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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) in the capital, Ankara, which resulted in the loss of life and injuries to several innocent people.

The Muslim Council of Elders unequivocally rejects such acts of terrorism, which contradict the tolerant teachings of Islam, all divine religions, and international laws, norms, and conventions. The Council calls for strengthened international cooperation to eliminate terrorism and eradicate it at its roots.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to Turkey and its people, especially the families of the victims, and prays for a swift recovery for the injured.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, attended the official inauguration of His Excellency Prabowo Subianto as President of Indonesia and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Vice President. The event, held at the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta, was attended by 19 heads of state and government, 15 special envoys from friendly nations, and a large number of ministers, ambassadors, members of the Muslim Council of Elders, and official delegations.

His Excellency the Council’s Secretary-General conveyed the greetings of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, and wished the new president success in leading Indonesia towards further development, prosperity, and the fulfillment of its people’s aspirations. He praised Indonesia as a model of cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence among various ethnic and religious groups.

For his part, the newly inaugurated President of Indonesia expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, President of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the members of the Council. He expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside numerous official delegations at the inauguration ceremony, affirming that Indonesia deeply values this participation, which reflects the strong bonds of love and friendship with the nation and people of Indonesia.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that youth are the cornerstone of building nations and advancing societies. They are the foundation of the present and the strength of the future. The Council highlights the necessity of investing in the energies of youth and developing their capabilities, contributing to enhancing their civilizational and societal roles in peacebuilding and confronting global challenges. 

In a statement released on International Youth Day, which falls on August 12th each year, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering youth and fostering positive belonging among them. The Council noted that, according to United Nations statistics, half of the world’s population is under 30 years of age, and this key segment of society is expected to increase by the end of 2030. This necessitates intensifying and doubling current efforts and providing a conducive and stimulating environment that activates the role of youth, enhances their capabilities, and develops their potential to face the various challenges confronting the world today, foremost among them being issues of extremism, hatred, poverty, and climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to supporting and empowering youth to innovate and create in the field of peacebuilding and human coexistence. This aligns with the Council’s vision to build a promising generation of young leaders who will guide the world with their skills, capabilities, virtues, and relationships towards establishing lasting peace and stability. This is achieved through a series of targeted programs, foremost among them being the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” the “Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity” program, the “Ethics Education Fellowship Program,” and the “Azadi Fellowship Program” to promote dialogue and coexistence.

The Council also works on involving youth in various significant events it has organized, including the first-ever “Faith Pavilion” at COP28, where youth participated in exchanging ideas and opinions on globally significant environmental and climate issues. Additionally, the Council engaged youth in several international book fairs, initiatives, conferences, and major forums such as the Human Fraternity Majlis, which was held for the first time this year, witnessing substantial and active participation from youth to shape new visions that contribute to promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Muslim Council of Elders and Malaysia Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation in Promoting the Values of Dialogue, Tolerance, and Coexistence

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in promoting and strengthening the values of tolerance, coexistence, and fraternity among different religions and cultures, as well as addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the pivotal role played by the Muslim Council of Elders in fostering dialogue, both between religions and within the Islamic community, to enhance peace and mutual understanding. He emphasized the Council’s ongoing efforts to engage with Muslims worldwide to better understand their most pressing issues and draw inspiration from their historical experiences in building civil peace and societal harmony. He commended Malaysia for being a leading model of diversity and plurality, while maintaining Islamic values, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing development and progress across various fields.

