ALL

Transitioning from Rapprochement Rhetoric to Understanding Shared Values and Challenges
    •    Uniting the Muslim Nation Around Common Ground
    •    Establishing a Permanent Action Plan for Intra-Islamic Dialogue Among Religious Leaders

Under the gracious patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and in partnership with the Muslim Council of Elders, the Kingdom of Bahrain is set to host the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference on February 19–20. The conference will take place in Manama and will bring together His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with more than 400 prominent scholars, religious authorities, leaders, thinkers, intellectuals, and stakeholders from across the globe. Organized by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders, the event will be held under the theme, “One Nation, One Shared Destiny.”

The conference comes as a response to the call initiated by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022, which emphasized the need to enhance Islamic unity and solidarity. It aims to move beyond rapprochement rhetoric toward a deeper understanding of shared values and challenges, while also laying the foundation for a permanent mechanism for constructive academic dialogue across the Muslim world. The initiative seeks to unify the diverse components of the Muslim nation, highlight the vast areas of agreement among Muslims, and establish a framework for addressing these areas as a starting point for dialogue among Islamic sects. Additionally, it aims to strengthen the role of scholars and religious authorities in bridging sectarian divides, rejecting hate speech, promoting mutual respect and understanding, and fostering Islamic thought renewal to address causes of division and conflict, shared challenges, and to spotlight successful models in this realm.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Conference, highlighted the significance of His Majesty King Hamad’s patronage, describing it as a testament to His Majesty’s dedication to fostering unity among Muslims and promoting the values of coexistence, collaboration, and fraternity. He noted that this conference aligns with Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to advance the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, as well as its steadfast support for the unity of the Muslim nation and its causes. He also praised the outstanding support provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain’s government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, for ensuring the success of this landmark event. Furthermore, His Excellency expressed Bahrain’s appreciation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif for his efforts to advance the causes of the Muslim nation and its unity.

His Excellency emphasized that the conference will serve as a global platform for distinguished scholars, intellectuals, and religious authorities, alongside decision-makers and influential figures in the Muslim world. The conference aims to establish principles of constructive dialogue, align perspectives on critical issues, and foster solidarity among the Muslim nation’s various sects and schools of thought.

For his part, His Eminence Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, underscored the importance of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, describing it as a vital opportunity to address the roots of discord and explore solutions to overcome sectarian conflicts and divisions that weaken the Muslim nation. He stressed that resorting to constructive dialogue is key to achieving understanding and unity. He further noted that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, under the leadership of His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, has developed a clear vision for the importance of fostering Intra-Islamic dialogue as a means to counter division and promote unity. He added that the conference aims to create a sustainable platform for engagement among religious and intellectual authorities, ensuring lasting cooperation and solidarity across the Muslim nation.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, described the conference as a timely response to a pressing religious and humanitarian duty toward the Muslim nation. He emphasized that the challenges facing Muslims today require innovative and decisive solutions to restore the Ummah’s unity and global standing. He further reiterated the Muslim Council of Elders’ firm conviction that dialogue is the most effective means to achieve unity within the Muslim nation. He expressed hope that this conference would pave the way for new partnerships among Muslim leaders and institutions, reinforcing values of fraternity and collaboration and passing these ideals to future generations. Judge Abdelsalam expressed thanks to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its response to the Grand Imam’s call to host an intra-Islamic dialogue that focuses on shared values and rejects all causes of division and discord.

The Muslim Council of Elders successfully concluded its third consecutive participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair, held from February 1 to 9 at the Bharat Mandapam Exhibition and Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan. As one of the region’s largest and most prestigious cultural events, the fair attracted publishers, authors, intellectuals, and countless culture enthusiasts from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue.

Throughout the eight-day event, the Council’s pavilion drew significant interest from researchers, students, government officials, and ministers, reflecting a strong engagement with its diverse publications. Visitors highly praised the works published by Al Hokama Publishing, which cover crucial topics such as peace, coexistence, and cultural dialogue, along with a wide range of scholarly and literary works.

