NEWS

In the Presence of the King of Bahrain, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Delivers Key Address at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference:

Division and Fragmentation Have Emboldened Others Against Us—Now, We Hear Calls to Displace the Palestinian People to Build a Tourist Resort on Their Land

The Time Has Come for True Arab-Islamic Solidarity

I Deeply Appreciate This Exceptional Gathering, a Rare Sight Where Scholars from Across the Islamic Spectrum, Sunnis and Shiites, Have Come Together

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Announces Egypt as the Host of the Second Edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prays for the Success of Arab Leaders at Their Upcoming Summit

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that history has proven that the Islamic Ummah has gained nothing from division, fragmentation, or interference in each other’s internal affairs. He warned that territorial disputes, the exploitation of sectarian and ethnic differences, and attempts to alter established religious traditions through coercion or enticement have only fueled conflict, weakened the Ummah, and emboldened external forces against it. The Grand Imam condemned calls to forcibly displace an entire people from their homeland to make way for a tourist resort—built upon the remains of martyrs, men, women, and children—from among our brothers and sisters in Gaza. He stressed that the time has come for genuine Arab-Islamic solidarity, free from the divisive forces that have held the Ummah back for so long. Only through true unity, he affirmed, can the Islamic world secure its future and safeguard its lands.

During his speech at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held at Al-Sakhir Palace in the presence of His Majesty the King of Bahrain, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, offered a heartfelt prayer, asking Allah to guide and unite Arab leaders at their upcoming summits in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Grand Imam also extended his gratitude to Islamic scholars, Islamic jurists, and intellectuals for their gracious response to the invitation of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders, to engage in consultations on the pressing challenges imposed by a painful reality that continues to weigh heavily on all Muslims. Expressing his appreciation for this exceptional gathering, His Eminence noted that such a remarkable scene has rarely been witnessed—one where scholars and representatives from across the Islamic spectrum, including Sunni, Shiite, Zaydi, and Ibadi scholars, as well as Muslims of all backgrounds, have come together in unity. He cited the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who defined a Muslim in the hadith:
“Whoever prays as we do, faces our Qiblah, and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim under Allah’s and His Messenger’s protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those in His protection.”
  
In his commitment to continuing the journey and renewing intentions in service of Islam, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, announced that the next edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference will be hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. He prayed to Allah Almighty to guide efforts toward the well-being of the Ummah and to enable it to achieve unity, solidarity, progress, and prosperity. 
 
The Grand Imam expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, for embracing this sincere call for dialogue among the components of the Ummah, aimed at fostering unity and strengthening Islamic fraternity in the face of shared challenges. He also commended Bahrain’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for the conference’s success and ensuring that its message reaches the world. Concluding his speech, he prayed for continued peace, security, and stability for Bahrain and all Muslim nations.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Addresses the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain

Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Convenes at a Critical Juncture where Islamic Ummah Stands at Crossroads Facing Relentless Storm

Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Seeks to Act While There Is Still Time to Safeguard the Ummah from the Perils That Threaten It

Research on ‘Rapprochement’ Remains Purely Theoretical, Failing to Impact Practical Realities of Muslim Societies

The Only Means to Overcome Contemporary Challenges Is Through the Unity of Islamic Nations and Open Communication Among Components of the Ummah

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Calls for a Serious and Actionable Plan to Foster Unity, Understanding, and Cooperation Among Islamic Schools of Thought

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Urges a Dialogue That Rejects Division and Sectarian Strife, Focusing Instead on Points of Agreement and Commonality

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Calls on the Ummah to Move Beyond Historical and Contemporary Conflicts With All Their Complications and Harmful Remnants

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Warns Muslims Against Instigators of Discord and the Dangers of Undermining National Stability

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Calls for the Establishment of an Islamic Union as a Necessity for Survival Amidst Fierce Storms and Devastating Crises

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Commends the Honorable Stance of the Ummah’s Leaders and People on the Displacement of Palestinians

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Proposes a “Constitution of the People of the Qiblah” to Scholars Gathered at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted that ‘rapprochement’ between Sunnis and Shias has long captivated the scholars of the Muslim Ummah. They have diligently worked to sustain this objective within the consciousness of Muslim communities, ingraining it deeply and invoking it in their emotions whenever the seeds of division and discord threatened to emerge, disrupting their unity and undermining their stability and security. Despite considerable efforts, the issue of ‘rapprochement’ remains an open question, as if no scholar had ever written about it before. The likely reason for this is that most studies addressing rapprochement have approached it from a purely theoretical and polemical perspective, without making the transition from abstract discourse to practical implementation, integrating it into the realities of Muslim communities.

Speaking at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, themed “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, His Eminence also noted that Dar ِِAl-Taqrib in Cairo—under the supervision of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, represented by its scholars, including Al-Azhar professors, and scholars from the Twelver Shiite religious authorities—published the journal “Risalat Al-Islam” in nine volumes, spanning over 4,000 pages. This publication covered a period of eight years, from 1949 to 1957. Beyond this, dozens of studies, books, and university dissertations have been published and widely distributed by publishing houses in Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon, as well as by Western European universities, in various languages and academic disciplines.