For his part, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, stressed the importance of strengthening efforts to achieve unity among members of the Muslim community to address shared challenges. He expressed his and the Malaysian people’s appreciation for the recent official visit by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Malaysia in July. During that visit, the Grand Imam delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Malaysian Scholars and Youth Council titled “The Moderation of the Ummah: Lessons from Past and Future Challenges.” The Prime Minister expressed his eagerness to meet with the Grand Imam again soon to discuss the key challenges facing the Muslim world and commended the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to enhancing cooperation with Malaysia in support of the global Muslim community and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UAE congratulates the Muslim Council of Elders on the announcement of the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Arab Emirates, Abdulaziz Okulov, at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed ways to strengthen mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders places significant importance on empowering religious leaders to tackle global challenges, particularly the issue of climate change. This includes organizing the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate and the Faith Pavilion at COP28, held for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties (COP), and announcing the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29 in Azerbaijan which aims to build on the success of the first edition and ensure the sustainability of COP28’s initiatives.

For his part, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting and reinforcing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He congratulated the Council on the announcement of the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, which will take place from November 11 to 22 in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.

Faith Pavilion at COP29 Aims to Mobilize Moral and Spiritual Voices to Find Effective Solutions for the Climate Crisis

Faith Pavilion at COP29 Unites Ethical and Religious Voices to Inspire Hope and Promote Collective Action to Overcome Climate Challenges

Faith Pavilion at COP29 Aims to Sustain COP28 Initiatives and Strengthen Collective Spiritual Efforts for Climate Solutions

As the global climate crisis escalates, the Faith Pavilion, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, is set to play a pivotal role at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), to be hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November. Building on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28, which was held last year in the United Arab Emirates, and which saw widespread global participation and international acclaim, the Faith Pavilion will once again bring together a diverse coalition of 97 organizations representing 11 different religions and sects. This collective will offer unique moral and ethical perspectives to enhance climate action.

The Faith Pavilion will reunite this global coalition to provide religious and moral insights on strengthening climate efforts through a comprehensive program, including over 40 discussion sessions exploring the integration of spirituality and ethics into climate action. Discussions will address restoring spiritual roots to tackle the climate crisis, exploring non-economic impacts of climate change through religious perspectives while empowering students to address environmental challenges through faith teachings, the role of women’s leadership in achieving climate justice, fostering partnerships for climate adaptation, and harnessing indigenous and interfaith wisdom.

At COP29, the Faith Pavilion will also explore other topics related to sustainable lifestyles, faith-inspired eco-villages, innovative climate financing, and intergenerational dialogue. The Pavilion will highlight the principles outlined in the ” Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate,” within an interactive framework that will make the Faith Pavilion a hub for transformative ideas and collaborative solutions. These efforts will be driven by shared values and the commitment of faith communities worldwide. The Pavilion will emphasize the shared dedication of these diverse communities to addressing environmental challenges and explore how spiritual teachings can inspire urgent climate action.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, underscored the pressing need for climate action to adopt innovative solutions grounded in ethical values and scientific knowledge. He emphasized the crucial role that religious and intellectual leaders play as a powerful moral voice capable of guiding individuals and communities toward embracing the principles of justice and sustainability. Judge Abdelsalam noted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 builds on the significant success of its inaugural edition at COP28 in Dubai and aims to ensure the continuity of COP28’s initiatives while strengthening the collective spiritual effort in addressing climate challenges.

Judge Abdelsalam extended his gratitude to the Higher Committee that oversaw preparations for COP28 for its support of the Faith Pavilion initiative, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders during COP28. He commended the committee’s commitment to maintaining this essential initiative as a permanent platform for dialogue among thought and religious leaders, with the objective of identifying effective solutions to the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

In a significant development, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will, for the first time, present a series of scientific sessions at the Faith Pavilion. Sessions will focus on bridging the gap between science and religion, offering advanced insights into the environmental crisis while grounding these discussions in ethical and spiritual frameworks. The collaboration underscores the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with moral imperatives to address the climate crisis.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 will also continue to frame climate change as a profound religious and ethical issue. Religious leaders from the 11 represented faiths and sects will issue a call to global policymakers, urging them to consider the spiritual and moral consequences of environmental neglect and take immediate, decisive action to protect the planet. This ethical framing is expected to influence broader COP29 negotiations, encouraging decision-makers to incorporate moral considerations into their future climate strategies.

