NEWS

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the terrorist attack on a train in the Balochistan region of southwest Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of innocent people.

The Council firmly rejects such acts of terrorism, which are completely contrary to the teachings of Islam, all divine laws, and international conventions and norms. It expresses its deep condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism that seek to destabilize security and terrorize innocent civilians.

The Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of the victims, and prays to Allah Almighty for the swift recovery of the injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes that the celebration of International Women’s Day presents a vital opportunity to recognize women’s fundamental role in building nations. Highlighting that women are the counterparts of men and essential partners in the journey of progress and development, the Council calls for empowering women and girls to fully attain their rights and for supporting and enhancing their capabilities. It stresses  that Islam was the first to grant women their full rights, liberating them from imposed restrictions and constraints.

In a statement marking International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, the Council affirmed that Islam honors women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, elevating their status in all aspects of life. It encourages kindness and good companionship towards them, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “I urge you to treat women kindly.” (Narrated by Muslim) Islam also emphasizes that the best among people are those who treat their women with excellence. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are the best to their women.” (Narrated by Ahmad) The Prophet  also said: “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi)

The Muslim Council of Elders urges governments and nations worldwide to take decisive steps toward empowering and supporting women, countering all forms of violence and discrimination against them, raising awareness of their rights, and fostering an environment that enables their productivity and engagement in all sectors. The Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, affirms women’s rights to education and employment and underscores the need to free them from historical and social pressures that contradict the principles of their faith and dignity.

The Council places great importance on women, stemming from its unwavering belief in supporting them to obtain all their rights. It commends women’s prominent and indispensable role in the advancement of nations and societies and in shaping a more prosperous and peaceful future for humanity.

His Excellency Dr. Qutb Mustapha Sano, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, former Minister of Religious Affairs, Minister of International Cooperation, former Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Guinea, and Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah, stressed the importance of uniting the Muslim Ummah and reconciling its people in the face of contemporary challenges that seek to divide them and impose a specific culture. 

In the third episode of the “One Ummah” program, which airs on the Muslim Council of Elders’ social media platforms throughout Ramadan, His Excellency stated that the Muslim Ummah is confronting numerous intellectual, social, political, and economic challenges. These require unified efforts to overcome. This can be achieved by raising generations capable of turning these challenges into opportunities and using modern technologies positively and beneficially for the Ummah.

The member of the Muslim Council of Elders further explained that unity within the Ummah is also about distancing itself from extremism and radicalism and upholding the values of mutual understanding and coexistence. This was the main focus of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held in Bahrain last February, which called for the unity of the Ummah based on the shared belief that those who pray our prayer, face our Qiblah, and consume our halal food are indeed Muslims.

Dr. Qutb Sano urged the members of the Ummah to move beyond past historical conflicts in which current and future generations were not involved, citing Allah’s words: “That was a community that had already gone before. For them is what they earned and for you is what you have earned. And you will not be accountable for what they have done.” (The Quran, 2:141). This, he emphasized, is crucial for the Ummah to restore its unity, leadership, and distinctiveness.

For the third consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders in Southeast Asia, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, is organizing the radio program “With the Elders” on Radio Elshinta, one of Indonesia’s most renowned stations. This initiative aligns with the Council’s efforts, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to promote the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The program features a distinguished group of scholars and intellectuals, including His Excellency Professor Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a renowned exegete of the Qur’an, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, alongside His Excellency Professor Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, the current Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The program also features Dr. Ulil Abshar Abdalla, Deputy Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, Dr. Syafiq Mughni, Deputy Chairman of Muhammadiyah for International Relations, Dr. Muhammad Cholil Nafis, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, Dr. Iffatul Umniati, Professor at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Dr. Muhammad Zain Al-Majid, a member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as a distinguished group of scholars and researchers.

The program focuses on human and ethical values, particularly those related to the holy month of Ramadan, while striving to promote a balanced and enlightened understanding of Islam. By fostering principles of tolerance and coexistence, it contributes to constructive dialogue and the dissemination of moderate Islamic awareness among all segments of Indonesian society.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the recommendations of the emergency Arab summit, the Summit for Palestine, hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt. The summit affirmed the adoption of the Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza without the displacement of its residents and without compromising the fundamental principles of the Palestinian cause.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, expressed the Council’s support for the final communiqué of the summit, which has resolutions reiterating that the Palestinian cause remains the central issue for the Arab world and for all nations and peoples yearning for peace. The statement also rejects all attempts to undermine the rights of the Palestinian people and supports efforts to uphold the ceasefire in its second and third phases, leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, including the Salah al-Din (Philadelphia) Corridor. Furthermore, the statement stresses the need to allow the unimpeded entry of humanitarian and relief aid and to find a just resolution to the Palestinian cause.

