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The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair presents its visitors with a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the highlights is the book titled “100 Questions on Methodology, Creed, and Sharia.” Supervised by Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the book includes a thoughtful foreword by Dr. Ayyad and an insightful introduction by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. This initiative stems from the Council’s efforts to dispel false notions and spread enlightened moderate thought.

The book compiles one hundred questions, presenting them to Muslims along with answers to some of the most significant and common doubts exploited by extremists to instigate unrest and deceive the youth. This book is a product of collaboration between Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s scholars and researchers and the Muslim Council of Elders, an international institution committed to promoting peace, dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity. The book provides thoughtful and scientifically grounded responses to these questions.

This publication emerges at a critical time when doubts and controversies are intensifying around religious practices, underscoring the urgent need to revitalize scholarly writing that addresses complex theological questions. These questions often polarize opinions between extreme conservatism, which imposes strict interpretations, and liberal attitudes which advocate discarding traditional values to adopt foreign customs.

The significance of this book lies in its effort to meet the intellectual needs of contemporary Muslims, encouraging them to understand their religion through scientifically grounded research, appreciate its values, and adopt a balanced approach. This approach requires awareness of the challenges faced by adherents as they discern the true principles of their faith amid widespread misconceptions. These are spread by external adversaries or misinformed insiders who, due to ignorance or distorted perspectives, falsely attribute beliefs to Islam that contradict its fundamental values of mercy, justice, and peace.

The book comprehensively addresses ten major themes: issues in methodology and creed; matters related to Ilm Al-Kalam (Islamic theology); issues surrounding Takfir (the practice of declaring a Muslim an apostate); Jihad-related topics; issues in Sharia politics; controversies around the noble Prophetic traditions; various problematic contemporary issues; dealings with non-Muslims; and the relationships between the Muslim world and the West. 

The critical inquiries addressed in the book include questions such as: What is the ruling on declaring a specific individual, previously considered a Muslim, a disbeliever (Kafir)? Are disbelief and the shedding of blood inherently linked? What does “the judgment of ignorance” (Hukm Al-Jahiliyyah) mean? What is the punishment for apostasy? Is the caliphate divinely mandated or a matter of human reasoning? How can one refute the claim of a contradiction between affiliation to faith and loyalty to one’s nation? Are consultation (Shura) and allegiance to the ruler fixed principles or subject to change? Does Islamic law conflict with the concept of the modern state? How did the Companions preserve the Prophetic Sunnah? What is Islam’s contribution to civilization? How do we counter Islamophobia? What is Islam’s stance on other religions and issues related to citizenship? What is the ruling on imitating non-Muslims? Is dividing territories into “Dar Al-Islam” and “Dar Al-Kufr” valid? These are just some of the one hundred questions explored. 

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s significant publications and is also hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on spreading values of kindness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The stand is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair features a standout publication titled “From the Quran’s Discourse on Humanity” by Ali Mohamed Hassan Al-Amari, a distinguished scholar from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

This work delves into the Quran’s detailed attention to humanity, presenting the argument that the Quran can be viewed as a universal book of human nature. It highlights how nearly every verse connects to human experiences, whether through direct mentions, implied references, or discussions centered on human affairs. The text reinforces the concept of humans as central to the Quranic narrative, appointed by God as stewards of the Earth, tasked with its development and benefiting from its resources—animals, plants, mountains, minerals, and all that humanity can innovate and produce. The book underscores that God has made the use of these resources readily accessible for human benefit, underscoring the divine design in harmonizing the natural world to support human life and prosperity.

The book discusses how the Quran extensively addresses various aspects of human life from conception to death, emphasizing guidance essential for the preservation and prosperity of human existence. It goes beyond merely setting the basic standards necessary for survival and growth, offering advice on achieving a fulfilled and complete life through commands, prohibitions, and etiquette designed to ensure happiness if followed correctly.

In the section titled “The Preservation of Humanity as a Primary Objective of the Quran,” the book highlights that God created humans, appointed them as stewards on Earth to enact His decrees and laws, and endowed them with the intellect to understand some mysteries of the universe through deep reflection and reasoning. It points out that God has made many of His creations serve humans, who, without such guidance, would be subject to the whims of nature and personal desires, leading to a survival of the fittest scenario where the strong could dominate the weak, and social cohesion could break down. This divine guidance is portrayed as crucial for sustaining human life on Earth in a manner that is far removed from the brutal existence of wild animals in the forest.