The Council’s pavilion featured over 250 publications covering a diverse range of topics, including religious pluralism, peace studies, interfaith relations, and Islamic thought. Among the highlights were esteemed works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as “The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path Journey – A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document.” The collection also included works addressing contemporary global challenges, all aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence.

In addition, the Council organized a series of intellectual seminars that sparked insightful discussions on social cohesion, environmental responsibility, and the role of religions in tackling global challenges. The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the 2025 New Delhi World Book Fair underscores its commitment to fostering intellectual and cultural exchange, encouraging dialogue, and promoting the values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. Through its diverse publications, translated works, and thought-provoking seminars, the Council continues to build bridges between cultures and reaffirm the importance of shared human values on the global stage.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, strongly condemns the car-ramming attack that occurred in the city of Munich, Germany, which resulted in injuries to several innocent individuals.

The Council unequivocally rejects such criminal acts and all forms of violence and terrorism that target innocent civilians and threaten peace and stability.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Germany—its government, people, and the families of those affected—and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. The Council strongly rejects any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians or violate their inalienable rights, calling for an immediate end to such illegal practices that contravene international laws and conventions.

The Council urges the international community to take decisive action to revive a just and comprehensive peace process for the Palestinian cause, in accordance with international resolutions. It also calls for an end to the decades-long suffering of the Palestinian people, which has persisted for over 70 years, and demands the cessation of settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, which threaten the security and stability of the entire region.

Furthermore, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes the urgent need to ensure the immediate, safe, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, who have endured devastating aggression for over 15 months. The Council also stresses the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza and safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, strongly condemns recent statements by the Israeli occupation inciting against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi territory. These statements constitute a direct affront to Saudi sovereignty and a clear violation of international laws and conventions.

The Council expresses its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the unified Arab stance rejecting such irresponsible attempts in their entirety, as they threaten the security and sovereignty of Arab nations. It calls on the international community to take decisive measures to put an end to the ongoing provocations by the Israeli occupation.

The Council reaffirms its steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. It strongly opposes any attempts to displace Palestinians or infringe upon their inalienable rights. The Muslim Council of Elders also renews its call to the international community and international organizations to urgently act to stop the Israeli occupation’s violations and to work diligently toward ending the decades-long suffering of the Palestinian people, which has persisted for over 70 years.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Lahore International Book Fair hosted its third cultural seminar, titled “The Role of Faith Leaders in Protecting the Environment and Raising Awareness on Climate Change.” The seminar featured Mr. Qamar Iqbal, Head of Localization and Program Support at the Pak Mission Society (PMS), and Reverend Adnan, Head of Crosses and Crown Church Ministries, with Dr. Shan Masih, National Director of the Climatic Peace Foundation, moderating the discussion.

The seminar brought together a distinguished group of faith leaders and scholars to discuss the religious responsibility towards environmental and climate issues. Participants emphasized that climate change is a global challenge that transcends religion, sect, or region, calling for collective action among faith leaders, educational institutions, and community organizations to enhance awareness and work toward sustainable solutions.

Dr. Shan Masih opened the seminar by highlighting the pivotal role of faith leaders in raising community awareness on climate issues. He noted that various religions share principles that promote environmental preservation and sustainability, underlining the importance of interfaith collaboration to address the pressing environmental challenges of today. He also stressed the need for stronger partnerships between religious, scientific, and environmental institutions to ensure a more sustainable future for future generations.

For his part, Mr. Qamar Iqbal, Head of Localization and Program Support at the Pak Mission Society (PMS), stated: “Everyone has a responsibility to confront climate change, but faith leaders play a central role in guiding their communities toward adopting more sustainable practices. Engaging youth, as well as educational and religious institutions, in this cause has become an urgent necessity to ensure a better future for all.” He thanked the Muslim Council of Elders for its commitment to environmental and climate issues and its deep belief in the crucial role religions can play in preserving the environment.

Reverend Adnan, Head of Crosses and Crown Church Ministries, affirmed: “The universe is a creation entrusted to us, and it is our duty to protect it.” He called on religious communities across all faiths to take a more active role in fostering environmental awareness, whether in churches, mosques, or temples. He also praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in amplifying the voice of religions on environmental issues and its global leadership in this area, reflecting a genuine commitment to tackling climate challenges from a religious and ethical perspective.

