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On Tuesday, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Aga Khan V, leader of the Ismaili community and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, to explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation.

His Eminence emphasized that the mission of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders centers on promoting peace and fostering human fraternity among all people. This commitment has fostered openness to collaboration with religious and cultural institutions worldwide to realize this noble objective. He highlighted the initiative to convene the inaugural Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at strengthening bonds of fraternity within the diverse fabric of the Muslim world, moving beyond past divisions, and establishing a platform to unify the voices of Islamic scholars and religious institutions in addressing the crises and challenges confronting the Muslim world.

His Eminence affirmed a commitment to deepening cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network through joint developmental and awareness initiatives, particularly those targeting youth and addressing contemporary challenges. He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders, under his leadership, possesses extensive experience in such impactful projects in partnership with Al-Azhar, with the goal of promoting moderation, tolerance, and an accurate representation of Islam.

For his part, Aga Khan V expressed commended the Grand Imam for his significant efforts to present an authentic portrayal of Islam and advance the values of human fraternity. He praised His Eminence’s initiatives to unify the Muslim world and expressed his eagerness to strengthen partnerships with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to promote Islam’s moderation and tolerance, especially among youth in Europe.

Aga Khan V stated, “We are delighted at the prospect of collaboration across various fields with your Eminence. Our extensive development network focuses on culture, awareness, and education in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Additionally, through numerous projects, we strive to promote awareness of Islam’s tolerant essence in several European countries.”

A delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders concluded a visit to the state of Utah in the United States of America, having met with religious leaders, academics, and officials to promote the values of human fraternity, strengthen interfaith collaboration, and advocate for ethical innovation in artificial intelligence.

During the visit, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam held meetings with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President Dallin H. Oaks, Elder David A. Bednar, and Elder Gerrit W. Gong. Discussions focused on shared values, peaceful coexistence, and the ethical implications of technological advancements. Judge Abdelsalam also engaged with Utah’s Muslim community at the Khadeeja Islamic Center Mosque and met with Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson, underscoring the importance of inclusive dialogue between religious institutions and governmental bodies.

The delegation also visited Brigham Young University (BYU), having met with President Shane Reese to explore opportunities for collaboration in academic research, student exchange programs, youth leadership development, and initiatives related to artificial intelligence. The delegation also participated in a Strategic Planning Collaboration Workshop with representatives from the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on shared priorities for youth programs, technological projects, and efforts to enhance interfaith dialogue.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Conference Center, several local meetinghouses, and the Bishop’s Central Storehouse, gaining insights into the Church’s worship practices, community life, and humanitarian efforts.

Judge Abdelsalam stated, “I have been deeply inspired by all that I have witnessed in the remarkable state of Utah, which is truly a place of warmth and hospitality.” During his visit to BYU, he added, “Brigham Young University exemplifies the belief that science and religion are not in conflict, and that all truths are complementary and harmonious.”

For his part, Elder David A. Bednar commended the growing partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stating, “I am grateful for the deepening relationship between the globally influential Muslim Council of Elders and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has grown significantly in importance and depth.” He further emphasized that the coming period will see further collaboration on numerous inspiring projects and initiatives.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from September 17 to 18, under the patronage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan with attendance by prominent religious leaders and figures from around the world.

In his address during the congress’s main session, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that this distinguished gathering reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, which transcends mere exchanges of words. It represents a culture demanding courage and resolve, particularly when involving religions—not just rituals and practices but comprehensive visions of the human self, the other, and the ethical values that guide them toward fostering refined interactions, mature human relationships, and constructive engagement.

He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders has consistently championed interfaith dialogue, working for years to promote its values through numerous global initiatives. Notable among these is the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. Additionally, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference was organized to foster dialogue among all components of the Islamic world.

He further highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders launched the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement by Religious Leaders for Climate” and, for the first time in the history of the Conference of the Parties, established the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29. The Council is currently collaborating with Al-Azhar and the Holy See to develop a document on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, recognizing this transformative technology’s potential to benefit humanity while requiring an ethical and value-based framework to ensure its optimal use for all.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the crucial role that religious leaders can play amid the wars and conflicts facing the world today, particularly the unjust aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in tens of thousands of victims. Over two million people are currently enduring policies of killing, starvation, and attempted forced displacement. He called on religious leaders and figures to work together to rally support for halting this aggression and finding effective solutions to wars and conflicts around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders also expressed its appreciation for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions’ outstanding efforts to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and deeper understanding among religious communities. Since its inception in Astana in 2003, the Congress has laid the foundation for a pioneering experience. The Council also praised Kazakhstan’s rich religious, cultural, and civilizational diversity, which has defined its historical landscape through the ages and continues to thrive today.

