NEWS

Secretary-General of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy Praises the Enlightened Vision of the Muslim Council of Elders in Renewing Islamic Sciences

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders held its final seminar at the 29th International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat, titled “Possibilities for Renewing Theology Through Personal Experience.” The seminar featured Dr. Nazir Ayad, Secretary-General of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy, and was moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. The seminar covered many important topics, highlighting the potential for renewing theology by exploring personal experiences and modern approaches in this field.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Nazir Ayad praised the pioneering efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in supporting the field of theological heritage, through an enlightened vision and a renewed approach that considers contemporary needs. He emphasized that renewing theology is a vital necessity and a human, civilizational, and Islamic requirement, and a duty for those concerned with, associated with, and working in this field.

Dr. Ayad explained that theology encompasses the entire religion in terms of “principles” and “branches.” He noted that His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the  Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, clarified that jurisprudence involves understanding religion, consisting of two parts: one related to matters of creed or principles, and the other related to practical matters or subsidiary issues, which is jurisprudence in its generally known sense. He pointed out that theological heritage needs to be developed and built upon by renewing the science, including its methods, tools, ways of presenting, and engaging with the rich theological heritage.

Dr. Nazir Ayad further emphasized that discussing the renewal of theology does not mean neglecting the theological heritage, belittling it, or undermining it. Rather, it involves engaging with this heritage through reading, research, analysis, criticism, and comprehension to serve as a foundation for new construction that keeps pace with modern developments. He stressed that the current reality necessitates revisiting traditional theological topics and addressing new issues that require renewed consideration.

In conclusion, Dr. Ayad highlighted that throughout its long history, theology has been one of the pillars of Islamic civilization, fostering intellectual openness and engagement through the intellectual debates between Muslims and others, thereby enriching the values of peaceful coexistence and human thought.

For his part, Dr. Samir Boudinar added that the topic of renewing theology is a current issue that captures the interest of the Muslim Council of Elders due to the urgent need to renew religious thought in general and theology in particular to address modern intellectual and knowledge challenges and to adapt to contemporary developments.

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat, which took place from May 9 to 19. The pavilion presented over 220 publications in five different languages, including 22 new releases addressing major intellectual and cultural issues. Additionally, it hosted various seminars that dealt with various issues related to tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity.

In cooperation with various institutions in Pakistan – Muslim Council of Elders launches the second edition of the Azadi Fellowship Programme to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence

Muslim Council of Elders supports coexistence and counters extremism through the Azadi Fellowship Programme in Pakistan

As part of its ongoing initiatives to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the second session of the Azadi Fellowship Programme, held in Islamabad, Pakistan, from May 17 to 25. The participation is in collaboration with the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA), the Islamic Research Institute, the International Islamic University, the Paigham-e-Pakistan Centre for CVE, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (KPCECVE), the National Endowment for Democracy, and the Resala organization in Pakistan.

This year, the program aims to engage 25 young men and women from various sects and religious beliefs to instill a culture of religious and cultural dialogue, support efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, and combat hate speech and extremism. It also addresses the challenges of global peacebuilding through educational lectures and workshops focusing on the values of tolerance, communication, and mutual respect. The program seeks to develop effective strategies to overcome social and cultural issues in societies with diverse cultural, social, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

The list of speakers includes several officials, ambassadors, thinkers, and religious leaders, such as the French Ambassador to Pakistan His Excellency Nicolas Galey, U.S. Consul General Shante Moore from the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, and Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute in Islamabad. The program will also feature over 100 religious leaders, intellectuals, and advocates for the promotion and reinforcement of values of human fraternity and tolerance.

The week-long program includes interactive dialogue sessions focusing on various topics such as addressing the challenges of multiculturalism to achieve coexistence in diverse societies, conflict resolution techniques to manage crises and overcome increasing violence, hate speech, and extremism while enhancing the capacity and resilience of youth to face contemporary global challenges. Additionally, it will explore academic and community pathways necessary to reinforce efforts aimed at establishing values of understanding, peace, human fraternity, and mutual respect.

