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This year, the Muslim Council of Elders’ Ramadan convoys included several female envoys for the first time, aimed at enhancing communication bridges with Muslim women worldwide. They assist in understanding religious matters, provide support to correct religious misconceptions, and foster Islamic values. Additionally, they promote enlightened, moderate thought and encourage positive integration into the communities in which they live. This initiative has been greatly appreciated and received positive reactions from women in these communities, who have expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and its supportive stance on women’s rights.

In Italy, a female envoy from the Muslim Council of Elders organized several events and activities in the cities of La Città, Brescia, and Oggiono. These focused on enhancing the positive integration of Muslim women while maintaining their identity, their role in family building, societal upliftment, and raising generations capable of carrying the message of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. Additionally, lectures covered topics such as the jurisprudence of worship, personal status, and psychological and spiritual support, among others. These events were well attended and interacted with by women and girls, who were keen to ask many questions, which were answered according to the enlightened moderate approach.

In Spain, a female envoy from the Muslim Council of Elders delivered several lectures and seminars at the Al-Noor Mosque in Madrid, which also emphasized the Islamic honor and rights granted to women, their elevated status, and the encouragement of kindness towards them, highlighting the significant role of women in building nations and homelands.

In Indonesia, a female envoy from the Muslim Council of Elders organized numerous events at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, attended by thousands of women, girls, and students. She also made visits to various academic institutions including Ibn Al-Nafees Institute in Depok, Al-Shifa Islamic Institute, Al-Taqwa Institute for Girls, Muhasinah Dar al-Quran wa Hadith, East Jakarta High School, South Jakarta Al-Azhar High School, Revolution Mosque, and the Jakarta City Hall, delivering a series of lectures on the role of the Quran in shaping the character of the educating mother, its impact on future generations, the status of women in Islam, and their role in nurturing future generations. Additionally, a seminar on turning adversity into opportunity was organized at the Jakarta Women’s Prison.

On the islands of Banda Aceh and Java, several seminars and lectures were given at various universities and institutions including Ar-Raniry State Islamic University in Aceh, the Spirit of Islam Anak Benseh Institute, Omar Dian Institute, with additional events organized at Guntur Yotri University in Java and Sunan Giri Nahdlatul Ulama University, including an international seminar at the United Nations Office for Coordination of Religious Affairs.

Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders continue their varied efforts in spreading the correct teachings of Islam, combating extremist thought, and correcting misconceptions for the second consecutive year. They are participating in missions involving over 32 male and female envoys across nine countries including Spain, Italy, Germany, Kazakhstan, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States. These envoys lead prayers, recite the Quran, and conduct many lessons, sermons, and religious seminars. These missions are part of the Council’s efforts to emphasize the importance of religious diplomacy in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, Member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Member of the UAE  Fatwa Council, Senior Mufti, and Director of the Fatwa Department in Dubai, affirmed that Islam came to promote citizenship in its comprehensive sense—one that is based on harmony and cooperation among all members of society to achieve social cohesion and mutual support in times of need. This, he noted, was exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upon his arrival in Madinah, where he promptly laid the foundations of citizenship among the people of the city through what is known as the Charter of Madinah. The Charter preserved the rights of all citizens—regardless of their religion or tribal affiliation—including the tribes of Aws and Khazraj, as well as the emigrants.

His Eminence made these remarks during the ninth episode of the Ramadan program Human Values with the Elders, which is broadcast on the official social media accounts of the Muslim Council of Elders. He emphasized that every member of a nation bears the responsibility of protecting and defending their homeland against anyone who seeks to harm it, so that society may remain safe and secure, where people support and protect one another. He noted that the saying “Love of one’s homeland is part of faith” reflects this principle, as true faith and Islam are not complete without a sense of peace and stability. If fear overwhelms a person—whether for their life, wealth, or family—they will be unable to properly fulfill their religious and social obligations. Therefore, every individual must live in peace and security in their homeland and serve as a faithful guardian of it, just as they would protect themselves.

