NEWS

King of Thailand Affirms His Country’s Pursuit to Strengthen Academic and Religious Relations with Al-Azhar

King of Thailand: Al-Azhar is a Global Beacon of Moderation and the Reference for Thai Muslims

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Affirms Al-Azhar’s Readiness to Establish Centers for Teaching Arabic in Thailand

Grand Imam Expresses Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ Readiness to Organize a Global Conference on Coexistence in Thailand

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand along with Queen Suthida have received Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. His Majesty the King of Thailand welcomed the Grand Imam and expressed his happiness with the visit, praising the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

The King of Thailand also emphasized that Al-Azhar is highly respected by the Thai people, who live in harmony and unity. He expressed Thailand’s eagerness to strengthen cooperation and relations with Al-Azhar by increasing the number of incoming students and Al-Azhar emissaries, expanding the accreditation of religious institutes that teach the Al-Azhar curriculum, and coordinating between Al-Azhar and Islamic centers in Thailand. He noted that Al-Azhar is not only a reference for Thai Muslims but also a global beacon of enlightened and moderate thought.

His Majesty highlighted the keen interest of all Muslim families in Thailand to send their children to study at Al-Azhar, where its graduates hold significant positions in Thai society. He expressed confidence that this historic visit by the Grand Imam would result in the launch of many inspiring initiatives and projects and that Thai Muslims would benefit from the public meetings to be held by Al-Azhar institutions during the Grand Imam’s stay in the country.

In response, the Grand Imam expressed his happiness with his visit to Thailand and appreciation for the warm welcome. He affirmed that Thai students studying at Al-Azhar set an example in ethics and diligence in their studies and have made notable social contributions in various faculties of Al-Azhar University. He emphasized that Al-Azhar not only graduates students but also strives to maintain communication with its alumni worldwide, making them ambassadors of peace, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Grand Imam also confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to establish centers for teaching the Arabic language in Thailand, serving Muslims in learning the language of the Quran, intensifying training courses for Thai imams at Al-Azhar Academy, increasing scholarships for Thai Muslims to continue their studies at Al-Azhar, and increasing the number of emissaries to meet the needs of the Thai community.

The Grand Imam further expressed Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ willingness to organize a global conference on coexistence in Thailand, with the participation of several religious leaders and figures from around the world, to emphasize the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence and human fraternity.

Amid a warm reception from Muslims in Thailand, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, performed Friday prayers at the Thailand Islamic Center at the beginning of his visit to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok.

The congregation, led by Shafi’i Abdulqadir, the Imam and preacher of the Islamic Center Mosque in Bangkok, eagerly welcomed the Grand Imam and took commemorative photos with him, expressing their immense happiness with this historic visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to their country.

Earlier today, the Grand Imam arrived in Bangkok, the second stop on his tour of Southeast Asia. The visit aims to strengthen connections with Muslims and promote the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Grand Imam: Today’s Honor from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Is an Honor for Al-Azhar Institution, Its Scholars, Students, Graduates, and Its History

The Grand Imam Delivers a Speech at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) on the Occasion of Receiving the Honorary Doctorate

Malaysian Prime Minister: The Grand Imam Is a Renewer and Educator of This Ummah, and I Was Impressed by His Speech on Islamic Moderation

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) awarded an honorary doctorate in Quranic and Sunnah Studies to His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders which was presented by Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Crown Prince of Negeri Sembilan as well as Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Professor Mohamed Ridza Wahidin, President of USIM, along with a number of ministers, scholars, professors, researchers, and Malaysian students.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb delivered a speech expressing his pride in being in Malaysia, a Muslim nation that serves as a living model of urban and economic development. He praised the university as a haven for scholars and a beacon of education, where academic discussions and debates take place, and the opinions of intellectuals and researchers are heard.

His Eminence added that speaking at USIM makes him feel a deep sense of gratitude to the people of Malaysia, who have been pioneers in establishing methodological and intellectual foundations in the field of Islamic studies. He pointed out that this approach relies on “instilling and reinforcing ethics in human consciousness through the discipline of both mind and spirit.” This vision has greatly contributed to protecting Malaysia from the dangers of ideologies that oppose Islamic moderation, a hallmark of the nation since it embraced Islam as its faith and way of life, enriching Islamic civilization and contributing to building a resilient cultural model throughout history.

