NEWS

The Muslim Council of Elders took part in the unveiling of “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth,” a document inspired by Islamic principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. This significant event occurred during the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 26 to March 1. The assembly convened under the theme “Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”

“Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” serves as a collective expression of the Islamic community’s stance on environmental issues. It encourages Muslims worldwide to integrate sustainability into their daily lives and collaborate in safeguarding our shared home, planet Earth. The document’s importance is underscored by its encapsulation of fundamental Islamic values and principles concerning the environment, as well as the widespread consensus it has garnered. The Muslim Council of Elders has actively supported the document, following its contribution to the review of its contents.

The document underscores a range of principles aimed at environmental preservation, sustainable development, and environmental justice, drawing inspiration from Islamic teachings that emphasize the interconnectedness of all creatures and the imperative to safeguard the planet for future generations.

In her address at the document’s launch, Her Excellency Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in the Kingdom of Morocco, lauded the substantial efforts of over 300 institutions and individuals in bringing “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” to fruition. She pointed out that this trailblazing document and its endorsed principles are intended to act as a guiding framework for living in harmony with nature.

Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Environment Programme and Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, remarked that “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth,” while deeply rooted in Islamic spiritual teachings, finely balances faith and reason. It reassures believers that religion does not constrain science. He further stated that the document serves as the Islamic equivalent to the papal encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.” He also praised the Muslim Council of Elders for organizing the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Action in Abu Dhabi and the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic first in the history of the Conference of the Parties.

Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research affiliated with the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” is the outcome of a significant initiative launched as part of a strategy aiming to enhance the role of cultural and religious factors in environmental protection and sustainable development. He highlighted that the release of Al-Mizan, as a covenant for the Earth, alongside various partners, showcases the importance of culture and religion in driving behavioral change, a crucial element in environmental action, alongside scientific and technical solutions, legal frameworks, institutional initiatives, and policies at various levels.

Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research added that the Muslim Council of Elders’ collaboration in preparing and announcing this document stems from its commitment to addressing all issues impacting human peace across different domains. This commitment led to the creation of the document known as The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change, a document that reflects the Council’s vision for environmental issues, drawing inspiration from religious values to outline the role of scholars and wise men in addressing its risks, with climate change being a primary concern. The Call of Conscience was signed by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, along with 38 religious leaders and figures during the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Change held in Abu Dhabi last November. Additionally, the Muslim Council of Elders, in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme, organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic first in the history of the Conference of the Parties.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Samir Boudinar stated that this pivotal moment of announcing “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” ushers in a new phase of work to support the document’s principles, necessitating increased cooperation and expanded partnerships with all voices advocating for the role of faith. It also calls for the activation of spiritual and moral values in transforming human awareness and behavior, and enhancing responsibility towards the environment and commitment to sustainability.

The launch of Al-Mizan document saw participation from several Islamic and international institutions, including the Muslim Council of Elders, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the UNEP’s Faith for Earth Initiative, the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES), as well as Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Qur’anic Botanic Garden in Qatar, Üsküdar University in Turkey, and Embrace the Earth organization.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, vehemently denounces the two terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso. One attack targeted a mosque in the east of the country, resulting in the deaths of dozens, most of whom were men gathered for prayer. The second attack struck a Catholic church in the north during a mass, killing at least 15 people and injuring others.

The Muslim Council of Elders reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of attacks on places of worship, a heinous crime that violates the teachings of all religions, divine laws, and international conventions, laws, and norms advocating for respect for others’ beliefs and sanctities, criminalizing assaults on places of worship, and demanding the protection of innocent civilians’ lives.

The Council extends its deepest condolences to the government and people of Burkina Faso and the families of the victims, praying to Allah, the Almighty, to grant them patience and solace and to provide a swift recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met on Tuesday with His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. Both parties discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity, emphasizing the importance of culture in instilling the values of peace and human coexistence among peoples and societies. During the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the outstanding initiatives undertaken by the Department, especially the UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi in February. He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s pivotal role as a global cultural beacon rich in diversity, hosting numerous cultural events and institutions, including the Abrahamic Family House. He pointed out that this unique edifice serves as a global platform for dialogue and convergence among different religions and cultures, in light of the various cultural, intellectual, and religious initiatives and activities it organizes. For his part, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak commended the distinguished efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, which have contributed over the past ten years to spreading and promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence at various levels, especially in the field of interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He confirmed that the coming period would witness further joint cooperation between the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi and the Muslim Council of Elders to launch many constructive future initiatives aimed at enhancing the values of dialogue, communication, and peaceful coexistence.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, received His Excellency Sharifi Bahodur Mahmudzoda, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United Arab Emirates, at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. They affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation in interfaith dialogue and activating the role of youth in creating global peace.