Recognizing the vital role of young people in the fight against climate change, the Faith Pavilion will also prominently feature youth leaders from various faith backgrounds who will bring fresh perspectives and highlight the need for intergenerational collaboration in addressing the climate crisis. Additionally, the Pavilion will showcase successful youth and community-driven initiatives led by faith-based organizations, demonstrating the tangible impact of grassroots climate action.

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 aims to bridge the gap between spiritual, scientific, and policy-driven approaches by fostering collaboration among the participating organizations, religious leaders, scientists, and policymakers. The Pavilion will also seek to address potential challenges and enhance the effectiveness of faith-driven climate advocacy. This collaborative spirit will be crucial in ensuring that the voices of faith communities are meaningfully integrated into global climate policy.

Moreover, the Pavilion will deliver a strong message of unity and hope, emphasizing the potential for collective action to overcome the climate crisis. Participants at the Faith Pavilion will call on the global community to embrace a sustainable relationship with nature, grounded in ethical principles of stewardship, compassion, and justice. 

As the world gathers in Baku, the Faith Pavilion will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of spiritual leadership, guiding the way toward a more just and sustainable future for humanity.

About the Faith Pavilion at COP29

The Faith Pavilion at COP29, co-hosted by the Muslim Council of Elders and the Faith Pavilion Coalition, is a continuation of an interfaith initiative that began at COP28 in Dubai, UAE. It aims to infuse moral and ethical perspectives into global climate discussions. As an integral part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Pavilion serves as a dedicated platform for Faith-Based Organizations and Religious Institutions from various major religions to advocate for climate justice and inspire meaningful action.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli occupation forces’ shelling of the Al-Tabi’in School, which was providing shelter to displaced persons in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, east of Gaza City, during their dawn prayers. This attack resulted in the martyrdom of more than 100 Palestinians and left dozens severely injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders firmly rejects the targeting of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip and calls on the international community to take urgent action to end this humanitarian catastrophe. The Council urges all necessary measures to be taken to stop the violence in Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid and relief, provide protection to Palestinian civilians, initiate an international investigation into this horrific massacre, hold the perpetrators accountable under international law, and support the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the racist statements made by Bezalel Smotrich, the Minister of Finance in the Israeli occupation government, in which he described the starvation of the residents of the besieged Gaza Strip as morally justified. The Council affirms that these statements not only reflect a low level of human values but also constitute a clear violation of all international norms and conventions that protect human rights and dignity. These remarks represent an extremist ideology that seeks to justify crimes against innocent Palestinian civilians.   

The Muslim Council of Elders warns of the continuous escalation of the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing negative repercussions of this escalation, which now pose a serious threat to regional and international stability and security, hindering international efforts aimed at establishing peace. The Council calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and all peace-loving forces to work towards an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, to provide international protection for the besieged residents of Gaza, and to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and relief to them.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the position of the European Union, France, and the United Kingdom, which condemned Minister Smotrich’s statements and called on the Israeli occupation government to unequivocally distance itself from these remarks, describing the deliberate starvation of civilians as a war crime. The Council reaffirms its steadfast position in support of the Palestinian people’s rights, including their right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

In a related context, the Muslim Council of Elders expresses its appreciation for the joint statement from the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States regarding the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The Council also praises the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for joining this call, urging the concerned parties to respond to the resumption of urgent consultations on August 15th and reach an agreement to end the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.

For the third consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special booth at the 9th edition of the International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair 2024, which will be held from August 10 to 18 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Council’s participation is rooted in its mission to promote peace, reinforce the values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of different races and beliefs.

The Council’s booth at the fair will feature more than 220 diverse publications in multiple languages, addressing key intellectual and cultural fields, working to correct misconceptions, and spreading enlightened, moderate thought. Additionally, a distinguished cultural program will be organized, featuring a variety of activities and events.

