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Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Resilience of Human Conscience in the Face of Massacres Is Humanity’s Last Hope

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: I Commend the HonorableStances of Free People Around the World Whose Voices Rose in Condemnation of the Gaza Massacres That Broke the Heart of Humanity 

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: There Can Be No Peace in the Middle East Without the Establishment of an Independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as Its Capital

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: I Salute the Nations That Recognized the State of Palestine; Their Courage Embodies the Awakening of Human Conscience

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Wretched Is a Freedom That Denies the Weak Their Sacred Right to Life on Their Land

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: The World Must Subject Technology to the Values of Justice and Human Conscience

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: The Document on Human Fraternity, Which I Co-signed with My Late Brother Pope Francis, Embodied the Conscience of the Free World

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We Are Working with the Holy See to Issue a Global Charter for the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: No Peace Without Justice,and No Justice Amid the Domination of the Arms Industry

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Senseless Wars Have Exposed the Collapse of the Global Ethical Order

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: The World Is Collapsing Morally When Values Are Severed from Faith, and Racism and Tyranny Have Fatally Wounded International Justice

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: Peace Cannot Be Built on the Ruins of Injustice, and Global Crises Have Revealed the Bankruptcy of Modern Human Conscience

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, participated in the “Daring Peace” global summit organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome, in the presence of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and prominent religious leaders and academics from around the world.

In his address, His Eminence affirmed that absolute justice is the golden rule upon which the heavens and the earth were established. Allah made it the guarantor of human rights to equality, freedom, dignity, security, peace, and human fraternity among people, despite differences in race, gender, color, religion, and language.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar explained that the deliberate neglect of these values by contemporary civilization has led to senseless wars imposed on impoverished nations lacking the means to repel aggressors—those hardened in heart, devoid of conscience, and contemptuous of human dignity and the sanctity that Allah warned against violating in His heavenly scriptures and sacred revelation. This neglect has also caused economic crises such as poverty, unemployment, and famine; a divided world with a wealthy, indulgent North and a South burdened by wars, hunger, debt, disease, and epidemics; and environmental crises resulting from the depletion of natural resources, along with other disruptions to life and its hardships.

His Eminence added that social crises now stalk nations, tampering with their beliefs, sanctities, and religious and moral constants. They relentlessly target the family institution, promoting aberrant alternatives rejected by religions and ethics, repugnant to sound human sensibilities, and contrary to the innate disposition inherited by humanity since the time of Adam (PBUH) to this day.

His Eminence clarified that what humanity lacks in this era is the “ethics of justice and fairness.” Their absence has caused severe disruption in concepts and standards distinguishing good from evil, beauty from ugliness, and right from wrong. It has become commonplace to see injustice cloaked in the guise of law, domination and hegemony imposed on the poor and weak in the name of the global order, and tragedies and violations of sanctities justified under the pretext of interests and objectives.

The Grand Imam noted that the wars afflicting our once-secure East offer a profound lesson. Once their initial sparks ignite, they unleash a cascade of horrors and atrocities: homes demolished upon their inhabitants, thousands of women, elderly, and youth displaced, children starved to death, and human dignity violated with impunity—before the eyes and ears of a “civilized” world in the twenty-first century. Wretched is a freedom that denies the weak their sacred right to life on their land, and wretched is a justice that permits and rationalizes such abominations.

His Eminence expressed gratitude to the nations that recognized the State of Palestine during recent United Nations General Assembly, stating: “I cannot overlook, in this context, expressing sincere appreciation to the nations that have taken the initiative to recognize the State of Palestine. I salute them for this courage, which embodies the awakening of human conscience and its triumph for the usurped Palestinian right. We all hope this recognition becomes a practical step toward enabling the Palestinian people to attain their legitimate rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.” He noted that the international community today agrees that the two-state solution is the only path to peace in the region and the world, and that there can be no peace in the Middle East without the establishment of a Palestinian state. He also expressed appreciation for the honorable stances of free people worldwide—women, men, children, and elders in many nations—whose voices rose in condemnation of the massacres in Gaza, which broke the heart of humanity, slaughtered its conscience, and darkened the pages of modern history.

His Eminence affirmed that this scene, which has lasted over two years, reveals a grave flaw in the structure of the international system and profound disorder in its policies. International peace has become hostage to balances of power and their arrogance, the arms trade and its profits, and wars and their economies—all detached from the scale of truth and fairness, the call of duty and conscience, the inclinations of innate human nature with which Allah created people, and the logic of reason, which Allah made the most equitable distribution among humanity.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar stressed that these compound crises, reveal a severe disruption in the global order, causing it to lose its true direction and emboldening it to apply double standards—or a hundred standards if necessary. This affliction, can only be explained by odious racism and tyranny on earth—fundamentally contradicting the laws of “absolute justice” established by the Islam I believe in, as well as all prior divine messages. Great philosophers from Plato and Aristotle, through Al-Farabi and Ibn Rushd, to contemporary European thinkers, believed in the ethics of duty and the eternal human conscience.