The book is structured into five main sections. The first section contains three chapters: “The Best Statement,” “Description of the Quran from Its Verses,” and “The Prophet’s Description of the Quran.” The second section includes four chapters: “Humanity,” “The Psychological Proof,” “Humanity in the First Verse of the Quran,” and “A Misguidance Warned Against by the Quran.” The third section discusses the objectives of the Quran and the preservation of humanity. The fourth section comprises three chapters: “Human Ethical Behavior as Presented by the Quran,” “Conscience,” and “Educating the Will.” The final section also has three chapters: “Adoption of Good Moral Values,” “Indecency,” and “Exemplary Human Conduct in the Quran.”

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, which runs from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, and it will host a series of seminars, activities, and events focusing on promoting values of kindness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the 2025 Cairo International Book Fair offers visitors a variety of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing for 2025, among which the book “Islamic Principles on Family Regulation” by Abu Al-Wafa Al-Maraghi, a scholar from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, stands out.

The book underscores the family as the bedrock of society, a principle highly valued in Islam. It advocates for the unity, connection, and organization of the family unit, setting forth legal statutes and overarching principles designed to strengthen its framework and address any deficiencies that could weaken this solid foundation.

Given the significance of the subject, the author set out to create this book, elucidating, interpreting, and engaging with contemporary issues. He states: “This book addresses the Islamic family, compiling the core principles of family organization as decreed by Islam, drawn from the Quran, the Sunnah, and the insights of revered scholars. Each principle is meticulously sourced, and the text explicates the Islamic viewpoint on issues such as polygamy, divorce, and hijab, which have frequently been subjected to criticism by Islam’s detractors. Additionally, the book compares the dynamics of Islamic and Western families, highlighting the distinct foundational principles of each.

The book clarifies that Islam establishes detailed, clear principles for family organization, addressing the relationships among family members. These principles range from obligatory to recommended and favored, all aimed at ensuring the family’s functionality and stability. This framework allows the family to navigate life’s complexities with a clear understanding, free from the influence of whims and desires, and safeguarded against the corrosive effects of hatred and conflict.

The author highlights that while the family unit has received attention in modern times, with scholars studying and evolving systems to adapt to changing circumstances, considering it the foundational building block of a nation, Islam has provided this care for over fourteen centuries. Islam established enduring principles based on a deep understanding of human nature and individual characteristics, unlike fleeting experimental approaches seen in human-devised principles, which may be accepted today and rejected tomorrow.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a selection of the Council’s distinguished publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting values of kindness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand in Hall 4, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Future World Chan Forum, organized by the Europe-Asia Center, Shaolin Temple, and the World Meditation Foundation (WMF), in collaboration with the Global Center for Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Skills Development under the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Singapore. The forum was held at Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, from January 19 to January 22, with the presence of elite leaders, decision-makers, and thinkers from around the world.

During its participation in the opening session of the forum, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the pivotal role of contemplation and reflection in enhancing global peace and human well-being, internal balance, and deepening self-awareness. This effort contributes to building a bridge connecting different cultures and religions. The Council pointed out that Islam places deep thinking at the core of its teachings as a means to achieve inner peace and a profound understanding of the relationship between the Creator, humans, and their surroundings. It also highlighted that our shared human values remind us that, despite the diversity in the expression of our spiritual traditions, they converge towards a single goal: to strive for a more peaceful and just world.

Furthermore, the Council added that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, is a living example of the power of interfaith cooperation in promoting values of peace and mutual respect. The Council continues to support all initiatives that prioritize dialogue and understanding to address global issues such as conflicts, inequality, and environmental degradation. It calls for the importance of drawing wisdom from spiritual traditions to enhance cooperation among peoples and work towards building a sustainable future characterized by peace and harmony for future generations.

In the same context, the Muslim Council of Elders participated in a panel discussion titled “Paths to Developing Environmental, Social, and Institutional Governance from a Global Governance Perspective.” The session explored ways to enhance the development of environmental, social, and institutional governance from the perspective of global social governance. The Council emphasized the crucial role that wisdom plays in building a more just and peaceful world, highlighting its deep commitment to enhancing dialogue and cooperation among religious leaders and unifying their ethical voices in addressing global challenges. This commitment is manifested through numerous initiatives and leading activities, including holding seven rounds of East-West dialogue, sending more than 15 peace convoys around the world, and gathering religious leaders in Abu Dhabi in 2023 to sign “The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change.” This statement was a collective call to action on climate change ahead of the COP28 conference. Additionally, the Council organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcasing the vital role that spiritual values play in addressing global crises, particularly climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders also participated in launching the “Seeds of Fraternity” initiative, which was introduced during the forum’s events. This initiative aims to enhance values of friendship, understanding, and respect among people and communities from diverse cultural backgrounds. It seeks to break down barriers between East and West to address global challenges collaboratively and make tangible progress in various sustainable development goals. The initiative includes a series of activities, most notably organizing “East Meets West” events showcasing 108 cultural topics that integrate arts, philosophy, and history, conducting global dialogues about the civilization of fraternity with international leaders to devise solutions for shared challenges, building a diverse educational system in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research to offer programs focusing on sustainable development and intercultural communication, and establishing a global cooperation network among governments, organizations, and institutions to support cultural, environmental, and educational projects.