During the meeting, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the Council’s keen interest in strengthening communication bridges with Muslim communities, especially in Central Asia. He pointed out that the Council’s regional office in this area is committed to fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, particularly among the youth.

For his part, His Excellency Sharifi Bahodur Mahmudzoda congratulated the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders on the opening of the Council’s regional office in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. He praised the Council’s leading role in promoting peace and effective communication with Muslims in Central Asia and expressed his country’s readiness to enhance cooperation in various future programs and initiatives.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Mr. José Ramos-Horta, President of East Timor, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in spreading the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

During the meeting, both parties explored mechanisms to expand the application of the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This includes promoting awareness and mutual understanding among different religions and sects.

The President of the Republic of East Timor emphasized that the implementation of the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity represents the sole correct path to establishing a global society based on peace, justice, and humanity. He lauded the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence the Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in fostering civilizational and religious communication, peaceful coexistence, and understanding among diverse cultures and peoples.

President Ramos-Horta expressed appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for its leading efforts in spreading and promoting global peace and coexistence.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted the importance of developing a shared vision that embodies the principles of human fraternity and translates them into tangible initiatives and projects to address humanitarian crises. He commended East Timor’s actions under President Ramos-Horta’s leadership, including the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity as a national document and its integration into various educational curricula.

The Secretary-General congratulated the President of East Timor on the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization, wishing the Republic of East Timor, its leadership, and its people further development, progress, and prosperity.

At the meeting’s conclusion, both parties agreed on the necessity of concerted international and regional efforts to face global challenges that impede achieving peace and coexistence. They reaffirmed the significance of religious leaders and organizations in disseminating tolerance and human fraternity values and enhancing dialogue and communication between cultures and peoples.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Indonesia and the Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of East Timor, and Her Excellency Sheikha Khulood Al Qassimi, Advisor to the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, extended his congratulations to the 2024 winners of the ‘Makers of Hope’ initiative, praising the significant accomplishments of the initiative in fostering noble human values, encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism, and enhancing the lives of numerous individuals across the Arab world.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam affirmed that the enlightened leadership of the United Arab Emirates has set a global example with its extraordinary support for charitable and humanitarian endeavors. He highlighted that the ‘Arab Makers of Hope’ award, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has become a beacon of inspiration in the Arab world, demonstrating the power of human endeavor to bring about positive societal change.

The Secretary-General commended the awardees for their commitment to serving their communities and implementing humanitarian projects that have made a tangible impact on people’s lives. He emphasized that with a combination of determination, perseverance, and diligent effort, achieving the impossible becomes feasible.

The ‘Arab Makers of Hope’ is a humanitarian and community-focused initiative designed to recognize and honor individuals in the Arab world who are dedicated to spreading hope, promoting generosity, and effecting positive change in the lives of those around them.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with the Chairman of the Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and Intercivilization Dialogue, His Excellency Bulat Sarsenbayev. The meeting focused on ways to enhance cooperation in the field of interfaith dialogue and strengthen efforts to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and human fraternity. Both sides emphasized the importance of the role of religions in enhancing human coexistence.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the Muslim Council of Elders’ strong belief in the importance of interfaith dialogue as the only way to establish global peace and stability. He expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan’s leading efforts in fostering interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue and promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and human connections among peoples.

For his part, His Excellency Bulat Sarsenbayev praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders under the leadership of His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for cooperating with religious leaders and figures from around the world. He noted that this cooperation contributes to promoting a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence on a wide scale. He also expressed his eagerness to develop a partnership with the Council and coordinate joint efforts in areas that enhance human fraternity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with the Chairman of the Kazakh Senate, Mäulen Äşimbaev, in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, to discuss prospects for mutual cooperation to enhance global interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized that coordinating the efforts of religious leaders and figures would greatly help overcome the world’s most pressing challenges. They expressed their desire for further cooperation between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in the Republic of Kazakhstan, aiming to implement several future joint projects.

The Secretary-General highlighted that the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions hosted by Kazakhstan has become a global platform for promoting dialogue and understanding among different religious leaders and figures. He further praised the support of the Chairman of the Senate and the Congress’ Secretary-General in Kazakhstan for establishing an office for the Muslim Council of Elders in Astana. This office aims to spread its message aimed at promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

In turn, His Excellency Dr. Mäulen Äşimbaev praised the leading role played by the Muslim Council of Elders over the past ten years in promoting a culture of peace, unity, and religious tolerance. He congratulated the Council on the success of the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Action it organized in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency last November and the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP28 for the first time in the history of COP meetings.

His Excellency Dr. Äşimbaev thanked the United Arab Emirates for its support in opening the office of the Muslim Council of Elders in Astana, which he considered an important event with great significance for the Central Asia region, praising the strong relations between the two countries.