The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to empowering future generations in order to contribute to the promotion of tolerance, peace, and peaceful coexistence among different cultures and religions. The Council aims to achieve this trough various initiatives and projects such as the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the Human Fraternity Fellowship Programme, the Ethics Education Fellowship Programme, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of youth in peacebuilding for a better future for humanity.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: The Muslim Council of Elders is Committed to Studying and Exploring the Dimensions of Peace and Violence in Different Societies and Nations, and Ways to Achieve Stability and Peace

Dr. Abdulrahim Elatri Praises the Pioneering Efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in Promoting Values of Peace, Tolerance, and Coexistence

Bilal Al-Khroubi: The Book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding” Addresses the Topic of Violence and Peace with Depth and Comprehensiveness, Providing an Integrated Vision and Rigorous Scientific Methodology

The Pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the 29th International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat organized a seminar titled “Issues of Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding.” The seminar was presented by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, Dr. Abdulrahim Elatri, Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the Faculty of Letters and Humanities in Rabat, and Bilal Al-Khroubi, a researcher in contemporary history. The discussion focused on the book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding,” one of the council’s latest publications in 2024.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar emphasized that promoting peace among nations and peoples is one of the main issues that the Muslim Council of Elders focuses on. The council is dedicated to supporting efforts aimed at studying and analyzing the various factors and dimensions that hinder peace and developing effective strategies for establishing stability and lasting peace. He pointed out that identifying the causes leading to violence, including its determinants and components, is a crucial step in creating societies based on the concept of peace and rejecting violence.

Dr. Abdulrahim Elatri praised the pioneering efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, particularly through research projects and initiatives that focus on the concept of “integrated knowledge” in addressing various issues and topics related to peace and combating violence and extremism. He noted that the book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding” has contributed to clarifying many concepts, ideas, and perspectives, and has brought together all research disciplines in addressing the concepts of violence and peace.

Likewise, researcher Bilal Al-Khroubi explained that knowledge is essential for understanding the different dimensions of the concepts of violence and peace, and the close connection between various disciplines in this field. He stressed that comprehending the concept of peace in its entirety requires approaching it with multiple knowledge methodologies and theories that blend social, psychological, and historical aspects. Therefore, the book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding” addresses the topics of violence and peace with depth and comprehensiveness, providing an integrated vision based on a rigorous scientific methodology, making it an important reference for researchers and those interested in this field.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat, with over 220 editions in 5 different languages, including 22 new releases that address the most important intellectual and cultural issues. Additionally, the council is organizing a number of discussion and seminars with the participation of scholars, thinkers, writers, intellectuals, academics, and university professors. This stems from the council’s vision and its mission aimed at promoting peace and fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. The council’s pavilion is located at booth C18 at the OLM Souissi site in Rabat.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: The Muslim Council of Elders is Committed to Studying and Exploring the Dimensions of Peace and Violence in Different Societies and Nations, and Ways to Achieve Stability and Peace

Dr. Abdulrahim Elatri Praises the Pioneering Efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in Promoting Values of Peace, Tolerance, and Coexistence

Bilal Al-Khroubi: The Book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding” Addresses the Topic of Violence and Peace with Depth and Comprehensiveness, Providing an Integrated Vision and Rigorous Scientific Methodology

The Pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the 29th International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat organized a seminar titled “Issues of Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding.” The seminar was presented by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, Dr. Abdulrahim Elatri, Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the Faculty of Letters and Humanities in Rabat, and Bilal Al-Khroubi, a researcher in contemporary history. The discussion focused on the book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding,” one of the council’s latest publications in 2024.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar emphasized that promoting peace among nations and peoples is one of the main issues that the Muslim Council of Elders focuses on. The council is dedicated to supporting efforts aimed at studying and analyzing the various factors and dimensions that hinder peace and developing effective strategies for establishing stability and lasting peace. He pointed out that identifying the causes leading to violence, including its determinants and components, is a crucial step in creating societies based on the concept of peace and rejecting violence.

Dr. Abdulrahim Elatri praised the pioneering efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, particularly through research projects and initiatives that focus on the concept of “integrated knowledge” in addressing various issues and topics related to peace and combating violence and extremism. He noted that the book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding” has contributed to clarifying many concepts, ideas, and perspectives, and has brought together all research disciplines in addressing the concepts of violence and peace.

Likewise, researcher Bilal Al-Khroubi explained that knowledge is essential for understanding the different dimensions of the concepts of violence and peace, and the close connection between various disciplines in this field. He stressed that comprehending the concept of peace in its entirety requires approaching it with multiple knowledge methodologies and theories that blend social, psychological, and historical aspects. Therefore, the book “Violence and Peace: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding” addresses the topics of violence and peace with depth and comprehensiveness, providing an integrated vision based on a rigorous scientific methodology, making it an important reference for researchers and those interested in this field.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat, with over 220 editions in 5 different languages, including 22 new releases that address the most important intellectual and cultural issues. Additionally, the council is organizing a number of discussion and seminars with the participation of scholars, thinkers, writers, intellectuals, academics, and university professors. This stems from the council’s vision and its mission aimed at promoting peace and fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. The council’s pavilion is located at booth C18 at the OLM Souissi site in Rabat.