His Eminence continued: “We must recognize that when justice is absent, oppression takes its place. With the injustices inflicted on people, values vanish, and humanity loses its essence beneath the feet of base material interests, false bravado, and predatory greed. When the weak are robbed of their rights and the oppressor is honored for seizing them, when a human being becomes a trivial number in political calculations and a cheap commodity in the marketplace, we realize that truth has set, and the world is plunging into a moral void foreboding the collapse of systems before their values and ethics.”

The Grand Imam added: “For this reason, Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Holy See came together to launch the historic Document on Human Fraternity, which I co-signed with my late brother, His Holiness Pope Francis, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. We clarified that peace is not a negative state defined by the absence of weapons—something unattainable in any case—but a positive, existential reality embodied in the presence of justice. We explained that justice is not the victory of one party over another, but the triumph of humanity over impulses of selfishness, domination, and material greed that control our social, economic, and behavioral stage.”

His Eminence also drew attention to the fact that artificial intelligence has become one of the driving forces creating significant change in societies. Therefore, we bear an ethical duty to harness this technology to build a more equitable and just future for humanity. We must realize that safeguarding our values and spiritual and religious heritage in the use of this new technology is not a luxury but a profound ethical commitment and major human responsibility. “We stand today at a civilizational crossroads: either we allow this new invention to entrench civilizational and moral regression, or we use it as a force to correct the human course.”

His Eminence continued: “I had begun, with my late brother Pope Francis, drafting a charter for the ethics of artificial intelligence. However, due to his illness and passing, the completion of this important document was delayed. Today, joint teams from Al-Azhar, the Holy See, and the Muslim Council of Elders are working to finalize it, to serve as a global ethical and human reference regulating the proper relationship between humans and the modern technologies they create, ensuring that artificial intelligence remains a servant of humanity, not a sword turned against it.”

The Grand Imam concluded by affirming that the world today is in dire need of justice to restore its tranquillity and a revived human conscience that recognizes that injustice—no matter how small—is a spark capable of igniting conflict anywhere. Every person wronged in this world is an unhealing wound in the body of humanity as a whole. This world will not rise unless it believes that justice is the supreme law of life and that peace is its natural fruit. He added that the root of today’s corruption lies in severing ethics from faith and attempting to preserve ethics while excluding faith. When divine religion ceases to guide ethics, ethics become subject to the winds, tools for conflict, greed, and the crushing of the poor and weak.

Italian President: We Value the Efforts of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders in Promoting Peace and Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue

Italian President to Participants at the “Daring Peace” Conference in Rome: I Remind You of the Grand Imam’s Words on the Need to Raise the Banner of Peace Instead of Victory, and the Courage Required to Achieve True Peace

Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed deep appreciation for His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and his outstanding role in promoting a culture of peace, reinforcing human fraternity, and entrenching values of positive coexistence and acceptance of others during his address at the opening session of the “Daring Peace” international meeting organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome.

In his remarks, the Italian President quoted several statements by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on peace, saying: “I wish to recall the words of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who emphasized the need to promote human fraternity and entrench interfaith dialogue. He stressed that we must all raise the banner of peace among all people, rather than the banner of victory; that we must give precedence to the voice of reason and wisdom; that we must come together at the table of dialogue; and that we must show the courage to achieve genuine peace.”

The Italian President underscored the importance of heeding the voices of religious leaders and figures of wisdom, such as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also commended the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence with the late Pope Francis, and affirmed that the force of domination and control must be countered with the quiet strength and spiritual authority of religious institutions. He further emphasized the need to amplify this voice to secure peace and foster a future free from conflict and war for generations to come.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Calls for Establishing a Committee of African Figures and Prominent Religious Leaders to Ease Crises and Conflicts in the Sahel and Horn of Africa

Former President of Niger Committed to Cooperating with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to Promote Human Fraternity in Africa

Former President of Niger Praises the Grand Imam’s Efforts in Entrenching Dialogue and Peace

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed that the world is currently passing through a phase of turmoil and the erosion of standards, becoming more violent and distanced from the human values that form the essence of religions. He noted that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders remain steadfast in fulfilling their mission to spread peace and coexistence among peoples, despite the escalating conflicts facing the world.

During a meeting with Mahamadou Issoufou, former President of Niger and member of the Muslim Council of Elders, the Grand Imam stated that hope for achieving peace and human coexistence remains alive, even amid the chaos and dominance of materialistic civilization. He pointed to a faint light at the end of a dark tunnel that occasionally emerges to renew hope in the ability to halt wars and conflicts—particularly following the recognition of the Palestinian state by several countries and the Sharm El Sheikh peace agreement to end the aggression against innocent civilians in Gaza.

Regarding Africa, His Eminence proposed the formation of a committee composed of prominent African figures and religious leaders who are well-known for their wisdom, integrity, and commitment to dialogue. The committee’s mission would be to alleviate crises and conflicts in the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions. He also affirmed the readiness of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to fully support the committee’s work and initiatives, serving the future of the “Golden Continent,” enhancing the utilization of its resources, and reinforcing unity and shared solidarity.