He concluded, “As I stand here among you to receive the honor of an honorary doctorate, I express my deep appreciation for this generous initiative from USIM for two reasons: first, this academic title is related to the study of the noble revelation, the Quran and the purified Sunnah, which are the most esteemed and noble of studies; second, this honor is not limited to my humble self but is a recognition of the esteemed institution of Al-Azhar, its scholars, students, and graduates, and its academic history that spans over a millennium, during which it welcomed countless students from around the world, especially from your esteemed country, Malaysia, which has the lion’s share of international students at Al-Azhar.”

In his speech, Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Crown Prince of Negeri Sembilan expressed the deep relationship between Al-Azhar and Malaysia, stating his pride in presenting the honorary doctorate to His Eminence and his happiness with the strong relationship between USIM and Al-Azhar University.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed the Malaysian people’s appreciation for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He shared his immense joy in listening to the Grand Imam’s speech, which reflected profound wisdom from one of the greatest scholars of the Ummah, always influencing with his wisdom and deep insights that resonate with everyone. He noted that Malaysia has greatly benefited from Al-Azhar’s scholars, with thousands of students graduating with enlightened and moderate views, spreading these values throughout Southeast Asia.

The Prime Minister added that the Grand Imam is a renewer and educator of this Ummah, and he was impressed by his speech on Islamic moderation. He personally draws guidance from the Grand Imam’s words on many issues and situations. He praised the efforts of the Grand Imam in promoting the unity of the Ummah and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among Muslims and others. He called on Malaysians to emulate the Grand Imam’s stances, which establish values of respect and human understanding. He added, “On behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia, I would like to express our deep love for the Grand Imam and our desire for him to visit us again.”

King of Malaysia to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: I Cut Short My Visit to Johor to Meet and Welcome You Today

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Praises the Malaysian Model in Development, Ethics, and Plurality

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Iskandar, the King of Malaysia, received His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual cooperation in promoting the values of dialogue and coexistence.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Majesty the King of Malaysia expressed the Malaysian people’s appreciation for the Grand Imam’s efforts in spreading the message of tolerance, respect, and acceptance of others. His Majesty noted that he had cut short his tour of Johor to welcome the Grand Imam and also praised the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace, presenting the true image of Islam, correcting misconceptions, combating extremist ideologies, and enhancing the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and affection he experienced during his visit to Malaysia. He commended Malaysia’s exemplary Islamic model in respecting diversity and plurality, as well as its supportive stances on the issues of the Muslim Ummah.

The Grand Imam congratulated His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Iskandar on his enthronement as King of Malaysia, praying that Malaysia will enjoy further progress and prosperity during his reign. He expressed his happiness in visiting Malaysia for the first time since assuming the position of Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, noting that he found Malaysia to be a true model of a Muslim country capable of achieving sustainable progress and prosperity. He also highlighted the strong historical ties between Al-Azhar and Malaysia, significantly shaped and developed by Malaysian students studying at Al-Azhar.

His Eminence further affirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to increase the number of Al-Azhar envoys sent to Malaysia and to provide more scholarships for Malaysian students to join Al-Azhar University while receiving and training Malaysian imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. He also emphasized opening avenues of cooperation with Malaysia to meet the needs of Malaysian society and address its internal challenges.

The Grand Imam also highlighted Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ pioneering efforts in promoting the values of dialogue and enhancing the culture of coexistence, fraternity, and positive integration. This was exemplified by the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in 2019, which revitalized the relationship between Al-Azhar and the Catholic Church. He also mentioned the Egyptian Family House project, an initiative launched by Al-Azhar with Egyptian churches, which has yielded positive results in fostering genuine integration and harmony within Egyptian society. He also stressed that Al-Azhar, in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders, places great importance on unifying the ranks of the Islamic Ummah and promoting intra-Islamic dialogue, as well as activating the role of religious leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges such as climate change, poverty, and developmental issues.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Prime Minister of Malaysia Inaugurate Majlis ilmu Madani

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Lectures Malaysian Scholars and Youth on the Moderation of Islam in the Presence of the Prime Minister

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated a special council for Malaysian scholars and young researchers to discuss the moderation and tolerance of Islam, and the Islamic approach to promoting fraternitu and harmony in societies.