The seminar attracted significant interest from visitors to the Lahore International Book Fair, with lively engagement from attendees who commended the proactive role of the Muslim Council of Elders in fostering interfaith dialogue on environmental issues. Many participants expressed their desire to see more initiatives of this kind, especially in light of the increasing challenges posed by climate change to communities worldwide.

This seminar is part of the ongoing efforts of the Council to enhance the role of religions in addressing environmental and climate issues. The Council has launched several global initiatives to shed light on the religious responsibility towards the environment, including the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Abu Dhabi in 2023, and the issuance of the “Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate.” The Council also co-hosted the Religions for Peace Summit in Baku in 2024, which focused on advancing interfaith collaboration in tackling environmental and humanitarian challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will continue welcoming visitors at the Lahore International Book Fair until February 9 at Expo Center Lahore, Hall 1, Booth 1-6. The pavilion showcases a remarkable selection of books, intellectual publications, and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and coexistence, reflecting the Council’s pioneering role in uniting Islamic efforts and fostering greater understanding among Muslims of various intellectual and theological backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Lahore International Book Fair attracted considerable public interest right up to the event’s conclusion. Visitors arrived in large numbers to explore the Council’s varied publications, which were highly commended for their scholarly yet accessible treatment of significant intellectual and religious topics. This acclaim highlights the Council’s pivotal role in fostering tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

Many visitors expressed their admiration for the books and publications, which ranged from intellectual studies and religious books to cultural dialogues, providing readers with diverse and unique content that reflects the Council’s vision of enhancing knowledge and spreading human fraternity, tolerance among religions, and combating extremist thought. Additionally, the seminars provided a platform for deep dialogue and knowledge exchange on core issues in Islamic and societal thought, enhancing the importance of the fair as a global cultural event.

As the Lahore International Book Fair 2025 drew to a close, the pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders received an official visit from the fair’s management team. Mr. Saleem Malik, the Director of the Lahore International Book Fair, lauded the Council’s debut participation this year. He praised the Council’s publications and cultural seminars, which effectively addressed themes of coexistence, diversity, Islamic dialogue, and religious responsibilities towards environmental and climate issues, while also showcasing the principles of the Al-Azhar approach.

As the event concluded, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion emerged as a significant highlight, attracting a diverse range of intellectual and cultural attendees. It reaffirmed its crucial role in promoting constructive dialogue and advancing the values of moderation and global peace.

The organizing company of the 56th Cairo International Book Fair honored the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion for its exceptional efforts in promoting a culture of knowledge. Through its diverse range of publications, the pavilion played a key role in fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.

D Media Company presented an honorary trophy to the organizing committee of the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion, recognizing its distinguished participation in the Cairo International Book Fair.

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its impactful participation in the fair, held from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The pavilion featured more than 250 intellectual and cultural publications by Al-Hokama Publishing, in addition to an engaging cultural program. Visitors from diverse backgrounds commended the Council’s outstanding participation.

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted its third and final seminar at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, titled “Faith and Environment: Shared Responsibilities for a Sustainable Future.” The seminar drew a highly engaged audience, eager to explore the intersection of faith, civic responsibility, and environmental stewardship. In addition, it also fostered dynamic discussions, with the audience actively engaging in debates and reflections on the role of faith, history, and personal responsibility in combating environmental degradation.

The seminar, moderated by Prof. Dr. Zikrur Rahman, Founding Director of the India Arab Cultural Centre, featured distinguished speakers, including Prof. Dr. Shubhda Chaudhary, Assistant Professor at Delhi University and Founder of Middle East Insights; K. P. Fabian, Former Ambassador and Professor of International Relations at Mahatma Gandhi University; and Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Habeeb, a prominent historian and intellectual.

Prof. Dr. Shubhda Chaudhary emphasized the deep-rooted connection between faith traditions and environmental consciousness. She noted, “Faith-based traditions across religions emphasize the interconnectedness between humanity and nature. Sustainability is not just an external obligation but an intrinsic value rooted in personal responsibility.” Dr. Chaudhary also highlighted the need for a feminist approach in faith-based learning, underscoring the pivotal role of women in ecological movements.