It is worth mentioning that the Future World Chan Forum brought together experts and meditators from various cultures, religions, and fields to explore how to enhance meditation for individual well-being and the harmonious development of the global community within a global framework, laying the groundwork for establishing a “Global Meditation Council” to promote global cooperation and integration in this field.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair presents to its visitors the book “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia: Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism in China and India.” This is one of the Council’s latest publications for 2025 and is a collaborative work by the team behind the project Peace and the Religious and Ethnic Map of Asia, published by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research.

The book delves into the study of religious and ethnic pluralism in Asia, with a particular focus on China and India as the two most populous and societally diverse nations. It also addresses the complexity of the concept of identity, shaped by a rich historical and cultural heritage. It examines how this diverse heritage has endured, maintaining its strong presence as a unique global model to this day.

The book emphasizes that Asia represents the most religiously and ethnically diverse geographical area for Muslims, given the global demographic map. Moreover, this geographical expanse is a key determinant for assessing future global power dynamics and interactions, particularly with the rise of China and India in cultural, economic, and strategic dimensions. The book argues that global peace largely depends on achieving stability in Asia, as the aspects of cooperation and conflict within the region inevitably extend to other parts of the world, including Africa, the Arab World, Europe, and the Americas.

The book also highlights that the reality and future of Muslims in Asia cannot be separated from the historical development of other nations, religions, and civilizations in the region, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity, and others. Given the diverse ethnicities and languages of Muslims in this region, it is natural for there to be connections between the same ethnic groups that form parts of the ethnic makeup of other religions and philosophies.

The book points out that religious considerations are not the primary factor behind the outbreak of many conflicts in Asia or elsewhere. Instead, religion is sometimes used as a tool to serve other objectives. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the particularities of each crisis in Asia and examine them in their various contexts and extensions, both domestically and internationally.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, alongside a series of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting values of goodness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Council’s stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand in Hall 4 (Heritage Hall) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders is taking part in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair with a special stand. The fair will take place under the theme ‘Read… In the Beginning Was the Word,’ from January 23 to February 5, 2025, in Cairo, the Egyptian capital. The Council’s participation is driven by its mission to promote peace, foster values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation and coexistence.

Throughout the fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand will showcase more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural releases, including several of the latest publications from Al-Hokama Publishing for the year 2025. These include books such as “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia: Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism in China and India,” “Peace in Africa: Studies and Perspectives on Enhancing Stability and Development,” “The Making of International Peace: Drawing from Shared Contexts,” and “International Peace: Shared Values and Institutional Concepts,” authored by a group of researchers from the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. Additionally, the book “Islam and the West: An Approach to the Causes of Confrontation and a Survey of the Conditions for Intercultural Exchange” by Dr. Mohamed Elbenayadi, “The Quran’s Discourse on Humanity” by Ali Mohamed Hassan Al-Amari, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, “Imam al-Haramayn and His Influence on the Development of the Ash’ari School” by Ali Mohamed Jaber, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and “Islamic Principles on Family Planning” by Abu Al-Wafa Al-Maraghi, a senior scholar at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, will also be featured.

Coinciding with the Muslim Council of Elders’ preparations to organize the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in February, in response to the call of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to enhance Islamic affairs and the unity of Muslims, and to affirm that religious fraternity is the driver of human fraternity, the Council’s stand at the Cairo International Book Fair will feature several works addressing this central issue. These include the book “Conflict Management in the Muslim World” by Dr. Idris Qasim, a researcher in foreign policy issues and a Doctor of Public Law, and the book “Problems of the Ummah’s Division into Sunnis and Shiites” by the Islamic thinker Dr. Elias Belka.
 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand also features over 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, aimed at introducing the benevolence of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Among these are “Al-Qawl Al-Tayyib,” “From My Old Notebooks,” “A View on East-West Dialogue,” “An Introduction to the Study of Traditional Logic,” “Discussions on Causes and Objectives,” “On the Sufi Theological Terminology,” “Heritage and Renewal,” “For the Sake of Peace,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari,” “Ethics and Values,” “Towards Contemporary Juridical Ijtihad,” “Aisha, the Mother of the Believers,” and others.