The Council also commends the summit’s recommendations calling for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, including all its provisions. It further demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanon to internationally recognized borders while reaffirming support for Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty. Furthermore, the Council strongly condemns Israeli attacks on the Syrian Arab Republic and calls on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action to enforce international law, compel Israel to halt its aggression, and withdraw from all occupied Syrian territories.

The Muslim Council of Elders reiterates its support for Arab and Muslim nations’ efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Council categorically rejects any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land—whether within or beyond their territories—under any pretext, circumstance, or justification. It calls for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people, which has persisted for more than 70 years, as a vital step towards fostering peace and stability in the region and the world.

For the second consecutive year, as part of fulfilling its commitment to fostering peace and propagating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has deployed numerous religious convoys across the globe. These initiatives during the holy month of Ramadan aim to promote moderation, balance, and enlightened Islamic thought.

These convoys involved over 32 Quran reciters and preachers who were sent to nine countries including Spain, Italy, Germany, Kazakhstan, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States. Their responsibilities include leading prayers, reciting the Holy Quran, and conducting a range of lectures, sermons, and religious seminars. The objective is to strengthen connections with Muslims worldwide, enhance their religious awareness, encourage their positive integration within their societies, and shield them from extremist ideologies and the threats posed by violent and terrorist groups.

 
The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, noted that in response to the significant success of these missions last year, efforts were made to increase the number of envoys this year. Additionally, recognizing the important role of women, for the first time, several female preachers were dispatched to enhance engagement with Muslim women and provide them with accurate religious information and values, aiming to nurture generations equipped to promote tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders is dedicated through its varied programs, activities, and initiatives to connecting Muslims with the foundational aspects of their faith and creed, fostering a correct understanding of Islam, and preserving their Islamic identity. This includes deepening their grasp of Islamic religious values and traditions and how these can be applied in daily life. The Council also emphasizes educating on ethical strategies to address challenges faced by Muslims worldwide and combating all forms of bigotry, extremism, racism, discrimination, and Islamophobia.

Wilton Park, an esteemed forum for international dialogue, organized a high-level event titled “The Role and Responsibility of Religious Leaders in Times of War, Atrocities and Polarisation” from February 17–19, 2025, in the United Kingdom. The event gathered religious leaders, policymakers, and global experts to explore how faith communities can address escalating conflicts, hate speech, and division worldwide. H.E. Adama Dieng, Special Adviser to the Muslim Council of Elders, delivered powerful introductory remarks, urging a redefinition of faith-policy collaboration amidst global turmoil.

During his speech, Dieng questioned, “Is there a need for a reset in the relationship between faith actors and policymakers?” He pointed to hotbeds of tension, battlefields and deadly attacks while underscoring the urgency of religious leadership. Drawing on interfaith values, he cited the Noble Qur’an—“Believers are brothers. Establish harmony between your brothers, and fear Allah, so that you may be shown mercy” (Alhujurât, verse 10).

Highlighting practical successes, Dieng also praised the Faith Pavilion at COP 28 and 29 in Dubai and Baku respectively, stating, “We have witnessed firsthand how faith-based engagement is reshaping the global dialogue on critical issues, from climate ambition to peacebuilding.” He outlined its impact in “bridging divides” and “advocating faith-based approaches.” Dieng also noted his participation in Bahrain’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders which aimed at strengthening the role of religious and academic authorities against hate speech. Dieng also emphasized that ethical leadership is a catalyst for achieving the hope and aspiration of Africa for positive peace and sustainable development.

The event reinforced the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to human fraternity, aligning with Wilton Park’s legacy of fostering solutions to global challenges. Established in 1946 and part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Wilton Park has a distinguished history of convening diverse stakeholders—governments, NGOs, and faith communities—to address issues like conflict resolution and human rights,  while being a catalyst for innovative, inclusive strategies in an era of unprecedented crises.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence the Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Islamic nations—kings, princes, presidents, and peoples—on the occasion of the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan.

On this blessed occasion, the Muslim Council of Elders urges the Islamic nation to seize this virtuous month to reaffirm the values of unity, solidarity, and cohesion, standing together as one to strengthen the foundation of this nation. Ramadan unites us around many values such as solidarity, compassion, and mutual support, as a single, interconnected, and resilient nation, as Allah intended for us.

The Muslim Council of Elders also calls upon Muslims worldwide to make the most of Ramadan by increasing acts of goodness and obedience, renewing bonds of love, tolerance, and family ties, and fostering human solidarity. This includes meeting the needs of the poor and the needy and bringing joy to their hearts, for the Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and his generosity peaked during Ramadan.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its sincere wishes for peace and tranquility to prevail over the Islamic world and all of humanity, and for this blessed month to bless mankind with security, safety, goodness, and prosperity.