Among the most notable publications are over 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighting Islam’s tolerance and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. These works include Al-Qawl Al-Tayyib (The Good Word), Muqawmat Al-Islam (Essential Features of Islam), Ra’y Fi Hiwar Al-Sharq Wal-Gharb (A View on East-West Dialogue), Al-Awda ila Al-Iman (The Return to Faith), Kalima ila al-Shabab (A Word to the Youth), Fi al-Mustalah al-Kalami wal-Sufi (On Theological and Sufi Terminology), Al-Turath wal Tajdid (Heritage and Renewal), as well as publications released in 2024 such as Al-‘Onf wal Silm: Nahw Fahm Mutakamil (Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding), Al-Gharb wa E’adat Ektishaf al-Islam (The West and the Rediscovery of Islam) by Tijani Boulaouali, Fikrat al-Silm Fajr al-Nahda al-Europea (Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance) by Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati, Medyat al-Ta’aruf Fi Al-Maghreb wal-Andalus (Interfaith Encounters in Al-Andalus and Morocco) by Dr. Jaafar Ben El Haj Soulami, among others.

The booth of the Muslim Council of Elders at this year’s International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair will also feature a collection of important publications, including Al-Hob Fi Al-Qur’an Al-Karim (Love in the Holy Qur’an) by Jordanian Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders; The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path — A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; Qawa’id al-Fahm wal-Tafahum Min al-Fikr wal-Lugha (Rules of Understanding and Communication in Thought and Language) by Dr. Mustafa Bin Hamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Mutashabih al-Nazm Fi Qasas Al-Qur’an Al-Karim: Muqarana wa-Tahlil (Studies on the Similarities of Style in Quranic Stories: A Comparative and Analytical Study) by Abdelghani Al-Rajhi.

Believing in the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations for constructive communication, the Muslim Council of Elders has continued its efforts to translate books that promote peace. Among the notable translated works are Religious Tolerance in World Religions by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton, Confronting Islamophobia in Europe by various researchers, Islam and Good Governance by Professor Muqtader Khan from the University of Delaware, USA, and Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence by Aaron Tyler.

Coinciding with the Council’s celebration of its tenth anniversary, the Council’s booth at the 2024 International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair will host a series of intellectual and cultural events and programs catering to visitors’ interests and needs. This includes a section dedicated to selling books to visitors and a special children’s corner featuring various entertaining and educational activities specifically designed for them.

It is worth noting that the International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair is the largest non-profit international Arabic book fair held outside the Arab world. It aims to revive the Arabic language in Turkey and strengthen ties between Arabs and Turks. The fair attracts the Arab community residing in Turkey and many Turkish citizens interested in the Arabic language and its sciences. This year, more than 330 publishers from 30 countries around the world are participating, showcasing over 150,000 titles. The Muslim Council of Elders’ booth is located in Hall 9, Booth B42, at the Istanbul Expo Center.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, warns of the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Republic of Sudan, which is affecting over 25 million people facing the threat of famine and severe food insecurity. The Council expresses its deep concern over the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announcement regarding the spread of famine in the Zamzam Camp for displaced persons in North Darfur, which shelters over half a million displaced people. There is also a potential for famine in the Abu Shouk and Salam camps, as well as in nine other Sudanese states where residents are experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger.

In a statement, the Council calls on the international community to shoulder its moral responsibilities and take urgent and immediate action to bolster relief efforts, ensuring the provision of necessary support, including food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people, and to prevent a larger humanitarian catastrophe. The Council welcomes the joint statement issued by UN Security Council members, expressing deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, alongside numerous reports of severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

The Muslim Council of Elders also calls for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of internal conflict, as well as the end of divisions to promote reconciliation and solidarity among the Sudanese people. The Council reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at initiating serious and productive dialogue to resolve the Sudanese crisis through peaceful means, prioritizing national interests, and reaching a final agreement that ensures the unity of Sudanese territories and fulfills the aspirations of its people for safety, peace, and stability.