NEWS

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted its third symposium as part of the activities of the Karachi International Book Fair 2025, titled: “The Role of Islamic Institutions in Promoting Islamic–Islamic Dialogue.” The session featured Hujjat al-Islam Allama Mawlana Asghar Hussain Shahidi, Board Member at Al-Fatimiya International University, Director of the Leadership and Educational Management System, and Secretary-General of the Association of Scholars and Imams of Karachi Mosques; and Dr. Muhammad Amir Taseen, Executive Director of the Scientific Council Foundation – Karachi. The discussion was moderated by Muhammad Aslam Raza Al-Azhari, Secretary-General of the World Association of Al-Azhar Graduates – Pakistan Branch.

The symposium opened by emphasizing the vital role of religious and educational institutions in promoting Islamic–Islamic dialogue, noting that the Muslim Council of Elders seeks to transform dialogue from a theoretical concept into practical programs that create tangible impact within Muslim communities. Participants praised the Bahrain Dialogue Forum which was organized by the Council and its outcome—the Ahlul-Qiblah Call—as a reference framework outlining the principles and foundations needed for Islamic–Islamic dialogue.

Dr. Muhammad Amir Taseen stressed that Intra–Islamic dialogue is an essential tool for addressing intellectual challenges and combating extremism through constructive engagement. He highlighted the ability of religious and educational institutions to play a pivotal role as platforms for spreading a culture of dialogue, while underscoring the need to leverage technology and social media to broaden discussions, enhance understanding within communities, and involve youth and women as future leaders and guardians of diversity.

For his part, Hujjat al-Islam Mawlana Asghar Hussain Shahidi affirmed that religious institutions bear a major responsibility in promoting a culture of tolerance. He explained that the pulpit represents the voice of society and that moderation in discourse directly influences moderation among people. He emphasized that internal dialogue among Islamic schools and currents is essential to strengthen unity across all components of the Ummah. He called for developing curricula that focus on commonalities among schools of thought, establishing joint councils of scholars from different traditions, and facilitating exchange visits between educational and religious institutions.

He further noted that dialogue is not a secondary option but a civilizational necessity to safeguard the unity of the Ummah amid contemporary intellectual challenges. Dialogue, he said, provides a practical entry point to reduce sectarian conflicts and achieve coexistence. He stressed the importance of organizing regular conferences and workshops, supporting youth-led initiatives that promote understanding, and launching training programs for imams and preachers on the culture of dialogue to ensure the spread of responsible and balanced discourse that strengthens Islamic and human fraternity.

The symposium witnessed broad participation from university professors, students, and researchers from various religious and educational institutions in Pakistan. It concluded with an open discussion session, during which attendees praised the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiatives and efforts to promote Intra–Islamic dialogue and spread values of fraternity and mutual understanding within communities.

The Council’s pavilion at the Karachi International Book Fair is located in Hall 1, Pavilion 45 at the Karachi Expo Center and is open December 18 to 22, 2025.

As part of a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the ethical use of artificial intelligence and leveraging media to spread values of dialogue, coexistence, and peace, the Muslim Council of Elders’ Central Asia office organized its second high-level roundtable titled “Media and Peace Journalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The event took place at the Friendship House in Almaty, in cooperation with the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Center for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, with the participation of decision-makers, academics, journalists, and media experts from across Central Asia.

The roundtable opened with welcoming remarks by Senator Dr. Darkhan Kuandykuly Kydyrali, Member of the Senate and General Supervisor of the Muslim Council of Elders’ Central Asia office, who read a congratulatory message from H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan. In his message, Ashimbayev emphasized that in light of rapid technological transformations, media responsibility, adherence to ethical standards, and the promotion of peace-oriented narratives are critical factors in fostering social harmony and stability. He highlighted the importance of strengthening media literacy and building public trust through responsible journalism.

In his address, Dr. Kydyrali expressed gratitude to all participants and organizers, extending special appreciation to the Muslim Council of Elders under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and to the Council’s Secretary-General, Counselor Mohamed Abdel Salam, as well as the Central Asia office for their continuous support of peacebuilding and dialogue initiatives in the region.

Another speech was delivered by Senator Gulsana Karpikovna Kozhabay, who read a message from Aida G. Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. Balayeva stressed that developing peace journalism and embedding ethical media practices has become an urgent necessity to counter misinformation, hate speech, and social polarization in the digital age. She noted the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping public opinion and the need for clear ethical frameworks to regulate its use.

Senator Kozhabay also announced plans to organize a large-scale international conference in early 2026, supported by the Senate and the Muslim Council of Elders, inviting all stakeholders to actively participate in this upcoming initiative.

