NEWS

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that human trafficking is one of the most challenging issues facing the international community in the modern era. Individuals are exploited for various purposes, including forced labor, crime, begging, and more. This necessitates unifying international efforts to combat this dangerous phenomenon that violates human dignity and subjects millions of people to suffering and exploitation.

In a statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which falls on July 30th each year, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that all divine religions urge us to respect human rights and preserve human dignity, regardless of gender, religion, or race. Allah says in the Noble Qur’an: “Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures” (Al-Isra: 70). The Council called for increasing awareness of the dangers of human trafficking and the necessity of protecting the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children, refugees, the displaced, and those who have lost their homes and shelters. It also emphasized the necessity of providing victims with psychological, social, and legal support to ensure their reintegration into society in a manner befitting their human dignity.

The statement pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, confirmed that Allah created all humans equal in rights, duties, and dignity. The Document called for living as brothers to build the earth and spread the values of goodness, amity, and peace. It also called for the protection of the rights of migrants, displaced persons, and all victims of wars, persecution, and injustice, as well as the weak, the frightened, the prisoners, and the tortured without exclusion or discrimination.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Constantinople, in Istanbul, Turkey. The discussion focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in promoting and fostering the values of tolerance, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue, as well as its role in combating hate speech and addressing global challenges.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam praised the role of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in promoting interfaith dialogue, particularly concerning climate change and combating hate. He expressed his appreciation for His Holiness’s efforts in spreading a culture of understanding and mutual respect, stating that this meeting reflects the spirit of cooperation and understanding between religions and cultures that the Muslim Council of Elders aims to establish. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working with all active parties worldwide to promote peace and counter all forms of extremism, hatred, racism, intolerance, and discrimination.

Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted that true friendship, especially among those dedicated to humanity and striving for genuine peace, can overcome challenges and obstacles. He referenced the global model of fraternal relations between His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Justin Welby. Among the fruits of these efforts are the Human Fraternity Document in Abu Dhabi, considered the most significant in modern human history, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement on Climate,” the Al-Azhar Global Citizenship Declaration, the Bahrain Dialogue Forum between East and West, and other important initiatives.

For his part, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I expressed his appreciation for the efforts of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb in solidifying the values of coexistence and human fraternity, building bridges of communication and understanding between religions, and the active role played by the Muslim Council of Elders on various levels to reinforce the culture of diversity, pluralism, and acceptance and respect for others. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts to deepen religious and cultural dialogue and expressed his eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Council to address the common challenges that hinder peace and stability in societies.

During the meeting, His All-Holiness congratulated the Council on its tenth anniversary, acknowledging the significant steps it has taken in its first decade to promote the spirit of tolerance, love, and fraternity among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity. He expressed his hopes for continued success and further achievements in collaboration with the Council in the coming period.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, condemns the terrorist attack that took place in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, resulting in the death and injury of several people.

The Muslim Council of Elders firmly rejects such terrorist acts, which are contrary to the teachings of Islam, all divine religions, international laws, and norms. The Council calls for coordinated efforts to eliminate and uproot this heinous terrorism.

The Council expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of Somalia, as well as to the families of the victims. It prays to Almighty Allah to grant mercy to the deceased and a swift recovery to the injured.

His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, received His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in the United Arab Emirates, and His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. The meeting took place at His Eminence’s residence in Abu Dhabi shortly before his departure to Cairo, with the presence of His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

During the meeting, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the importance of adhering to the rich heritage of the Muslim nation, filled with sciences and knowledge that once formed a great Islamic civilization that continues to contribute to global advancements in various fields. He highlighted the importance of harnessing the treasures of Islamic heritage, promoting its understanding, and exploring diverse intellectual schools of thought and following the approach that does not contradict the principles of our religion. He affirmed that Islamic civilization was built on openness to others, away from extremism and insularity. His Eminence further called for coordinated efforts between the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the Muslim Council of Elders to reinforce shared human values, establish a culture of coexistence, civilizational dialogue, and human fraternity, and protect the youth against extremist ideologies while instilling in them the values of ethics and allegiance to their homelands.