His Excellency Professor Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, emphasized that mercy should be the defining trait of a Muslim in all their interactions, situations, and attitudes—not only towards fellow humans but also towards animals and even inanimate objects. He pointed out that as we welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, we must strive to spread the values of mercy and compassion among one another.

Speaking in the first episode of ‘Humanitarian Values with the Elders,’ a program now in its third consecutive year, broadcast on the Muslim Council of Elders’ social media pages, His Excellency highlighted that Islamic law is fundamentally built upon mercy. He noted that the term “mercy” appears in the Glorious Qur’an no fewer than 250 times, with various meanings—ranging from Allah’s mercy towards humanity, and indeed all of creation, to His intrinsic mercy as part of His divine essence. He further distinguished between human mercy and the all-encompassing mercy of Allah.

His Excellency explained that, for humans, mercy is a state of compassion that compels them to feel the pain and suffering of others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded his followers to embody mercy in all circumstances. Allah Almighty states in the Glorious Quran “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (The Quran 21:107) This verse carries profound meanings, among them that Allah—Who sent the Prophet and revealed the divine message—is the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate, that the Prophet himself was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, and that this mercy must extend to all of creation.

During the month of Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders will present five diverse programs across its official social media platforms: Al-Imam Al-Tayyeb, Humanitarian Values with the Elders, Month of Harmonious Coexistence, One Ummah, and Our Ethics. This initiative aligns with the Council’s strategic vision of utilizing all available platforms to promote peace, foster dialogue, and spread the values of tolerance and human coexistence.

You can follow the Muslim Council of Elders’ official social media pages through the following links:

https://www.muslim-elders.com/ar
https://x.com/MuslimElders
https://www.facebook.com/MuslimCouncilofElders
https://www.youtube.com/@MuslimElders
https://www.instagram.com/muslimelders/?hl=en
https://www.threads.net/@muslimelders
https://www.tiktok.com/@muslimelders

His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, received His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, at Al-Azhar headquarters.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar welcomed Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam to his home—Al-Azhar—remarking that he is a son of Al-Azhar who served the institution during a highly critical period with sincerity and dedication to his faith, country, and the institution itself. He emphasized that Al-Azhar receives him today with love and appreciation, reaffirming that his devoted efforts in serving Al-Azhar and promoting human fraternity at regional and global levels have never ceased since his tenure as an advisor to Al-Azhar, continuing through various prestigious roles and impactful global initiatives.

At the outset of the meeting, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed his profound appreciation—and that of the Muslim Council of Elders—for the efforts of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. He commended President El-Sisi’s unwavering stance in supporting the causes of the Muslim Ummah, particularly his honorable position on the Palestinian cause and his firm rejection of the forced displacement of the people of Gaza from their homes and homeland. He affirmed that this dignified Egyptian position is a source of pride, emphasizing that Egypt, our beloved homeland, always requires the unity and solidarity of its people to ensure its prosperity, progress, security, and stability.

Judge Abdelsalam expressed his deep honor and pleasure in visiting Al-Azhar headquarters, reminiscing about the ten years he spent as an advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He stated: “I had the privilege of accompanying my esteemed teacher and Sheikh, His Eminence the Grand Imam, for over ten years during my tenure as his advisor. I learned immensely from his wisdom, and I have never encountered anyone more devoted than the Grand Imam in serving Islam, the nation, and humanity, nor anyone more committed to peace and upholding the truth. His dedication to this prestigious institution—entrusted by the Almighty Allah to preserve Islamic law and the Arabic language—is unparalleled. History bears witness to Grand Imam Al-Tayeb’s remarkable contributions as a globally recognized Muslim figure, championing the causes of Islam and Muslims, serving our beloved homeland, Egypt, and his tireless efforts in spreading the values of peace, fraternity, and coexistence. Under his leadership, Al-Azhar has witnessed an unprecedented transformation, achieving global prominence in disseminating the true, moderate message of Islam. His stance on various issues has garnered worldwide attention and admiration.”

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders further highlighted that the Grand Imam’s announcement of Egypt’s hosting of the second edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, scheduled to be held at Al-Azhar next year, stems from Egypt’s leading role, its global stature, and its historical efforts in uniting the Muslim Ummah. He also noted that the Grand Imam has directed the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Association to commence preparations for this significant conference, particularly following the great success of the first edition, which was held earlier this month in the Kingdom of Bahrain.