In his opening remarks, the Grand Imam highlighted that one of the most distinguishing features of Malaysian society is its ethnic and religious diversity. He warned against the dangers posed by extremist and radical groups exploiting this diversity and falsely portraying it as a threat to Islam and communities. His Eminence refuted these claims by citing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding the relationship among Muslims, as summarized in the Prophet’s saying: “Whoever prays our prayer, faces our Qibla, and eats our slaughtered animals, is a Muslim who has the protection of Allah and His Messenger. Do not betray Allah by betraying those who have His protection.”

The Grand Imam explained that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established the principles and boundaries of the relationship between Muslims and followers of other religions, which are based on respect and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that Islam not only prohibits harming humans regardless of their religion, gender, or color but also prohibits harming animals, plants, and inanimate objects, except as permitted by Sharia, such as slaughtering animals for food in a specific manner. Islam has also established guidelines for protecting the environment and climate, restricting the pursuit of material desires that negatively impact the environment. Given Islam’s comprehensive care for these aspects, it naturally extends its utmost care to humans, even if they are non-Muslims.

His Eminence further stressed that the responsibility for establishing and promoting peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions lies with every individual in society. Achieving this requires a correct understanding of the message of Islam, specifically, and religions in general, which aim to bring happiness to humanity and save it from the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of desires without considering the resulting wars and conflicts. Religion is the only way to control human instincts and direct them for the benefit of both the individual and society.

The Grand Imam warned against certain groups that attempt to fuel intolerance and hatred among Muslims, incite sectarian conflicts, and divert young Muslims’ attention from more critical issues. These efforts aim to revive conflicts and issues that burden the Muslim community, weaken it, and sow discord among its members. He emphasized that, in this critical time, efforts should focus on the unity and cohesion of the Ummah to achieve its desired renaissance.

The Grand Imam was also keen to listen to the opinions of Malaysian youth, discuss their ideas, and answer their questions regarding the relationship between Islamic schools of thought and how to utilize diversity for the benefit of the Ummah. He also discussed women’s rights in Islam with some young women, explaining how Islam guarantees women’s rights to education and positive participation in social life, among other topics of interest to the participating Malaysian youth.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Malaysia expressed his pleasure at the Grand Imam’s participation in this important meeting and appreciated His Eminence’s dedication to engaging with Malaysian youth openly. He affirmed that Malaysia is grateful to the Grand Imam and the moderate teachings of Al-Azhar, which continue to disseminate both religious and worldly knowledge globally. He also.noyed that Malaysia is committed to strengthening its relationship with Al-Azhar and benefiting from the imam training programs hosted by the Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers. He also expressed his hopes that the Grand Imam’s visit to Malaysia would mark the beginning of numerous joint projects and initiatives with Al-Azhar.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Embarks on a Tour of Southeast Asia starting on Monday

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, will embark on a tour of Southeast Asia, visiting Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand at the beginning of next month. The tour follows several official invitations extended by the three nations to discuss ways to enhance cooperation, strengthen Al-Azhar’s role, leverage its expertise, and expand its educational and religious services in these countries. The visit will also explore opportunities for increased collaboration with relevant official and religious institutions in Southeast Asia.

During the tour, His Eminence will meet with numerous officials, religious and cultural leaders, and community figures in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. His Eminence is also keen to hold meetings with university students and youth to discuss pressing religious and social issues and will engage with imams, preachers, muftis, and those responsible for religious and fatwa institutions.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, condemns the terrorist attacks on two Orthodox churches and a Jewish synagogue in the Republic of Dagestan in Russia, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.

The Council firmly rejects such criminal acts that contradict all religions, divine laws, international conventions, and norms that call for respecting the beliefs and sanctities of others and that also criminalize attacks on places of worship, and protect the lives of innocent civilians. The Council warns of the escalation of hate speech, racism, intolerance, and practices that lead to discord and chaos, as they contribute to igniting and exacerbating conflicts. It calls for efforts to reinforce the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among different peoples and cultures.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the Russian Federation and to the families of the victims, praying to Allah Almighty to grant the injured a swift recovery.

On the World Day Against Child Labour – Muslim Council of Elders: Protecting Children’s Rights is a Religious and Ethical Duty, and a Social Responsibility for Everyone

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes that securing the care and guaranteeing the fundamental rights of children is a religious and ethical duty, as well as a social responsibility requiring serious commitment from individuals, institutions, and governments. Islam places great importance on children, considering them essential pillars in building the future of nations and it advocates for their proper upbringing, protection, and respect for their inherent rights, including the right to life, healthcare, and education.