In the same context, the Council’s stand offers several important publications, including “Love in the Holy Quran” by HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the book “The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path – A Testimony to the Birth of the Document on Human Fraternity” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the book “Rules of Understanding and Mutual Understanding in Thought and Language,” by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the book “Muslims at a Crossroads” by the late Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq, and “Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco” by Dr. Jaafar ben El Haj Soulami. 

 
 Recognizing the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations in constructive communication, the Muslim Council of Elders continues its diligent efforts to translate numerous books aimed at promoting peace. This year, the Council presents several notable translated publications, including “The Voice of Change” and “Shared Global Values and Making International Peace” by a group of researchers. Additionally, there are other translated works such as “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by various researchers, “Islam and Good Governance” by Prof. Dr. Muqtedar Khan, and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler, among others.

Moreover, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosts over 14 cultural and intellectual seminars featuring a selection of scholars, thinkers, and academics discussing key topics and issues. These include the determinants of human behavior, peace in Africa, Islam and the desired fraternity: goals and means, media and enhancing community awareness, theology and the question of renewal, reason and its stance on the signs of prophethood, Islamic philosophy and contemporary issues and its role in presenting innovative visions to address these issues, as well as Islamic studies and the translation movement, and the Ash’ari doctrine in Western academies.

Notably, the Cairo International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world, attracting about 5 million visitors annually. It plays a pivotal role in preserving and enhancing cultural identity by providing readers the opportunity to explore their cultural heritage and the latest literary and intellectual releases. It also reflects the diversity of the Arab and human cultural scene and highlights literary works that focus on social and humanitarian issues.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair showcases a number of its latest 2025 releases to visitors. Among these, the book ‘Conflict Management in the Muslim World: Roots, Transformations, and Future Prospects,’ authored by Idris Qasim and published by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, stands out.
 
 
This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of conflict, in terms of its various theoretical definitions and practical applications within the Muslim world, exploring its historical, social, political, and geopolitical dimensions. The goal is to offer a deep understanding of the nature of conflict as an integral part of human history and its manifestations in various forms across Muslim societies.
 
 
The book traces the evolution of conflicts through significant historical transformations—from the establishment of the Caliphate to modern nation-states—illustrating how these transformations have shaped current conflicts. It then reviews future scenarios, dedicating an important section of the book to forecasting future developments of conflict within the Muslim world. This involves utilizing scenario analysis techniques to predict possible paths based on the historical patterns of these conflicts and their current trends.
 
 
The book discusses the contribution of social interactions—ethnic, religious, and cultural—to the emergence, formation, and resolution of conflicts within the contexts of Muslim societies. The author calls for a multidisciplinary approach to the study of conflicts in the Muslim world, emphasizing the need to integrate insights from history, sociology, political science, and international relations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of these conflicts.
 
 
The Al Hokama Center for Peace Research hopes that this work, as a part of its program on prospective (futures) studies, will broaden the understanding of the nature of conflicts within the Muslim world. The center aims to offer a clear vision that not only contributes to resolving these conflicts through established peace studies and conflict management techniques but also strengthens the resilience of societies in the Muslim world against all forms of conflict. This initiative aligns with the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders to promote civil and community peace both within this sphere and internationally on a humanitarian level. 
 
 
The structure of the book is divided into four main sections: The first section is titled “Transition from the Caliphate to the State: Preliminary Conditions Leading to Conflict.” The second section is titled “The Dialectics of Internal and External Conflicts or Chronic Fault Lines.” The third section is titled “Chaotic Conflicts: Old Disputes under New Dynamics.” The fourth and final section is titled “Scenarios for Conflict Evolution: A Forward-Looking Perspective.”
 
 
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting values of kindness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people. 
 
 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in the Heritage Hall No. 4, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of prisoners and detainees. The Council commends the efforts of Arab and international actors, particularly those of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar, which played a significant role in achieving this agreement which is expected to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The Council expresses its hope that the international community will come together to ensure the full implementation of all stages of the agreement, establish a lasting ceasefire, facilitate the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, allow the return of displaced individuals, take concrete steps toward the reconstruction of Gaza, and assist the Palestinian people in resuming their normal lives in safety and stability after enduring a severe humanitarian crisis for over 15 months.

The Muslim Council of Elders urges the international community and all relevant stakeholders to continue their efforts in a serious and effective manner to achieve a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue, end the decades-long suffering of the Palestinian people, and secure their legitimate right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Dr. Heba Hagrass, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to discuss avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam welcomed Dr. Hagrass and her delegation, emphasizing Islam’s emphasis on ethical and methodological principles in engaging with persons with disabilities. He also highlighted that Islam advocates solidarity, mutual respect, and the safeguarding of individual rights, prohibiting any infringement upon them. His Eminence further stressed the humanitarian essence of Islam, which promotes kindness, dignity, and equity in all interactions.