His Eminence Dr. Al-Haddad added that this sense of responsibility must stem from a deeply rooted psychological conviction before it becomes a legal obligation. Without such inner conviction, a person may remain indifferent to the loss or destruction of their homeland. This has been a recurring and observable reality throughout the history of the Muslim world, both past and present—homelands have only been compromised when national consciousness was absent. Almighty God offers a powerful example in the Glorious Quran of the consequences of both national stability and decline, as He says: “And Allah presents an example: a city which was safe and secure, its provision coming to it in abundance from every location, but it denied the favors of Allah. So Allah made it taste the envelopment of hunger and fear for what they had been doing.” (The Quran, 16:112) This, Dr. Al-Haddad said, is a vivid and divine warning to those who endanger the safety and security of their nations.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders is broadcasting five Ramadan programs across its social media platforms: Al-Imam Al-Tayeb, One Nation, Human Values with the Elders, The Crescent of Coexistence, and Our Morals. These initiatives form part of the Council’s media strategy aimed at utilizing all platforms to promote the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Chairman of the Muslim Board in Uzbekistan, emphasized that the greatest possession a person has in their life is their relationship with their Lord. This relationship is the light that illuminates their path, the source from which they draw strength, tranquillity, and success in both this world and the hereafter. He pointed out that this relationship is not merely a series of rituals performed by the servant but is a deep spiritual connection based on love, submission, and appreciation.

In the eleventh episode of the Ramadan program “Humanitarian Values with the Elders,” broadcasted on the social media platforms of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov stated that faith is the foundation upon which the relationship with Allah is built. It is the certainty that Allah is the Creator, the Merciful, the Just. When faith is present in the heart, it becomes a motivation that makes the servant worship their Lord with love, not just out of fear of punishment but out of longing for His satisfaction and closeness.

The member of the Muslim Council of Elders added that worship is the essence of the servant’s relationship with their Lord and is a manifestation of the truth of monotheism and submission to Allah. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Book: “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me” [The Quran, 51:56]. Worship is not limited to prayers and fasting but includes every act done by the servant in their daily life with the intention of drawing closer to Allah. It is the shortest path to closeness to Allah. As worship increases, so does the depth of the servant’s relationship with their Lord, leading to profound internal peace. Prayer is also an important means of direct communication between the servant and their Lord, expressing the servant’s desire to turn to Allah at all times, whether in hardship or ease, showing their dependence on and need for Him in all aspects of their life.
 
He also explained that one of the manifestations of the servant’s relationship with their Lord is gratitude for His blessings, which involves acknowledging Allah’s favors and recognizing His grace upon them. Gratitude should not only be expressed in words but must also be accompanied by actions. Allah Almighty says: “And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe’”[The Quran, 14:7]. Patience is also one of the crucial qualities that a servant must embody in their relationship with their Lord. It indicates enduring the hardships and trials faced in life. If the servant manages their relationship with their Lord based on this principle, they will attain a high status and elevated degree with Allah.

During the blessed month of Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders broadcasts five Ramadan programs on its platforms: “Al-Imam Al-Tayeb,” “One Ummah,” “Humanitarian Values with the Elders,” “Month of Harmonious Coexistence,” and “Our Ethics.” These programs are part of the Council’s media strategy aimed at utilizing all platforms to promote and enhance the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders organized a communal Iftar for religious leaders and figures in Pakistan, attended by a large number of prominent leaders and representatives from various faiths, as well as ministers, officials, and academics. The initiative comes as part of the Council’s mission to promote the values of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.

Now in its second consecutive year, the Iftar gathering witnessed the participation of distinguished figures, including His Excellency Mr. Makhdoom Zada, Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province; Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs; Rt. Reverend Nadeem Kamran, General Bishop of the Evangelical Church in Pakistan; Ayatollah Javed Iqbal, a prominent Shia scholar; Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Secretary General of the Islamic Research Institute; Mr. Haroon Sarab Diyal, Hindu leader and President of the Pakistan World Religion Foundation; Dr. Qibla Ayaz, former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology; and Professor Dr. Kalyan Singh, a Sikh academic. The event also welcomed representatives of religious minorities such as Arun Kumar, Coordinator of the Hindu Council; Sardar Ranjit Singh, former member of the local parliament; and Christopher Sharaf, Coordinator of the Saiban Pakistan program for Christian minorities.