Grand Imam and Singapore’s President Discuss Conference on ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ to be Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and First Lady Jane Yumiko Ittogi, to strengthen academic and advocacy cooperation.

During the meeting, His Eminence commended Singapore’s exemplary model of scientific and educational advancement, which he observed during his previous visit to the country. He also affirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to training Singaporean imams, enhancing their skills in addressing contemporary issues, and establishing an Arabic language learning center in Singapore to serve its people in studying the language.

For his part, President Shanmugaratnam praised His Eminence’s efforts in promoting global peace and harmony. He stated, “I come to you today with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious delegation, reflecting the profound respect and admiration we hold for you, which words cannot fully convey.”

The Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam also discussed the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the urgent need to advocate for an immediate and unconditional end to the aggression targeting innocent civilians. His Eminence declared, “We call on you and the world’s wise leaders to exert every effort to intervene and halt this aggression.” His Eminence also expressed appreciation for efforts toward recognizing the State of Palestine.

Furthermore, the Grand Imam and President Shanmugaratnam discussed Singapore’s participation in the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference, which will be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with Al-Azhar. His Eminence remarked, “We have agreed with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to hold the ‘Religions for Development and Peace’ conference to showcase these nations as models of development and interfaith coexistence, and to share their pioneering experiences with the Muslim world. This will foster knowledge and expertise exchange, contributing to a comprehensive vision for the advancement of our Muslim world. We are fully confident that Singapore’s participation and support will ensure the conference’s success in fulfilling its mission and amplifying its message.”

President Shanmugaratnam welcomed Singapore’s participation and pledged his nation’s support to ensure the conference’s success.

Muslim Council of Elders Calls for an International Alliance to Protect Religious Sites

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in a special session discussing cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations to protect religious sites, held on the sidelines of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, with numerous religious leaders from around the world in attendance.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that discussing the protection of religious sites is fundamentally about safeguarding humanity’s memory and its priceless spiritual heritage. He noted that religious sites embody the story of humanity’s relationship with the Creator and the evolving narrative of this connection across thousands of years and generations.

The Muslim Council of Elders called for an international alliance to protect religious sites, particularly during times of war and amid ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world. It stressed that no distinction should be made in preserving and protecting religious sites from destruction or neglect, regardless of the faith they represent, underscoring the importance of safeguarding all such sites.

The Council expressed its full commitment to contributing to the preservation of religious sites, which serve as the world’s spiritual conscience and moral compass. This is especially critical today, as threats to these sites have exceeded all imaginable limits. The Council highlighted the ongoing destruction of places of worship in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where mosques, such as Al-Omari Mosque, and certain churches have been targeted and destroyed. It emphasized the urgent need to adopt a global strategy to protect places of worship, especially during times of war and conflict.

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: The Prophet’s Birthday Commemorates the Birth of the Best, Most Noble, Merciful, and Greatest of People (PBUH)

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Islam’s Call is Universal, Embracing All Humanity with the Ethics of Mankind
  
– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Arab and Islamic Solidarity is the Only Solution to the Palestinian Cause

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We Are Advocates of Justice and Fairness, Forged by Willpower, Knowledge, and Armament to Protect Land, People, and Sacred Sites

– Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: A Glad Tiding for This Generation is Its Celebration of the 1,500th Anniversary of the Prophet’s Birth (PBUH)

– Grand Imam: The Birth of the Prophet (PBUH) Marks the Birth of a Universal Divine Message and the Principle of Equality Among Peoples

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Islam Prohibits Excessive Killing and Destruction and Strictly Forbids the Killing of Children, Women, and the Elderly

 -Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Islam Prohibits Killing the Enemy’s Children, While Zionists Kill Gaza’s Children by Starvation and Lure Them into a Hellfire Poured Upon Their Heads

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Islamic nations—peoples and leaders alike—on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  

During his speech at the Prophet’s Birthday celebration, His Eminence affirmed that the Prophet’s birth (PBUH) is not merely the birth of a leader, a great figure, a reformer, or a valiant conqueror—though he embodied all these qualities and more in his noble prophetic essence, with the fullest share of excellence. Rather, it represents the emergence of a “final divine message” carried by a final Prophet, tasked with calling all people, from the East to the West, to a single message grounded in equality among nations and races.  