During the session, Senator Bibigul Zheksenbay expressed her gratitude to the organizers and participants, underscoring the importance of addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and modern media. She called for transforming specialized discussions into practical ideas that can reach the general public, stressing that dialogue should extend not only between religions but also among nations and cultures, with a strong emphasis on the language of peace in public discourse. She cited Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s statement: “Social stability is the cornerstone of any sustainable society.”

Zhuldyzai Ysаkova, Chairperson of the Board of the Kazakhstan Institute for Social Development, focused on signs of social fragmentation, pointing to rapid societal changes, declining levels of trust among individuals, the spread of hate speech, and weakening social bonds—where people today interact less with neighbors and even relatives compared to the past.

On the impact of technology, Aigul Sadvakassova, Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies of Kazakhstan, noted that artificial intelligence plays an increasing role in shaping media agendas. She highlighted that news algorithms tend to favor individualistic values at a time when smartphones and information security remain vulnerable to breaches. She explained that peace journalism often lacks emotional appeal and fast-paced content, making it less widespread compared to sensational or negative news.

In the discussion session, Srayil Smail, Editor-in-Chief of Zhas Qazaq newspaper, warned that the world is witnessing a form of hybrid warfare in which information plays a decisive role. He cautioned that news is now broadcast almost instantly without sufficient editorial scrutiny, posing serious risks to public awareness and social stability.

The roundtable concluded with an open discussion that produced a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening ethical standards in media work, supporting peace journalism, and ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the information space.

As part of its cultural program at the Karachi International Book Fair 2025, the Muslim Council of Elders organized the first symposium titled “The Muslim Council of Elders’ Efforts to Promote Coexistence Worldwide.” The event was attended by a number of academics, religious and intellectual leaders, and attracted significant interest from visitors to the fair.

The symposium featured Dr. Azeer Mahmood Al-Azhari, member of the Islamic Ideological Council of Pakistan and President of the World Association of Al-Azhar Graduates in Pakistan, and Father Norbert Paul, Assistant Priest at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and was moderated by Dr. Muhammad Arshad Al-Azhari, Director of the Muslim Council of Elders’ branch in Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Arshad Al-Azhari introduced highlighted the Muslim Council of Elders’ vital role in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, while countering narratives of extremism, hatred, fanaticism, and discrimination. He emphasized that the Council has emerged as a global institutional framework working to strengthen coexistence and peace through practical initiatives and constructive interfaith and intercultural dialogues.

Father Norbert Paul affirmed that the Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed 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, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church, has become a global reference for embedding values of coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures. He noted that the document has helped establish a universal humanitarian discourse based on mutual respect and the rejection of hatred.

Dr. Azeer Mahmood Al-Azhari shed light on the various initiatives implemented by the Muslim Council of Elders to correct misconceptions, promote dialogue among youth, strengthen East-West dialogues, and organize intellectual and religious meetings aimed at building bridges between different civilizations. He explained that the Council’s efforts in interfaith dialogue and Islamic–Islamic dialogue contribute to presenting Islam as a religion that calls for peace and coexistence, while reinforcing the principles of human fraternity.

This symposium is part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ activities at the Karachi International Book Fair, reaffirming its mission to promote peace, entrench the values of dialogue and tolerance, build bridges of coexistence, and highlight the role of thought and knowledge in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering mutual respect among peoples.

The Council’s pavilion at the Karachi International Book Fair is located in Hall 1, Pavilion 45 at the Karachi Expo Center and is open December 18 to 22, 2025.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extends his warmest congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and to the people of Qatar on the occasion of the nation’s National Day.

His Eminence commends the remarkable developmental and achievements of the State of Qatar and its active role in supporting the causes of the Arab and Islamic world. He prays to Almighty Allah to protect Qatar—its leadership and people—and to bless it with continued security, stability, and prosperity.

The first day of the Muslim Council of Elders’ participation at the Karachi International Book Fair witnessed strong turnout from visitors, marking the Council’s debut at this prominent international cultural event.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Minister of Education for Sindh Province, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, who visited the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion and reviewed its key publications. He praised the Council’s participation and its contributions to promoting a correct understanding of Islam and spreading the values of dialogue and tolerance, with special appreciation for the Urdu-language publications. The Minister also honored the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion as an outstanding international participant in this year’s edition of the fair.

Throughout the first day, the Council’s pavilion attracted wide engagement from visitors, including researchers, academics, students interested in intellectual and cultural affairs. There was also notable interest from school students in the children’s activities, which aim to instill values of coexistence and mutual respect through interactive and educational methods.