In a statement marking the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12, the council asserts that exploiting children by forcing them into labor unsuitable for their age constitutes a grave violation of their childhood. This practice also exposes them to severe health and psychological risks and poses a significant threat to their future. The council calls for intensified efforts to combat child labor through effective policies and measures aimed at eradicating this phenomenon, ensuring the necessary care for children so they can grow and develop in conditions that preserve their dignity and prepare them to become active members of their communities.

The statement also references the Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This document underscores that the fundamental rights of children to family upbringing, nutrition, education, and care are moral responsibilities for both the family and society. These rights must be provided and defended, and no child should be deprived of them anywhere. The Council also condemns any practices that undermine children’s dignity or violate their rights and stresses the need to address the risks and violations they face.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in a meeting as part of the 60th session of the Bonn Climate Conference (SB 60). The meeting discussed the role of religious institutions in promoting global climate action, alongside the UNFCCC Secretariat, the Interfaith Liaison Committee (ILC), representatives from the COP28 and COP29 Presidencies, and other faith-based organizations.

The meeting, held at the headquarters of the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany, aimed to strategize on how religious institutions can continue to engage and support countries to achieve the highest ambitions in climate action, contributing to the realization of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025.

During the meeting, the Muslim Council of Elders team highlighted the influential role of religious institutions and communities through their moral authority, extensive networks, and commitment to social justice. They also emphasized the necessity of leveraging this role to enhance decisive climate actions and NDCs in the coming years. Participants also noted the importance of constructive collaboration among representatives of religious communities and the urgent need to establish a unified framework to address climate challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders has dedicated significant efforts to activating the role of religious leaders and figures in addressing climate change. Notably, the Council organized the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate, which culminated in the publishing of the “Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration for Climate,” which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, alongside 28 other religious leaders. Additionally, the Council organized the first-ever Faith Pavilion in the history of COP conferences at COP28, providing a global platform that brought together religious leaders, environmental experts, academics, and representatives of youth, women, and indigenous peoples to explore the best ways to preserve planet Earth and protect its natural resources.

Discussion of the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts in combating climate change during the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar’s meeting with the President of Azerbaijan

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has today met Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to discuss enhancing mutual relations and cooperation.

During the meeting, His Eminence affirmed his readiness to increase efforts in training imams and preachers from Azerbaijan through a tailor-made program for Azerbaijan’s unique characteristics and aspirations. His Eminence also emphasized the importance of achieving Islamic solidarity, which is one of the challenges facing the Muslim community today. He also stressed that Islamic unity is the only way for Muslims to regain their significant position in the new global order.

The Grand Imam expressed his willingness to elevate cooperation with Azerbaijan at all levels, including collaboration with the Administration of Muslims of the Caucasus under Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh’s leadership. He also proposed establishing a center for Arabic language education in Baku to serve Azerbaijani Muslims in learning the language of the Holy Quran. His Eminence also highlighted the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders and the important initiatives in collaboration with Azerbaijan during COP29, looking forward to more initiatives and enhanced cooperation between Azerbaijan, Al-Azhar, and the Muslim Council of Elders.

For his part, President Aliyev expressed his pleasure at meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam, while emphasizing Azerbaijan’s readiness to enhance mutual cooperation for Islamic unity. He noted Azerbaijan’s practical efforts to strengthen relations and coordination among Islamic nations by adopting a strategy to bring Islamic nations closer.  

President Aliyev also noted that Azerbaijan has hosted several events to promote religious diversity and enhance dialogue between cultures and religions. He highlighted that Muslims in Azerbaijan live in stability and peace alongside fellow citizens from other religions, which makes Azerbaijan a model of coexistence among different faiths and cultures.

The President of Azerbaijan also extended an official invitation to His Eminence the Grand Imam to visit Azerbaijan and participate in COP29, as well as to hold meetings with representatives of various religious bodies in Azerbaijan. His Eminence welcomed the invitation and expressed his hope that COP29 would be successful and lead Azerbaijan towards further development and prosperity. He emphasized the importance of coordination between global decision-makers and religious leaders, particularly regarding the climate change crisis and humanitarian challenges, especially during this chaotic global period when the roles of major international institutions have diminished.

President Aliyev was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hikmet Hajiyev, Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan; His Eminence Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and spiritual leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus; Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations in Azerbaijan; and Dr. Elkhan Polukhov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Egypt.