Muslim Council of Elders: Bahrain Declaration Reflects Arab Consensus on the Urgent Need to Halt Aggression on Gaza

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, commends the final statement (Bahrain Declaration) issued by the 33rd Arab Summit, held in the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama. The council emphasizes that the declaration reflects Arab consensus on the urgent need to halt aggression and lift the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, rejecting any attempts of forced displacement, affirming the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, and calling for an international peace conference under the auspices of the United Nations to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. 

The council appreciates the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for its efforts in launching several initiatives aimed at achieving peace and ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, as well as providing educational and healthcare services to those affected by conflicts and crises in the region, in cooperation and coordination between Bahrain and relevant organizations, and advancing Arab cooperation in the fields of financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Furthermore, the Muslim Council of Elders reaffirms its full support for all resolutions issued by the Arab Summit aimed at enhancing joint Arab action and finding effective solutions to all issues facing the Arab world. It also praises the final statement of the Arab Summit which calls on all nations of the world to promote the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity and to reject all forms of terrorism, extremism, hatred, sectarianism, racism, bigotry, and discrimination. Likewise, it strongly opposes any support for armed groups or militias operating outside the sovereignty of states that are pursuing or executing external agendas that conflict with the interests of Arab states. The council also underscores solidarity with all Arab nations in defending their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and protecting their national institutions against any external attempts at aggression, imposition of influence, undermining sovereignty, or compromising Arab interests.

Dr. Samir Boudinar: The Muslim Council of Elders is Keen on Offering Intellectual and Cultural Works that Contribute to Peacebuilding Among Nations and Different Communities

Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati Commends the Efforts and Initiatives of the Muslim Council of Elders and Its Leading Research Outputs in the Field of Peace Studies

Dr. Said Bentajar: The Book “Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance” Reveals Significant Paths that Contributed to the Development of Modern Political Philosophy in European Thought

The Pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the 29th International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat hosted a seminar titled “Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance.” The seminar was presented by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati, former Professor at the Faculty of Letters and Humanities in Rabat, and Dr. Said Bentajar, Professor of Philosophy and Logic at Hassan II University in Casablanca.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar pointed out that the book “Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance” by its author Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati is an important publication regarding the study of peace at the beginning of the European Renaissance. He emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders published this book as part of its mission to promote a culture of human fraternity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, shedding light on all intellectual and cultural publications contributing to the creation and construction of peace among nations and different communities.

Dr. Bennacer El Bouazzati praised the efforts and initiatives of the Muslim Council of Elders and its research in the field of peace studies, indicating that the idea for the book “Conceptualizing Peace During the European Renaissance” originated from a lecture organized by the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. He also provided historical insights into the emergence of the concept of “peace” among various philosophers in European history, starting from the Middle Ages, and the historical development of the concept of peace in European thought, illustrating the evolution that occurred in European thought from the fourth to the fourteenth century AD, and the debates and differences that accompanied this development.

Dr. Said Bentajar, Professor of Philosophy and Logic at Hassan II University in Casablanca, affirmed that the book reveals significant paths that contributed to the development of modern political philosophy in European thought, starting from the emergence of the concept of the “social contract.” He added that this book tracks the evolution of several concepts regarding the mechanisms of system development in Europe throughout history, as well as some discussions and heresies encountered by the concept of “peace” and the emergence of mental methodologies in thinking.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat, with over 220 editions in 5 different languages, including 22 new releases that address the most important intellectual and cultural issues. Additionally, the council is organizing a number of discussion and seminars with the participation of scholars, thinkers, writers, intellectuals, academics, and university professors. This stems from the council’s vision and its mission aimed at promoting peace and fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. The council’s pavilion is located at booth C18 at the OLM Souissi site in Rabat.

On the International Day of Living Together in Peace

Muslim Council of Elders: Our World Desperately Needs the Voice of Peace Instead of the Language of War and Conflicts Today

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that the values of peace and coexistence are fundamental pillars for achieving progress and prosperity in different nations and societies and that Islam urges the spread of peace among people, prohibits killing, bigotry, and discrimination, and commands equality in rights and duties, as well as preserving the dignity of every human being regardless of their color, race, or religion.