The pavilion welcomed several prominent figures, including Kamran Noorani, President of the Pakistan Publishers Association, who commended the Council’s role and intellectual contributions, as well as the quality of organization and content offered at the pavilion. He also emphasized the importance of this participation in enriching the cultural and intellectual landscape of the fair.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation also drew significant attention from local and international media, which covered the pavilion’s activities and highlighted its diverse publications addressing contemporary intellectual challenges and the Council’s efforts to promote a culture of peace and dialogue.

The Council’s participation reflects its mission to promote peace, entrench the values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation and coexistence through thought and knowledge. It also underscores the role of books as an effective tool in combating extremism and fostering societal awareness. The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Karachi International Book Fair is located in Hall 1, Pavilion 45 at the Karachi Expo Center and will run from December 18 to 22.

The Muslim Council of Elders is set to take part at the Karachi International Book Fair in the Republic of Pakistan, held from December 18 to 22. The fair is considered one of the most significant cultural events in Pakistan and South Asia. This participation reflects the Council’s expanding intellectual presence in international forums and its growing role in promoting a culture of peace and dialogue through books and knowledge.

The Council’s pavilion will showcase over 250 diverse intellectual publications by Al-Hokama Publishing in eight different languages, including 12 titles in Urdu. These works address contemporary intellectual issues and tackle current challenges facing Islamic and global societies, with a particular focus on promoting a culture of dialogue, strengthening Intra–Islamic dialogue values, and spreading a sound understanding of Islam based on moderation and balance.

The pavilion will also host a comprehensive cultural and intellectual program featuring a series of seminars and open discussions with academic figures and religious and intellectual leaders. Topics will include intercultural dialogue, renewal of religious discourse, promoting tolerance and mutual understanding, and the role of intellectual institutions in supporting stability and peace.

This participation aligns with the Muslim Council of Elders’ mission to promote peace, entrench the values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation and coexistence. It also underscores the importance of books and intellectual engagement as effective tools for addressing contemporary ideological challenges. The Council’s pavilion is located at the Karachi Expo Center, Hall 1, Pavilion 45.

His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders received members of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s 2026 judging committee at Al-Azhar headquarters in Cairo on Tuesday. The visiting delegation of the independent global award included head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva; former President of the European Council His Excellency Charles Michel; Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Secretary-General His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam; and former Chairperson of the African Union Commission His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat.

During the meeting, Grand Imam Al-Tayeb welcomed the jury members and stressed that this first visit of the committee to Egypt represents an extension of the journey of human fraternity that began in Cairo in 2017 and culminated in His Eminence’s signing of the Document on Human Fraternity alongside the late His Holiness Pope Francis, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in 2019.

Grand Imam Al-Tayeb added that the award named after the ‘Wise Man of the Arabs’ – the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates – stands as a continuation of his noble legacy in serving humanity and supporting the weak and vulnerable and extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, who stands as the foremost supporter of the path of human fraternity

His Eminence said: “You are now sitting in a place [Al-Azhar] that for more than a thousand years has been spreading peace, moderation, and human fraternity in Egypt and across the world. Egypt is the cradle of tolerance and coexistence; it offers the world a unique and unparalleled model in advancing peaceful coexistence, human fraternity, and tolerance. 

He added that all religions uphold the values of peace, fraternity, and coexistence — universal human values that humanity is now in utmost need of strengthening in societies, especially as today’s world is plagued by wars and conflicts. 

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar expressed his confidence in the sincere efforts undertaken by the members of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity judging committee to achieve the goals of the Document on Human Fraternity, for which the award was established. He noted that history is a guide to help lay the foundations of peace and fraternity in the world, stressing that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has today become one of the most important independent global platforms honoring genuine humanitarian efforts and initiatives. His Eminence called on the jury members to shoulder their historic responsibility in selecting individuals and initiatives that embody the spirit of human fraternity in its highest form, and that present to the world inspiring models that demonstrate peace and understanding are possible – no matter how great the challenges and how diverse cultures may be.

For their part, the members of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity judging committee affirmed their commitment to select honorees following in the footsteps of honorary recipients Grand Imam Al-Tayeb and the late Pope Francis, for the award’s seventh edition.

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Secretary-General His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said: “The judging committee’s inaugural visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt reflects our deep appreciation for this ancient country’s pioneering role in human progress, dialogue, and civilization. Our meeting with His Eminence Grand Imam Al-Tayeb – the foremost moral and spiritual authority in the Islamic world and a founding figure of the human fraternity mission – constitutes a central pillar and a fundamental source of support for the award’s efforts to highlight models and initiatives that embody the values of human fraternity.”

Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and 2026 jury member, said: “It was truly a privilege for us as a jury to meet with His Eminence Al-Tayeb at Al-Azhar – one of humanity’s oldest and most esteemed centers of knowledge and dialogue – and to discuss our collective efforts advancing human fraternity and making the world a better place, with a figure who has committed his life to coexistence and service of others.”
 
His Excellency Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and 2026 jury member, said: “As an international jury visiting Egypt, a civilizational crossroads, Al-Azhar, a global beacon of learning, and our discussion with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, we are reminded of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s core purpose – to strengthen humanity and civilization by promoting human development, dialogue, and education.” 

His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and 2026 jury member, said: “This meeting with His Eminence Al-Tayeb has underlined how essential religious and moral leadership is in promoting peaceful coexistence, especially in regions facing conflict. We are encouraged to select this year’s honorees guided by a sense of the importance of reconciliation, protection of vulnerable communities, and empowerment of future generations.” 

Advisors to the 2026 judging committee – former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth the Right Honorable Patricia Scotland KC and Adama Dieng, African Union Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities and former United Nations Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide – were also present for the meeting and shared their perspectives.

The meeting with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb is the first part of the judging committee’s visit to Egypt, which includes a visit to Al-Azhar Mosque, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and several other religious and cultural institutions in Cairo. 

Named in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recognizes individuals and organizations – of all backgrounds, anywhere in the world – working selflessly and tirelessly to advance human fraternity and create breakthroughs towards peaceful coexistence.

The award has so far recognized 16 recipients from 15 countries including the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and world-renowned cardiac surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub – since its establishment in 2019, following the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between the late His Holiness Pope Francis, 266th head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, during which the two religious figures co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity.

Amid a large attendance of religious, literary, and academic figures, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar on the main stage of the Iraq International Book Fair, under the title: “Islamic Dialogue: Unity in Diversity and the Responsibility of Joint Construction”, with the participation of Prof. Amer Shaker Al-Janabi, President of the Sunni Endowment Office in the Republic of Iraq. The session was moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research.

Dr. Boudinar opened the session with welcoming remarks that expressed appreciation for the attendees and the intellectual value of this meeting, stressing: “In this great cultural festival, in the land of civilizations and scholars, we renew the discussion about dialogue and Iraq’s exceptional experience in managing differences—a model worth studying and highlighting.” He pointed out that dialogue is not a rhetorical slogan but a civilizational necessity to ensure societies remain capable of creativity and progress despite the diversity of perspectives and jurisprudential and theological schools.

For his part, Dr. Amer Al-Janabi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence the Grand Imam Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, affirming that the Council’s presence in an open cultural space like the Iraq International Book Fair represents a shift in dialogue from elites to the public. He said: “I am delighted to be in this vast space that turns the Iraq International Book Fair into a platform for wisdom, not just for books. The topic of this symposium is not an intellectual luxury; it comes after this nation has been overwhelmed by conflicts, crises, and challenges.”

Al-Janabi highlighted the Qur’anic roots of dialogue, affirming that dialogue is a deeply rooted principle in the history of divine messages, which is not negated by differences among schools and sects but rather embraced and guided. He noted that the history of the Islamic nation witnessed interaction among schools of jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy, and that diversity was a driver of knowledge, not a cause of division. He stressed the need to turn this diversity into a source of strength through scholars and religious institutions tasked with building awareness and managing differences.

He added that the foundation of the nation’s unity lies in agreement on fundamentals, while leaving wide room for interpretation in secondary matters—a historical tradition established by imams who differed in thought but agreed in heart. He emphasized that scholars are responsible for bringing ideas closer, expanding common ground, and involving youth to build a generation that believes difference is a mercy, not a flaw.

The President of the Sunni Endowment Office explained that demand for religious education is witnessing significant growth, and that developing curricula and re-reading heritage with a collective spirit is the best path to mature awareness. He added: “Religious education today is not the ‘yellow books’ as portrayed, but a system evolving with curricula and tools. We have hundreds of schools welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, and every year the demand grows remarkably.”

Al-Janabi concluded by affirming that Iraq has overcome ordeals that nearly tore it apart but rose thanks to scholars, intellectuals, and bearers of awareness, offering the world a lesson in the possibility of rebuilding after division.