His Eminence highlighted that one of the blessings of this noble anniversary is that this year’s celebration marks the 1,500th anniversary of the Prophet’s birth (PBUH), a centennial milestone that occurs only once every hundred years. He described it as a glad tiding for this generation, praying: “May it be a harbinger of relief for the afflicted, the alleviation of distress and sorrow for the wretched and oppressed, through Your mercy, O Most Merciful, and through the mercy with which You sent Your Messenger to the worlds.”  

He explained that “mercy” was one of the Prophet’s (PBUH) most defining characteristics, shaping all his actions, words, and interactions with his family, companions, friends, and even enemies throughout his noble life. This mercy was ideally suited to a universal call that transcends time and place, embracing all humanity with its virtues and flaws, good and evil, righteousness and wickedness, justice and oppression, guidance and misguidance, obedience and disobedience.  

The Grand Imam also shed light on one of the most prominent manifestations of the Prophet’s mercy: Islamic legislation on warfare. He emphasized that Islam established strict ethical rules for war, unprecedented in human history, limiting fighting to repelling aggression, prohibiting excessive killing and destruction, and strictly forbidding the killing of non-combatants such as children, women, the elderly, and religious figures. Muslim jurists, he noted, developed the “jurisprudence of conduct” early in Islamic history, which can be considered a precursor to international law. They unanimously agreed that warfare must avoid excessive killing, destruction, or devastation, confining combat to repelling aggression without descending into vengeance, genocide, or false displays of dominance. He quoted the Arab literary figure Mustafa Sadiq Al-Rafi’i: “Muslims in their battles carry weapons and ethics together; behind their weapons are their morals, making their weapons themselves ethical.”  

His Eminence also clarified that discussing war in Islam is not intended to compare Muslim wars with modern conflicts, their causes, or the brutal scenes broadcast from Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, or other regions dragged into wars they have no part in. He noted that comparison requires shared characteristics, which are absent here. Islam prohibits killing the enemy’s children and holds soldiers responsible for protecting their lives, while other regimes incite the starvation of Gaza’s children, luring them into a hellfire poured upon their heads, reducing their frail bodies to dust.

He stated that it is time to recall the lessons of history and take heed from the events in this region, particularly in Palestine, which endured a century of Crusader occupation, during which thousands of Muslims, Christians, and Jews were killed, and Crusader states were established. Yet, when Arabs and Muslims united behind the heroic leader Saladdin, the Crusaders retreated, and the land returned to its rightful owners. He affirmed that the only solution is Arab solidarity backed by Islamic solidarity to strengthen and support it.  

His Eminence further stressed that Muslims are not advocates of wars or conflicts but champions of justice, fairness, and mutual respect. The justice and peace they call for are conditioned on fairness, respect, and the reclamation of inalienable rights that cannot be bought, sold, or negotiated—justice and peace that reject humiliation, submission, or any compromise on even a speck of homeland soil or sacred sites. This justice and peace are forged through willpower, knowledge, education, sound economic development, market control, and armament that enables its bearers to repel any attempt to harm the land or people. He also praised the Egyptian, Arab, and Islamic stance rejecting the dissolution of the Palestinian cause and plots to displace Palestinians, through efforts to protect the Palestinian people’s right to remain on their land and support their legitimate rights.

Prime Minister of Lebanon Renews Invitation to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit Lebanon

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has received His Excellency Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, on Thursday to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation and renew Lebanon’s invitation for the Grand Imam to visit the country.

During the meeting, His Eminence expressed his heartfelt wishes for the progress for the Republic of Lebanon, which he deeply cherishes due to its ability to overcome challenges, and for the Lebanese people to live in peace and security. He prayed that Almighty Allah protect Lebanon, unite its people, and swiftly alleviate their hardships.

His Eminence also emphasized that the unity of the Ummah is the path to its progress and advancement amid today’s global challenges. To this end, Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain convened the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, which was hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to revive the values of unity and solidarity. His Eminence stressed the urgent need for these noble values in light of the ongoing inhumane aggression and genocide targeting innocent people in Gaza for nearly two years.

His Eminence also affirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to host Lebanese imams (Sunni and Shia) and conduct joint training at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. The training curriculum would be tailored to address the unique characteristics and diversity of Lebanese society, as well as its challenges, by focusing on values of unity, solidarity, and positive coexistence among all.