In a statement on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, observed on May 16 of each year, the Council emphasizes the urgent need for the voice of peace instead of the language of wars and conflicts witnessed in many regions around the world today. They firmly believe that tolerance and goodwill are inherent core values rooted in human nature, and that peace is the optimal and sole choice for building a promising future for coming generations, characterized by dignified living and stability without any religious, racial, or cultural divisions.

The statement highlighted that since its inception, the Muslim Council of Elders has been committed to fostering and promoting a culture of peace, acceptance, and respect for others, as well as confronting extremist ideologies and all forms of hatred, bigotry, and discrimination. It has also worked on implementing and launching various pioneering initiatives and projects, including the East-West dialogues culminating in the signing of the Human Fraternity Document by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Additionally, the Council initiated International Peace Convoys that traversed continents, holding numerous religious seminars, intellectual meetings, and scientific lectures aimed at correcting misconceptions and urging Muslims to positively integrate into their societies and immunize them against falling into the traps of extremist and terrorist groups. Moreover, the Council launched the Emerging Peacemakers Forum and the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program to equip a new generation of young people to become leaders in peacebuilding and enhancing peaceful coexistence in the future. It also organized and hosted more than 10 international conferences discussing issues related to the dissemination and consolidation of a culture of peace and coexistence.

The Pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair Welcomes Intellectual and Cultural Figures, Commending the Council’s Efforts to Promote and Enhance the Values of Tolerance and Coexistence

For the sixth consecutive day, the Pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Rabat International Publishung and Book Fair has witnessed significant turnout from all segments of Moroccan society, including intellectuals, writers, academics, students, and researchers who have praised the publications of Al Hokama Publishing for addressing the most pressing intellectual, cultural, religious, and humanitarian issues according to the enlightened moderate approach, in addition to their role in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.

Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities, expressed his happiness during his visit to the Pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders, with the council’s participation in various prominent international forums and platforms. He appreciated the council’s presentation of important intellectual publications that revive the Islamic intellectual and cultural heritage and promote a culture of peace, human fraternity, communal living, and the dissemination of values of love and goodness.

Similarly, El Mustafa Al-Razrazi, head of the Moroccan Observatory on Extremism and Violence, praised the qualitative participation of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair during his visit to the Pavilion. He appreciated the council’s publications that enrich the Islamic and Arabic libraries in the fields of peace and building bridges of communication and mutual understanding with others.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat, with over 220 editions in 5 different languages, including 22 new releases that address the most important intellectual and cultural issues. Additionally, the council is organizing a number of discussion and seminars with the participation of scholars, thinkers, writers, intellectuals, academics, and university professors. This stems from the council’s vision and its mission aimed at promoting peace and fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. The council’s pavilion is located at booth C18 at the OLM Souissi site in Rabat.

Minister of Political Affairs of Sierra Leone Extends an Official Invitation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Visit His Nation

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Amara Kallon, the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone, along with a high-level delegation to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

His Eminence the Grand Imam warmly welcomed the Sierra Leonean Minister and the accompanying delegation to Al-Azhar, expressing his esteem for Sierra Leone. He also expressed readiness to establish a center for teaching the Arabic language in Sierra Leone, to serve the people in learning the language of the Holy Quran and studying Islamic sciences, preparing students aspiring to join Al-Azhar University, increasing scholarships offered to Sierra Leoneans, and training imams from Sierra Leone according to a specialized academic curriculum designed to enhance their skills in refuting misconceptions about Islam and promoting values of tolerance and coexistence.

The Sierra Leonean Minister conveyed greetings from the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, and his appreciation for His Eminence’s efforts in promoting values of coexistence and dialogue. He thanked His Eminence for continuous support to Sierra Leoneans through Al-Azhar’s envoys in their country and for sponsoring Sierra Leonean students studying at Al-Azhar, who, upon graduation, contribute to the development of their country, holding leadership positions in various institutions and organizations.

The Sierra Leonean Minister extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to visit Sierra Leone, stating that the Sierra Leonean people eagerly await this visit. He also welcomed His Eminence’s proposal to train imams from Sierra Leone at Al-Azhar, to enhance their skills in addressing contemporary issues and to create religious leaders capable of educating youth and raising their awareness to contribute to the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.