The Grand Imam also expressed Al-Azhar’s willingness to introduce a dedicated curriculum for primary school students aimed at raising awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. This curriculum would clarify Islam’s authentic teachings on the subject, dispel misconceptions rooted in outdated societal traditions, and encourage respectful and inclusive treatment and aims to empower individuals with disabilities by ensuring they receive their full rights as prescribed by Islamic teachings.

Dr. Hagrass praised the Grand Imam’s significant role in shaping public attitudes. She underscored the unique capacity of religious scholars to positively influence societal behavior, raise awareness of critical issues, and derive meaningful lessons from religious teachings.

Dr. Hagrass also emphasized the importance of highlighting inspiring figures with disabilities from Islamic history, showcasing their remarkable achievements and contributions to society since it not only enhance the perception of individuals with disabilities but also provide hope to their families and encourage them to invest in the education and empowerment of their children.

The stand of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair offers visitors a selection of its latest publications for 2025. Among the highlights is the book “Peace in Africa: Studies and Visions for Enhancing Stability and Development,” a collective work by the team from the project “Muslim Communities and Peacebuilding in Africa,” published by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research.

The book highlights a significant paradox concerning Africa: despite its complex and challenging landscape, characterized by difficulties in various aspects of life, fluctuating stability, and declining development indicators across many countries, Africa remains historically important and holds promising potential—materially and culturally. These attributes establish Africa as a continent of the future, fiercely contested by various powers eager to tap into its human and natural resources and secure their economic interests and strategic positions across the region.

The author further explains that despite this, African countries and communities are commonly perceived as being plagued by instability, chronic conflicts, and various disputes. While this portrayal may not fully align with the actual conditions, it continues to attract significant attention from academic circles, intellectuals, community leaders, and research institutions, particularly focusing on these aspects. This interest is especially directed towards the African reality, influenced by these general perceptions on one hand, and by the digital and statistical data about the continent on the other.

This book is the culmination of a collaborative effort within the African Studies program at the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, affiliated with the Muslim Council of Elders. It is part of a broader series of regional studies launched by the center, featuring contributions from approximately thirty scholars and experts in African studies from across the globe, with scholarly works presented in both Arabic and English.

This book delves into the complex dynamics of conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Africa, with a specific emphasis on the Sahel and Sahara regions. It seeks to harness the potential of traditional African knowledge systems and practices in addressing modern challenges, providing practical ideas and insights to bolster peacebuilding efforts across the continent. Additionally, the book calls for a transformative shift in peace studies related to Africa, aiming to better utilize the continent’s expertise, values, and knowledge systems.

The book emphasizes that achieving peace in Africa requires more than just the absence of violence according to the Western liberal understanding; it necessitates active efforts towards reconciliation and coexistence based on principles of human rights, social justice, economic equality, and political justice, with a focus on reconciliation and restoring social and human solidarity.

The book comprises ten chapters. The first chapter, authored by Adil Moussaoui, discusses conflict resolution efforts in Africa, aiming to understand the challenges that hinder peace on the continent. In the second chapter, Mohamed Ashour Mehdi sheds light on the various dimensions of religious extremism and violence within Muslim communities across the continent. The third chapter by Adam Yousif explores the impact of African community cultures on democratic processes. The fourth chapter by Dr. Sodfa Mohamed Mahmoud presents alternative views on Western peace models, emphasizing the role of cultural heritage in resolving conflicts in Africa. The fifth chapter by Lama Gaith offers a detailed case study on managing internal conflict in Mali, focusing on institutional methods.

 
In the sixth chapter, Al-Bashir Al-Kut addresses Islamic political movements in Libya and their impact on regional stability. The seventh chapter, by Rahal Boubrik, discusses “jihadist” groups in the Sahel countries, explaining their ideological and ethnic affiliations. Mustafa Zahran, in the eighth chapter, explores the role of armed Sufi movements in Somalia. In the ninth chapter, Abdulrahman Sebi discusses the role of religious scholars in promoting peace and combating extremism in Mali. Finally, the tenth chapter by Ahmed Al-Salehi assesses the effectiveness of the G5 Sahel Joint Force in enhancing peace and security in the region. Thus, each chapter contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges and potential pathways toward peacebuilding in Africa.

The Muslim Council of Elders participates with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand hosts a large number of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to organizing a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting values of goodness, amity, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located at the Cairo International Book Fair, Stand B43, Hall No. 4, at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center, in the Fifth Settlement.