The Grand Imam emphasized the importance of acknowledging that we are living through a genuine crisis, one that Muslims everywhere are paying a high price for, regardless of where they are. There is no way to confront the contemporary challenges and successive crises except through the unity of Muslim nations, opening channels of communication among all components of the Muslim Ummah, without excluding any group or faction, while upholding respect for national sovereignty, borders, and independence. 

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed his confidence that this blessed conference would produce a serious and actionable plan to establish unity, mutual understanding, and cooperation among all Islamic schools of thought. It should also strive to ensure a perpetual dialogue, in which all causes of division, strife, and sectarian or ethnic conflict are eliminated while focusing on points of agreement and commonality. Furthermore, its resolutions must affirm the golden principle: “We cooperate on matters we agree upon, and we excuse one another in matters where we differ.” Additionally, there must be a firm commitment to ending hateful rhetoric, abandoning the practices of excommunication (takfir), condemning others for innovating new practices in religion (tabdi’), and declaring others sinful (tafsiq), and moving beyond both historical and contemporary conflicts with all their complications and harmful remnants. He further noted that this conference should bring together all participants with pure hearts and outstretched hands, genuinely committed to turning a new page and strengthening the Islamic cause. Muslims must remain vigilant against agents of discord, avoiding the trap of destabilizing nations and exploiting sectarianism as a means of interfering in the internal affairs of states. Above all, Muslims must reject any attempt to sow division among citizens of a single country, destabilizing its security, political stability, and social cohesion. These are heinous crimes that Islam categorically forbids, that human ethics abhor, and that international norms denounce unequivocally.
 
His Eminence the Grand Imam urged that we draw from the experiences of our contemporaries to galvanize our resolve in establishing a cooperative Islamic ‘union’ that defends the rights of this Ummah and shields its people from injustice, arrogance, and tyranny. “Consider Europe, with its twenty-seven nations; despite their diverse ethnicities, languages exceeding twenty-four, and varied religious and sectarian beliefs, they have achieved a union that safeguards their citizens, enhances peace and stability, preserves their identity from erosion, fosters economic growth, and upholds democratic values. If non-Muslim nations, despite numerous obstacles, can attain a “union” that fortifies them in political, economic, and cultural arenas, should Muslims today be unable to realize a ‘union’ essential for their survival amidst fierce storms and destructive tempests? A union founded on shared elements unparalleled among other nations: geography, history, ethnicity, language, religion, heritage, culture, and a common destiny.”

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif highlighted the Palestinian cause as a critical example of the need for unity within the Ummah. He emphasized the conspiracy targeting its people and the entire Ummah, including efforts to displace the Palestinians of Gaza from their homes and seize their lands. His Eminence noted that by the grace of Allah, both the Arab and Islamic communities—encompassing both populations and leaders—have adopted a unified and dignified stance. This stance resolutely opposes the manifest injustice and aggression against the inhabitants of a blessed land and the sovereignty of neighboring Muslim states, revitalizing hope for unity across the Islamic community.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar presented a proposal to the scholars gathered at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference in Bahrain, saying: “I propose what I consider a necessity rather than a mere enhancement: that the eminent scholars of the Ummah, representing various schools of thought and gathered at this conference, collaborate to draft a ‘Charter of the People of the Qiblah’ or ‘Religious Fraternity’. This charter would be introduced by the authentic hadith: ‘Whoever prays as we do, faces our Qiblah, and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim under Allah’s and His Messenger’s protection. So do not betray Allah by betraying those in His protection.’ The distinguished Imam Sheikh Abu Zahra—God rest his soul—previously suggested this initiative, outlining its foundational principles. It would be commendable if you would study and build upon his proposal.” 

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, for his generous patronage of this grand and significant conference, held during a critical juncture where the Islamic Ummah stands at a crossroads, facing a relentless and merciless storm that threatens to obliterate fifteen centuries of civilization, uprooting it from its very foundations.  He further expressed his appreciation to His Majesty and his esteemed aides for their unwavering commitment to the affairs of our Arab and Muslim Ummah and for their keen awareness of the urgency to act while there is still time to safeguard this Ummah from the perils that threaten it—dangers meticulously orchestrated to bring about its downfall, devastation, and demise. These are perils whose early signs we have already witnessed and whose flames we have already felt, yet we remain uncertain about the full extent of what is yet to come.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Arrives in Bahrain to Participate in the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, arrived in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, today, Tuesday, to participate in the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, themed “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” which takes place on the 19th and 20th of February.

Upon his arrival at Bahrain International Airport, His Eminence was greeted with an official reception. He was welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; His Excellency Mr. Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Ma’awda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments; His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; Ambassador Reham Abdel Hameed, the Egyptian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain; and His Excellency Mr. Salman bin Isa bin Hindi Al Mannai, Governor of the Muharraq Governorate.

The conference is graciously hosted under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and is organized by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders. It boasts participation from over 400 esteemed scholars, leaders, Islamic authorities, thinkers, and intellectuals from around the globe. This event is held in response to the call made by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif at the Bahrain Dialogue Forum: East and West for Human Coexistence in November 2022, which aimed to foster Islamic unity and advance Muslim affairs.