He also made sure to visit the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Iraq International Book Fair, praising its excellent organization and the variety of intellectual and cultural publications it offers, calling on students, professors, scholars, and intellectuals to visit the pavilion and benefit from its rich content.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the Iraq International Book Fair as part of its mission to promote peace, entrench values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of different races and beliefs. The Council’s pavilion is located at Baghdad International Fairgrounds, Pavilion No. 16 – H6.

In conjunction with the Iraq International Book Fair’s celebration of Iraqi women—held under the theme “100 Iraqi Noons”—the Muslim Council of Elders pavilion hosted a seminar entitled “Women in the Project of Intra-Islamic Dialogue: Roles and Contributions”. The session featured Dr. Amira Ibrahim Hussein Al-Samarrai, Head of the Women’s Section at the Iraq Fiqh Academy, and Nasiba Sabah Al-Dahiri, Guide at the Mosque of Imam Abu Hanifa Al-Nu‘man. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Gamal, researcher at the Al-Azhar Heritage Revival Office.

Dr. Mohammed Gamal opened the seminar by affirming that Islam, from the very dawn of its call, granted women both status and responsibility, and that a glance at Islamic civilization’s history reveals that women were never excluded from active participation and contribution.

For her part, Dr. Amira Al-Samarrai began by reaffirming the exalted status Islam accorded to women, noting that the Holy Qur’an spoke of women’s role and elevated their position as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters—shapers of generations. She added that Islamic history has preserved the names of many women who had a prominent presence in the fields of knowledge and da‘wah, actively participating in building Islamic history and civilization across the ages.

Nasiba Al-Dahiri offered an analytical reading of social history that helped clarify the role women play within the Islamic framework. She stressed that the mother is the first link in forming awareness, making her role in intra-Islamic dialogue decisive, for she creates the primary cultural and moral mediator in human consciousness.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the Iraq International Book Fair, in keeping with its mission to promote peace, entrench values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among humankind regardless of race or creed. The Council’s pavilion is located at the Baghdad International Fairground, Pavilion 16 – H6.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan and member of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity judging committee, to explore ways of enhancing scientific and da‘wah cooperation between the two parties.

During the meeting, His Eminence extended his heartfelt greetings to His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, whose generous hospitality he still fondly recalls from his visits to Uzbekistan in 2018 and 2020. He affirmed that the Islamic intellect, in its most brilliant intellectual and scholarly manifestations, holds Uzbekistan—dear to every Muslim—in the highest esteem and respect for the profound imprint left by its early scholars on Islamic thought and heritage. Among them are Imam Al-Maturidi, Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Zamakhshari, Al-Farabi, Al-Khwarizmi, and many others who emerged from this blessed land and whose influence reached the entire world. Their contributions were not limited to Islamic culture; humanity as a whole has benefited from them.

His Eminence also expressed his delight at seeing Muslim women such as Saida Mirziyoyeva assuming the highest positions in their countries—positions from which women had long been deprived due to ignorant customs and traditions that have no basis in Islamic law. He further commended her efforts in defending human rights and women’s rights, protecting children, promoting education and culture, and her initiatives to preserve Islamic heritage.

For her part, Saida Mirziyoyeva expressed her immense pride in meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam and conveyed her nation’s deep appreciation for his tangible global efforts in spreading values of fraternity and positive coexistence, preserving Islamic heritage, and confronting extremist thought. She highlighted her pride in the honorary doctorate conferred upon His Eminence by the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan in 2018, her close following of his speeches and writings, and her admiration for his supportive stances on preserving women’s status and rights. She also conveyed the greetings of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to His Eminence, along with his wishes for continued health and well-being, and prayers that Allah bless His Eminence’s endeavours aimed at unifying and strengthening the Ummah.

Her Excellency affirmed her nation’s desire to enhance cooperation and coordination with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders through joint educational initiatives, exchange of researchers and students, and the implementation of collaborative scholarly projects between Al-Azhar University and the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. These include digitizing and publishing over 100,000 Islamic manuscripts, disseminating the scholarly heritage of Imam Al-Maturidi, benefiting from Al-Azhar’s expertise and Uzbekistan’s capabilities, and coordinating between the Al-Azhar Observatory and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Committee on Religious Education to rehabilitate those influenced by extremist ideas and reintegrate them into society once their thinking has been corrected.

His Eminence confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to cooperate with Uzbekistan in implementing these proposals, directing the formation of a joint committee to study them and begin execution as soon as possible.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to visit the country and participate in the inauguration of the Islamic Civilization Center—the largest such centre in Central Asia. His Eminence warmly welcomed this generous invitation and congratulated the Uzbek people on this significant civilizational landmark, which represents a continuation of the illustrious history of the scholars of Transoxiana in serving Islamic civilization.