Among the attendees were also a number of prominent academics, including Dr. Rashid Ahmad, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre in Peshawar; and Dr. Muhammad Abdullah, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Centre at the University of Lahore. The event drew university presidents, cultural and media figures, and representatives from the ministries of endowments, religious affairs, environment, and education, as well as youth representatives from various religions and international organizations operating in Pakistan.

The attendees extended their congratulations to the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on the occasion of the Council’s 11th anniversary. They praised the Council’s efforts in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, highlighting the importance of instilling these values in future generations to build bridges of communication between followers of different faiths. Dr. Kalyan Singh commended the Council’s role in fostering interfaith harmony and addressing global humanitarian challenges, while Rt. Reverend Nadeem Kamran and Mr. Haroon Diyal praised the Council’s contributions in Pakistan. Ayatollah Javed Hussain highlighted the success of the first Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, co-organized by the Council and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in February, while Dr. Zia-ul-Haq affirmed the Council’s tangible impact on the global stage through its efforts at international forums.

This gathering reaffirms the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. It is part of a broader series of initiatives by the Council aimed at establishing global peace through dialogue and cooperation among followers of different religions and cultures.

His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad al-Noor al-Helw, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Grand Mufti of the Republic of Chad, emphasizes the importance of increasing acts of devotion and doing good deeds during the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of goodness and blessings, ordained for this Ummah to foster closeness to Allah and develop piety, as Allah says, “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become pious (mindful of Allah)” [The Quran, 2:183]. This piety in Ramadan is gained through fasting and its related acts of kindness towards the fasting, the poor, and the needy.

In the tenth episode of the ‘Humanitarian Values with the Elders’ program, which is broadcast on the platforms of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence explained that Allah Almighty has given wealth to the rich to test them with the poor, bestowing His grace upon them and then commanding them to spend, as Allah says, “And donate from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you, and you cry, ‘My Lord! If only You delayed me for a short while, I would give in charity and be one of the righteous.’ But Allah never delays a soul when its appointed time comes. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do” [The Quran, 63:10-11]. His Eminence further noted that there are many such verses that especially command the believer during seasons of goodness to outdo others in charity, reflecting the generosity of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which was at its peak during Ramadan. 

His Eminence Sheikh Al-Helw added that it is essential for Muslims to increase their acts of obedience and good deeds during this blessed month to gain Allah’s satisfaction and love, ensuring success in this life and the hereafter. Fortunate is the one who utilizes this month to amass goodness and show benevolence to others.

During Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders broadcasts five Ramadan programs: ‘Al-Imam Al-Tayeb’, ‘One Ummah’, ‘Humanitarian Values with the Elders’, ‘Month of Harmonious Coexistence’, and ‘Our Ethics, as part of the Council’s media strategy to use all platforms to promote and enhance the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the founding of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. The Council comprises a distinguished group of scholars, sages, and dignitaries from across the Muslim world—individuals known for their wisdom, integrity, moderation, and independence. Established on 21 Ramadan 1435 AH, corresponding to July 19, 2014, the Council was founded to promote peace, uphold the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, support just causes across the Muslim world, strengthen unity, and amplify the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges.
His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that since its inception eleven years ago, the Council has devoted its efforts to advancing peace, fostering human fraternity and mutual understanding, and highlighting the tolerant values of Islam in its engagement with others. He underscored the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and interreligious understanding, as well as bolstering intra-Islamic dialogue to foster unity and solidarity. He also expressed the Council’s deep gratitude—on behalf of its chairman, members, and staff—to the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership for their continued support of the Council’s initiatives to entrench the values of peace and coexistence.
As part of its mission to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the Council launched a series of East–West Dialogue Rounds in cities such as Florence, Paris, Geneva, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Manama. These efforts aimed to realize the Council’s vision of promoting peace through mutual understanding and coexistence and enhancing dialogue between religions and cultures. These initiatives culminated in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in February 2019 by His Eminence the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
The Council also launched International Peace Convoys and Ramadan Missions, engaging communities across continents to strengthen ties with Muslims worldwide, promote enlightened and moderate thought, correct misconceptions, and encourage positive integration. These efforts also sought to counter hatred, racism, extremism, terrorism, and Islamophobia. Furthermore, the Council has organized numerous international conferences that explored themes such as peace, citizenship, diversity, coexistence, climate responsibility, and meaningful media discourse.
Recognizing youth as central to building a conscious and peaceful generation, the Council has launched a number of youth-focused initiatives. These include the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the Global Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity, the Azadi Fellowship in Pakistan to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue and counter extremism, the Ethics Education Fellowship to integrate universal values into childhood education, and the Bridges That Unite Us initiative to build volunteerism and instill the principles of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
In 2019, believing in the power of the written word, the Council established Al-Hokama Publishing, a dedicated publishing house focused on producing and translating works that promote the values of tolerance and coexistence. To date, it has published over 250 works in more than seven languages. In 2020, the Council also launched the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, the first international, non-governmental research center of its kind, serving as a hub for knowledge and expertise in the service of peace in the Muslim world.
The Council’s regional offices have served as beacons of hope and platforms for communication and peaceful coexistence. Branches have been established in several countries, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, to build effective platforms for engagement with Muslim communities around the world.
With climate change among the most urgent challenges of our time, the Muslim Council of Elders has led exceptional efforts to protect our planet. These include organizing the Southeast Asia Religious Leaders Conference on Climate, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Abu Dhabi—which led to the issuance of the landmark “Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement on Climate”—as well as establishing the first-ever Faith Pavilion at a UN Climate Conference during COP28 in Dubai. The Council also co-organized the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Baku, Azerbaijan, and will co-host the Faith Pavilion at COP29.
The Council has also continued to champion the causes of the Muslim world and laid the foundation for a new phase of intra-Islamic dialogue, following the call of the Grand Imam at the Bahrain Dialogue Forum to strengthen Islamic unity. A delegation from the Council visited Iraq and met with diverse religious and societal groups to address pressing Islamic issues, promote reconciliation, and strengthen the bonds of religious fraternity. Additional meetings were held with leading scholars and authorities from various Islamic schools of thought.
On February 19–20, 2025, the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the first edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, under the gracious patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The conference was attended by the Grand Imam and over 400 scholars, thinkers, and religious authorities representing various Islamic traditions. The event concluded with the launch of the Call for the People of Qiblah, a foundational charter of principles designed to enhance dialogue and understanding among the diverse schools of Islamic thought.
Year after year, the Muslim Council of Elders continues to uphold and spread universal human values—affirming the importance of dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance of others; protecting religious symbols and sanctities; presenting the true image of Islam; confronting hate speech, extremism, and Islamophobia; and strengthening ties with Muslim communities worldwide—in pursuit of a more peaceful and compassionate future for all humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of his inauguration as Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which falls on March 19.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, stated that under Imam Al-Tayeb’s leadership, Al-Azhar has witnessed significant progress and a remarkable transformation across all academic and religious spheres. During this period, Al-Azhar has reclaimed its global leadership by actively promoting the true essence of Islam and countering all forms of hatred, racism, extremism, terrorism, and Islamophobia.

The Secretary-General further emphasized that, driven by his deep belief in the importance of fostering dialogue and promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence, Imam Al-Tayeb has dedicated these years to strengthening dialogue between East and West, uniting the ranks of the Muslim Ummah, and reaffirming the crucial role of religion in the lives of nations and societies. He has also actively encouraged religious leaders and figures to collaborate in addressing global challenges and advancing the values of tolerance, peace, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s bombardment of various areas in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of innocent civilians.

The Council reiterates it firm rejection of all violations committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people and calls for an urgent international intervention to enforce a permanent ceasefire, ensure the immediate entry of humanitarian aid and relief to innocent civilians, and initiate reconstruction efforts in accordance with the plan approved during the emergency meeting of the Arab League, held on March 4 in Egypt.

Reaffirming its unwavering stance, the Muslim Council of Elders stresses the urgent need for a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause, recognizing the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, and bringing an end to their decades-long suffering of over 70 years.