At the invitation of the King of Bahrain…

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Heads to Bahrain to Participate in the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference

 
His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, traveled to the Kingdom of Bahrain today, Tuesday, to participate in the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference. This event, themed “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” will take place on the 19th and 20th of February. The conference, held under the generous patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, is co-organized by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders, and will feature over 400 prominent scholars, leaders, Islamic authorities, and intellectuals from around the globe.

 
This conference comes in response to an invitation from the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum in November 2022, to enhance Islamic affairs and the unity of Muslims. During his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Eminence is scheduled to meet with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and a number of Bahraini officials and scholars participating in the conference; aiming to enhance Islamic cooperation and take actual steps to unify the Islamic Ummah and achieve convergence among institutions and scholars from various Islamic schools of thought. 

 
His Eminence is set to deliver a keynote address at the conference’s opening, emphasizing the necessity for unity among the Ummah in addressing its contemporary challenges. The conference endeavors to shift from a discourse of mere convergence to a deeper understanding of shared challenges and commonalities. It aims to establish a permanent framework for scholarly dialogue among Islamic world scholars and authorities. The focus will be on highlighting extensive areas of agreement among Muslims, strategizing on how to approach these consensuses as a foundation for dialogue among various Islamic sects, enhancing the roles of scholars and religious leaders in mending divisions between different sects, denouncing hate speech, and promoting mutual understanding and respect.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain, welcomed His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, to finalize preparations for the upcoming Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference. This event, scheduled to take place in Bahrain on February 19 and 20, is held under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Distinguished attendees will include His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with leading scholars from the Muslim Ummah.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa warmly welcomed the conference’s esteemed guests, including scholars, religious authorities, thinkers, and cultural figures. He emphasized that all necessary logistics and preparations have been meticulously arranged to ensure the success of the conference. He also noted that the conference would produce a series of recommendations aimed at fostering unity and cohesion among the Muslim Ummah, particularly in light of the current global challenges.
 
The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that the conference takes place during a pivotal moment in the history of the Muslim Ummah, calling for unified efforts and enhanced consensus among its diverse elements. He highlighted the conference’s goal to initiate a new phase of dialogue between Islamic schools of thought, aiming to forge a shared vision that restores the leadership role of the Muslim Ummah. He also noted that all preparations for the conference have been completed, creating an atmosphere of fraternity, understanding, and cohesion.

Notably, the Bahraini capital, Manama, will host the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference on February 19 and 20. Themed “One Nation, One Shared Destiny,” the event is co-organized by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Muslim Council of Elders. The conference will gather over 400 influential scholars, leaders, religious authorities, thinkers, and intellectuals from across the globe. It aims to bolster Muslim unity, move beyond the mere dialogue of convergence to deepen mutual understanding of shared values and challenges and establish a framework for continuous scholarly dialogue throughout the Islamic world, thereby fostering unity among its varied components.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Lahore International Book Fair hosted its fourth cultural seminar, titled ‘Review of the Book: On Al-Azhar Approach.’ Authored by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, the book was the focal point of discussions led by Dr. Hassan Shakeel Al-Azhari and Dr. Shafaqat Ali Al-Baghdadi Al-Azhari. These discussions emphasized Al-Azhar’s crucial role and approach in promoting moderation and balance.

Dr. Hassan Shakeel Al-Azhari inaugurated the seminar by expressing gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders for giving the fair’s attendees insight into the Al-Azhar approach, which emphasizes moderation and balance. He highlighted that Al-Azhar has consistently adhered to this path since its inception, standing as a pillar of enlightened learning and thought. It merges religious disciplines with contemporary sciences and fosters critical thinking, scholarly rigor, and the evolution of Islamic thought to adapt to face challenges while maintaining fundamental religious principles.

Dr. Shafaqat Ali Al-Baghdadi Al-Azhari commended the significant role that His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb plays in reinforcing the Al-Azhar approach, which is dedicated to teaching a diverse range of schools of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). He noted that Al-Azhar does not enforce a singular viewpoint but strives to present a spectrum of jurisprudential perspectives, enabling its students to appreciate the diversity within Islamic heritage. This is achieved through its role as a hub for tens of thousands of students from over one hundred countries worldwide, equipping them to disseminate accurate knowledge and carry the message of moderation back to their homelands.

Al-Baghdadi also pointed out that Al-Azhar, established over a thousand years ago, continues to stand strong because of its commitment to a balanced and moderate approach. He emphasized that moderation is both a hallmark and a key to its enduring presence, remarking that Al-Azhar has always been, and will continue to be, a beacon of knowledge and wisdom. Throughout the centuries, it has successfully faced various challenges and evolutions, remaining a crucial reference point for Muslims globally.

 
It is worth noting that the Muslim Council of Elders hosted a special pavilion at the Lahore International Book Fair in February, showcasing a curated selection of books, intellectual publications, and initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of peace and coexistence. This participation underscores the council’s leadership in unifying Islamic efforts and facilitating dialogue among Muslims from diverse intellectual and sectarian backgrounds.

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.