in the upcoming meeting of the university’s Supreme Scientific Council.

Sanjay Kapoor, the General-Secretary of the Editors Guild in Delhi, stressed the urgent need for applying principles and values that safeguard humanity, particularly the values of human fraternity that bring people together regardless of their beliefs and backgrounds. He emphasized the crucial role of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace, peaceful coexistence, and acceptance of others worldwide. Kapoor highlighted the importance of raising awareness among the current generation about the principles of fraternity, not only among religions but also within the entire Indian society.

Representing the President of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman, Rohin Marker, in his speech addressed the concept of human fraternity and that Zoroastrianism relies on absolute faith in the unity of humanity and its interconnectedness. He emphasized the significant responsibility that comes with this belief, requiring concerted efforts to align words with actions. Marker added that collaboration among diverse members of society contributes to realizing the principles and values of human fraternity, spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence.

This is set to be the second consecutive time that the Muslim Council of Elders participates at the New Delhi World Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in the region which is particularly known for its large turnouts. The pavilion features over 220 publications in 5 languages, addressing various issues and aiming to correct misconceptions while rejecting extremist rhetoric and hatred.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, expresses deep concern about the threats from the Israeli occupation forces to launch a military operation in the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip, which is densely populated with Palestinian refugees. The Council also expresses its alarm by the serious humanitarian repercussions that military operations may cause.

The Council warns of the dangerous consequences of invading and targeting the city of Rafah, which houses hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians forced to flee various areas of the Gaza Strip due to Israeli aggression which poses a serious threat of a humanitarian catastrophe and further bloodshed. The Council strongly rejects any attempts at the forced deportation of the Palestinian people and any practices that violate international and humanitarian law.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls on the international community to take urgent measures to stop the aggression against the Gaza Strip and to protect innocent civilians and allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and reach an immediate solution to end the conflict. It also supports the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with East 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, emphasizes that Islamic and Arabic history is enriched with influential and positive examples of inspiring women and girls in the field of sciences. It pointed out that Islam honors women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, elevating their status in all aspects and urging kindness, good conduct, and care for them. The Council referred to Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) hadith, “Treat women kindly” (Narrated by Muslim). Islam prioritizes education as a fundamental right guaranteed by Islamic law for women, providing them with equal opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills in various fields without discrimination.

In a statement on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, on February 11 of each year, the Muslim Council of Elders affirms that this day is a crucial opportunity to highlight women’s contributions in the fields of science and technology. It calls on relevant institutions and organizations to intensify efforts to promote women’s participation in science and technology by ensuring equal opportunities for education and scientific training. The Council also urges addressing challenges and difficulties hindering their full participation in these fields while providing a safe and supportive working environment.

The statement further emphasizes that women constitute half of society, and supporting and empowering them is an investment in the future that benefits the world as a whole. It points out that the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, affirmed women’s right to education and work and also stressed the necessity of working to free them from historical and social pressures that contradict the principles of their faith and dignity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, mourns the martyrdom of four members of the UAE Armed Forces, an officer from the Bahrain Defence Force, and several members of the Somali Armed Forces which occurred following a terrorist attack inside a military base in the Somali capital, Mogadishu during a training of the Somali Armed Forces as part of the military cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Somalia.

The Council strongly condemns this cowardly terrorist act, reiterating its unequivocal rejection of all terrorist acts that contradict the tolerant Islamic religious teachings, divine laws, as well as international conventions, and norms.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt condolences to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the government of Somalia, and the families of the victims, praying to the Almighty to grant the deceased the vastness of His mercy and bestow swift recovery upon the injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the second consecutive year in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, which runs from February 10 to 18, and is one of the largest book fairs  in the region. The Council’s pavilion will showcase over 220 publications in five languages, addressing significant issues and aiming to correct misconceptions while rejecting extremist rhetoric and hatred. Notable translated works include “Religious Thought and Contemporary Issues” by Mahmoud Hamdi Zakzouk, “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and “Al Azhar in the Face of Terrorism” by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Council will also present six books in Hindi, Malayalam, and Urdu by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, including “Concepts of Jihad” and “A message to the Youth.” Likewise, the Council’s pavilion will host various events and seminars throughout the fair’s duration which will discuss human fraternity, interfaith coexistence, mutual respect among religions, and the world as a single human family.

Seminars will feature distinguished speakers such as Sanjay Kapoor (General-Secretary of the Editors Guild of India), Ava Khullar (President of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman), Prof. Dr. Sameena Hameed (Senior Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University), Prof. Dr. Anand Kumar (Social Scientist at Delhi University), Mohammad Salim Ahmed (Secretary-General of Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity), Syed Faisal Ali (Editor in Chief of Rhtriya Sahara Newspaper and TV), Father M. D. Thomas (Founding Director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace), Justice Jaspal Singh (Former Judge at Delhi High Court), Dr. Zikrur Rahman (Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies in New Delhi), and Professor Dr. P.R. Kumaraswamy (Professor of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University).

The Council will also exhibit the outcomes of international conferences and seminars, the Council presents books such as “Proceedings of the International Symposium: Islam and the West – Diversity and Integration” and “The Al-Azhar Global Conference for Jerusalem,” along with “The Dialogue between East and West for Human Coexistence.”

This is set to be the second consecutive time that the Muslim Council of Elders participates at the New Delhi World Book Fair. The first participation took place in 2023 and received significant acclaim from all segments of the Indian society who enthusiastically engaged with the Council’s publications and actively participated in the various events, reinforcing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and shared coexistence.

Widespread Praise for Activities in the Council’s Pavilion as well as the Diversity of Publications and Events

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation in the Cairo International Book Fair 2024, which witnessed a significant turnout from the fair’s visitors who praised the pavilion’s activities and the diverse range of publications that enrich knowledge, reflecting the tolerance of Islamic teachings.

During this year’s exhibition, the Muslim Council of Elders presented 220 diverse publications covering various scientific fields, including over 22 new releases. It also organized various activities and programs promoting coexistence and human fraternity, including interactive workshops, competitions, intellectual seminars, and the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity. 

Speakers at the Council’s pavilion addressed various significant intellectual and cultural issues, including the role of the nation in the Prophet’s tradition, modern schools in the modern era, women between Islamic teachings and inherited traditions, the role of science in the bet between atheism and faith, becoming grammatically correct, the status of Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem in heritage. Additionally, several workshops were conducted for members of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum.

This was the seventh participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in the Cairo International Book Fair, aligning with its mission to promote peace, instill values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of different races and beliefs.