For his part, the former President of Niger expressed his appreciation for His Eminence’s global efforts in promoting peace and human fraternity, as well as presenting the true image of Islam. He commended the endeavors of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in advancing dialogue and peace, emphasizing that this role has become increasingly vital amid the wars and crises afflicting the world—particularly in Gaza, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa. He also noted that the world is currently experiencing a genuine crisis of values.

The former President of Niger welcomed the Grand Imam’s proposal to establish a committee of African elders to defuse conflicts and tensions that some seek to ignite among neighboring African nations. He stressed that peace is the fundamental pillar of stability and development, and that eradicating poverty and disease in Africa will only be achieved by entrenching peace. He urged His Eminence to intensify visits to African nations to deliver a message of peace to its peoples and support nations facing instability.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders is set to travel to Rome on an official visit to participate in the international meeting “Daring Peace” which will be organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio from October 26 to 28, 2025. The event will bring together prominent leaders and decision-makers, including *His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff of the Catholic Church; Italian President Sergio Mattarella; Queen Mathilde of Belgium; and various groups of religious leaders, thinkers, and intellectuals from around the world.

His Eminence is scheduled to deliver a keynote address during the meeting’s opening session, in which he will underscore the critical importance of achieving *peace rooted in justice and the ethical and human responsibility of religious leaders to actively work toward ending conflicts, wars, and disputes.

He will also hold bilateral meetings with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff of the Catholic Church as well as other leading religious figures, faith leaders, and thinkers in attendance. Discussions will also address the most pressing contemporary religious and international issues, amplifying the voice of religions to halt the crises, wars, and conflicts currently afflicting the world—most notably the aggression against Gaza and the West Bank—while reaffirming the essential role of the Sharm El Sheikh peace agreement as a foundational step toward establishing lasting security and stability in the region and beyond.

Muslim Council of Elders Calls for Comprehensive Ethical Governance of AI to Balance Innovation and Human Protection

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: Artificial Intelligence Is an Ethical and Human Issue Touching the Core of Human Existence and Dignity

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16), held in Geneva from October 20 to 23, 2025, under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” The conference saw extensive participation from experts, officials, and representatives of international organizations worldwide.

In his address during the session titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Development,” His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is not merely a scientific or economic matter but a profoundly ethical and human issue that touches the essence of human existence and dignity. He underscored the necessity for technology to serve humanity without compromising its well-being.

Judge Abdelsalam noted that managing the digital transformation demands genuine collaboration among scientists, philosophers, religious leaders, and policymakers to ensure technology maximizes human good rather than perpetuating inequality and dominance among nations. He outlined three key strategies for developing nations to capitalize on AI opportunities: investing in human capital, fostering a fair and inclusive innovation ecosystem, and establishing balanced international partnerships rooted in knowledge and expertise exchange to promote shared development within a framework of mutual human responsibility. Judge Abdelsalam also commended the United Arab Emirates for its support to developing countries through infrastructure development and training young talent to keep pace with rapid advancements in AI, thereby contributing to global sustainable development.

The Muslim Council of Elders called for the adoption of comprehensive ethical governance for AI that balances innovation with human protection through principles of responsible innovation, digital justice, transparency, and accountability. Judge Abdelsalam stated, “No matter how advanced technology becomes, it lacks a conscience and does not comprehend compassion.” He clarified that “AI is not the end of humanity’s journey but a new phase in its quest to explore its potential and capabilities,” adding that “intelligence alone is insufficient to build a better world unless guided by wisdom and humanity.”

Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiative, “A Joint Document on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence,” developed in collaboration with Al-Azhar and the Holy See reflects the ethical and spiritual responsibility to address major technological challenges, ensuring humanity remains at the core of the digital transformation while embedding principles of dignity, justice, and responsibility in modern technology development.

He concluded by asserting that “progress without ethics is gain without purpose.” He noted that religious leaders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, have consistently affirmed that ethical balance is not an obstacle to development but a fundamental pillar. He also added, “When innovation is guided by the spirit of human fraternity and ethical wisdom, AI will not only advance our economies but also elevate human dignity.”

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has received a youth delegation from the World Council of Churches. During the meeting, His Eminence emphasized that religions carry a message of love and peace, never serving as a pretext for wars or conflicts while expressing his hope that young people will lead in promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

His Eminence highlighted that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are deeply committed to fostering global peace through numerous international initiatives, such as the East-West Dialogue which has been pursued in collaboration with various Western religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, the World Council of Churches, the Church of England, and other global religious organizations. These efforts culminated in the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

The Grand Imam also noted that a key challenge of contemporary civilization is its materialistic nature, which often lacks the ethical values necessary to guide human life. He affirmed that religious institutions worldwide play a crucial role in fostering a culture of peace and promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and shared coexistence.

For their part, members of the World Council of Churches youth delegation expressed their appreciation for the Grand Imam’s significant efforts in advancing peace and reinforcing values of moderation and balance globally, contributing to a brighter future for humanity.

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.