The Kazakh Senate Chairman affirmed that the principles of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions align with the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders. He further noted that the future will see further cooperation with the Council in developing the potential of spiritual diplomacy for peaceful solutions and overcoming current global challenges.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the roots of moderation and its authenticity are found in the divine religions and the symbols of human wisdom, which require mechanisms for their implementation. He highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders is actively working to promote the values of moderation, human fraternity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, in addition to strengthening the role of religious leaders and figures in addressing pressing issues that significantly affect humanity.

In his speech during the opening session of the International Conference on the Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance, which commenced today under the theme “Bridging Civilizations and Fostering Diversity,” Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam stated that the conference aims to explore ways to enhance understanding and cooperation among different civilizations through a scientific and academic approach in Abu Dhabi. The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, has become a global beacon for the values of moderation, coexistence, and human fraternity. It has adopted moderation as a guiding principle and human fraternity as a deeply ingrained value, as evidenced by the pioneering global document in this field, the Document on Human Fraternity. This document was sponsored and hosted for signing on its hospitable land by two global religious figures, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Secretary-General added that the signing of this document was a major milestone in launching a large number of leading global humanitarian initiatives. He pointed out that the Principles of the 50 adopted by the UAE to serve as a reference guiding the country to improve the quality of life for its citizens affirm the entrenched values and noble principles advocated by the Document on Human Fraternity. Moreover, the Abrahamic Family House, which is hosted on its land, sends civilizational messages in these challenging times and affirms that religions came to bring happiness to humanity across their various contents and laws.

The Secretary-General added that the signing of this document was a major milestone in launching a large number of leading global humanitarian initiatives. He pointed out that the Principles of the 50, adopted by the UAE as a guiding reference to improve the quality of life for its citizens, affirm the entrenched values and noble principles advocated by the Document on Human Fraternity. Moreover, the Abrahamic Family House, hosted on its land, sends civilizational messages in these challenging times and affirms that religions aim to bring happiness to humanity across their diverse teachings and laws.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam praised the efforts of the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, led by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, in promoting the values and culture of peaceful coexistence, acceptance of others, and human fraternity.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: The Muslim Council of Elders has a clear vision and a practical plan for engaging qualitatively in collective thinking and dialogue on pressing global issues.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted the critical role of interfaith and civilizational dialogue in enhancing awareness among peoples and communities about intellectual security and global peace. He noted that the Council, in line with its vision for the upcoming phase, is dedicated to actively engaging in thoughtful dialogue and collaborative thinking on the most important and pressing global issues. These issues, recognized globally as having paramount importance, require collective efforts to address their challenges, including global peace through various levels of religious dialogue, climate change, and ethical and intellectual challenges.

During his video address at the international symposium organized by Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy in cooperation with the Nursultan Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue in the Republic of Kazakhstan, titled “The Importance of Interfaith and Civilizational Dialogue in Promoting Awareness of Intellectual Security and Global Peace,” the MCE’s Secretary-General stated that this vision, reflected in the Council’s action plan for interfaith dialogue, aims to build upon its previous achievements. One of the most notable achievements is the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by two prominent religious figures: His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This historic event, attended by religious leaders from around the world, led the United Nations to designate February 4th, the day the Document on Human Fraternity was signed, as the International Day of Human Fraternity. Another significant milestone was the launch of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which has become one of the most prestigious global awards in dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam noted that the previous phase, specifically following the meeting of the General Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, was marked by the Muslim Council of Elders undertaking a wide array of extensive activities. The Council inaugurated its regional office in the Kazakh capital, Astana, a city regarded as a cultural nexus steeped in the values of peace, dialogue, and coexistence. He also highlighted that the Council organized the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the unique historical declaration known as “The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change.” This statement served as a global spiritual and ethical charter in the field of climate change, signed by representatives from over 40 religious leaders and figures worldwide. Following this Summit, the Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28, a first in the history of the Conference of the Parties. This Pavilion was a unique platform for discussions on climate and sustainable development issues, hosting 70 dialogues with participation from more than 300 representatives of various religions and denominations from around the world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders concluded his speech by reiterating the Council’s commitment to advancing its vision in the realm of interfaith dialogue. This includes exploring new avenues of cooperation among religions to address shared global challenges and risks, through ongoing partnerships with institutions aligned with this mission. Furthermore, His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam praised Al-Azhar’s efforts and contributions and the hosting of this dialogue session by Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy. He emphasized that this symposium offered a platform for exchanging ideas that strengthen interfaith relations and improve the management of these relationships.

The dialogue symposium was attended by a distinguished group of leaders in interfaith dialogue and academics from both within and outside Egypt. Participants included Prof. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University; Dr. Nazir Ayad, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy; Dr. Nahla El-Saidi, Advisor to the Grand Imam on Foreign Student Delegations and Expatriate Affairs; Mr. Bulat Sarsenbayev, Chairman of the Board of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue in Kazakhstan; and numerous thinkers, researchers, and academics.