For his part, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lebanon expressed his delight at meeting the Grand Imam for the second time and conveyed his nation’s appreciation for His Eminence’s role in promoting values of fraternity and coexistence. He renewed Lebanon’s invitation for the Grand Imam to visit and noted that Lebanon has endured numerous conflicts, and the scourge of sectarian strife, which has cost countless lives and yet its people are still committed to restoring Lebanon’s vitality and progress.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Catholic Church, received Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam on Monday, 25 August, at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The meeting highlighted the vital role of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and human fraternity and in addressing global conflicts and crises.

Commenting on the audience, Judge Abdelsalam said he was honored by the meeting, describing it as an important opportunity to consolidate the efforts of faith leaders in calling for an end to conflicts and in fostering peace. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in cooperation with Al-Azhar, to strengthening the role of religious leaders and institutions in the pursuit of peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair hosted a seminar titled “Countering Islamophobia in Europe: An Analytical Perspective,” presented by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Hokama Center for Peace Research.

During the seminar, Dr. Boudinar provided an analytical review of the book ‘Countering Islamophobia in Europe’, a translated publications by Al Hokama Publishing. He emphasized that Islamophobia involves deliberate and intentional fearmongering against Islam, relying on distorted fragments and employing fabricated hate speech based on promoting falsehoods, which restricts Muslims’ ability to express their true identity.

The Director of the Hokama Center for Peace Research added that several strategies can be adopted to counter this phenomenon, including legal action, precise knowledge, and continuous monitoring of incidents at places of worship and elsewhere, as well as tracking biased media narratives and addressing them by debunking perceptions of an “Islamic threat” within their proper context.

Dr. Boudinar called for a clear action plan by religious and relevant institutions to present the true image of Islam and its lofty human values, which emphasize dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is making concerted efforts to combat this dangerous phenomenon, reduce its spread, and promote values of full citizenship and positive integration for Muslims in their societies.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the fourth consecutive year at the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, held from August 9 to 17, 2025, as part of its efforts to foster a culture of dialogue and reinforce values of coexistence and peace worldwide.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has received a delegation of ministers of religious affairs, muftis, heads of supreme Islamic councils, and representatives of Islamic institutions from 30 countries participating in the conference titled “Developing the Prudent Mufti in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” organized by the Egyptian Fatwa Authority. The meeting was attended by His Eminence Dr. Nazir Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, and His Eminence Dr. Mohammed Al-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar.

During the meeting, His Eminence prayed that Almighty Allah guide scholars in addressing this significant topic and contributing to the use of artificial intelligence applications to serve muftis and facilitate their work. He stressed the need for an ethical charter to regulate these technologies, ensuring the preservation of human dignity and privacy.

His Eminence underscored the necessity of countering systematic campaigns aimed at distorting the image of Islam and falsely associating it with violence, which have fueled rising waves of Islamophobia and hatred toward Muslims due to widespread ignorance of Islam’s tolerant teachings and its message of peace. He noted that many Western scholars who have studied Islam objectively have highlighted its true essence in their works. This places a heightened responsibility on Islamic institutions in the West to refute false narratives about this noble religion. He also affirmed that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are ready to provide all forms of support to Islamic centers in the West, guided by their global mission and commitment to Muslim unity.

His Eminence further emphasized that religious and educational institutions in the Arab and Islamic worlds bear a religious and moral duty to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause and the history of Jerusalem, particularly in light of the ongoing brutal aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for nearly two years. He deplored the lack of knowledge among many in the Islamic world about basic historical facts related to Palestine, calling for the development of an educational strategy across Islamic countries to enhance awareness among youth about their history, especially Palestine, and to reinforce pride in their Arab and Islamic identity. He also stressed the need to counter attempts to falsify history promoted by others, affirming Al-Azhar’s full readiness to collaborate with all nations to develop this strategy and serve the Ummah’s awareness, thought, and causes.

For their part, the delegation of ministers of religious affairs, muftis, and heads of Islamic councils conveyed their deep appreciation for the Grand Imam’s significant efforts in defending Islamic causes and Muslims worldwide, promoting Islamic unity, and combating extremist ideologies. They also affirmed that Al-Azhar is the conscience of the Ummah and a refuge for Muslims of all denominations, with its positions consistently receiving widespread acclaim and support due to the immense respect and trust it commands among Muslims globally.