K. P. Fabian highlighted the enduring wisdom found in history and its relevance to contemporary environmental challenges and  to reignite genuine environmental commitment. He also noted that it is through learning from history and fostering global cooperation that we can create meaningful change.

Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Habeeb stressed the importance of faith in humanity as a driving force for environmental action. “Environmental issues transcend religious identities. Our primary responsibility is to act as humans first, beyond the boundaries of faith.” He also noted the critical role of civic responsibility, arguing that personal accountability is essential for sustainable change.

This is set to be the Muslim Council of Elders’ third consecutive participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 which underscores its commitment to intellectual and cultural exchange, fostering dialogue, and promoting values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. Through its diverse publications, translated works, and engaging discussions, the Council continues to bridge cultures and reinforce the importance of shared human values on the global stage. The Council’s pavilion (I-04) at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is located in Hall 4 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Lahore International Book Fair hosted its second cultural seminar, titled “The Efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders to Advance Intra-Islamic Dialogue.” The event featured prominent speakers, including the esteemed  scholar Lal Hussain Al-Tuwaheedi, Coordinator of Shia Institutes in Pakistan, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Abdullah, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center at the University of Punjab – Lahore. The session was moderated by Dr. Arshad Al-Azhari, Director of the Muslim Council of Elders’ Office in Pakistan, and was attended by a large audience of fair visitors.

The seminar addressed the importance of Islamic unity in confronting the challenges facing the Muslim world. It emphasized the need to promote moderate religious education in schools and universities to protect young people from falling into sectarianism. Speakers called on governments and Islamic institutions to adopt educational programs that reinforce the values of unity, tolerance, and coexistence. They stressed that the Glorious Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) call for unity and solidarity among Muslims and that the many commonalities that bring them together should far outweigh the few differences that exist.

In his address, Lal Hussain Al-Tuwaheedi emphasized that the Muslim Ummah nation chieving unity by returning to the Glorious Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. He highlighted Al-Azhar’s role as a leading institution in promoting global peace and fostering intra-Islamic dialogue. He noted that Al-Azhar is among the few institutions that teach all Islamic schools of thought, thus playing a crucial role in fostering understanding and dialogue among Muslims. He also pointed to the significant role of social media and urged young people to use it to spread a culture of peace and fraternity rather than focusing on divisions.

Dr. Muhammad Abdullah echoed this sentiment, calling for a re-evaluation of sectarian practices that divide Muslims and instead focusing on commonalities that unite the Muslim nation. He referenced the vision of the renowned scholar Muhammad Iqbal on Muslim unity, in which he likened Islam to a tree with a single trunk and multiple branches or a river that gives rise to different streams, illustrating that diversity in perspectives does not equate to division.

The seminar witnessed significant engagement from attendees, who participated in in-depth discussions on the importance of intra-Islamic dialogue and the crucial role of religious and educational institutions in fostering these values.

This seminar is part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ ongoing efforts to promote intra-Islamic dialogue. The Council is also organizing the “Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference: One Nation, A Shared Destiny”, scheduled to be held in Bahrain from February 18 to 19. This conference serves as an extension of the Council’s initiatives to enhance communication among different Islamic schools of thought and explore mechanisms for uniting efforts to address the common challenges facing the Muslim world.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Lahore International Book Fair continues to attract a large number of visitors for the second consecutive day. It has welcomed many prominent academics and media figures, who have praised the Council’s valuable publications and pioneering initiatives in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among different Islamic schools of thought. They also commended the Council’s leading role in spreading a culture of peace and coexistence among nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will continue welcoming visitors at the Lahore International Book Fair until February 9 at Expo Center Lahore, Hall 1, Booth 1-6. The pavilion showcases a remarkable selection of books, intellectual publications, and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and coexistence, reflecting the Council’s pioneering role in uniting Islamic efforts and fostering greater understanding among Muslims of various intellectual and theological backgrounds.