Both H.E. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei and H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri expressed their deep admiration and respect for His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, appreciating his profound knowledge and efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and fostering values of peace, dialogue, and human coexistence. They affirmed their eagerness to advance scientific, knowledge-based, and Islamic teaching cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders to promote the benevolence of Islam and counteract extremist ideologies, fostering values of justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and was received by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al-Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

His Eminence proceeded to the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God rest his soul, where he recited the Fatiha and prayed for mercy and forgiveness for him, remembering his legacy and wise approach that fostered a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among different peoples of the world.

His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed that Sheikh Zayed, God rest his soul, was a unique example of a wise leader whose vision made the UAE a model of development, progress, preservation of religion, and values. He also left a rich legacy in supporting charitable and humanitarian work, significantly contributing to establishing a culture of tolerance and coexistence through his honorable deeds and positions.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the civilizational message of the mosque, advocating coexistence and tolerance and openness to others; emanating from the virtues and values of the founding father, and the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in promoting the tolerant Islamic culture and advancing civilizational communication among different cultures and peoples worldwide.

Accompanying His Eminence the Grand Imam during the visit were His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, and His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, asserts that youth are the cornerstone of achieving progress and development. The Council calls for the empowerment of young people and the enhancement of their skills through scientific and intellectual training, providing them with human values, and giving them opportunities for active participation, expression of their opinions, and support for their constructive initiatives and ideas, contributing to a better future.

In a statement marking World Youth Skills Day, which is observed annually on July 15, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the need to expand cooperation between governments, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and others to support efforts aimed at equipping young people with the skills necessary for creativity and innovation. The Council, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, places great importance on empowering youth and developing their abilities to face global challenges, recognizing the active role of youth in fostering peace, enhancing human coexistence, and building bridges of communication and dialogue with others.

Likewise, the Muslim Council of Elders is deeply committed to supporting youth and developing their skills and abilities to strengthen their role in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. This commitment is demonstrated through various initiatives such as the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” which provides a platform for dialogue among youth aged 18 to 30, enabling them to launch national and regional projects related to peacebuilding and promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity. Additionally, the “Human Fraternity Dialogues” aims to introduce university students to the values of human fraternity, creating an international network and platform for students worldwide to share creative ideas for fostering interfaith and intercultural solidarity within communities. Other initiatives include the “Ethics Education Fellowship,” which seeks to integrate human and ethical values into educational curricula, and the “Azadi Fellowship Program” in Islamabad, which aims to establish a culture of religious and cultural dialogue, support efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence, combat hate speech and extremism, and address global peacebuilding challenges. These efforts reflect the Council’s belief in the crucial role of youth in nation-building and community development.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, at his residence in Abu Dhabi to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in supporting the causes of the Ummah and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He praised the initiatives and efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan in this regard, highlighting the close cooperation between the Ministry of Tolerance and the Muslim Council of Elders in consolidating common human values, fostering a culture of coexistence and civilizational dialogue, and the importance of shielding the youth against extremist ideologies, while instilling values, ethics, and loyalty to the nation.

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Grand Imam, which have significantly contributed to showcasing the moderation and tolerance of Islam, countering extremism and terrorism, correcting misconceptions, and fostering constructive engagement with Muslims worldwide. He commended the importance of the Grand Imam’s visit to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and the “Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace” initiative announced during his visit to Indonesia. He affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of the Grand Imam, greatly contributes to promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan also congratulated the Grand Imam on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders. In turn, the Grand Imam presented the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence with a special edition of the commemorative medal marking the 10th anniversary of the Council’s founding.

The meeting was also attended by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

ABU DHABI, 12th July, 2024 (WAM) – UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received His Eminence Professor Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, His Highness welcomed Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, wishing him good health and a successful visit to his second home, the UAE.

The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between relevant entities in the UAE and both Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to consolidate shared human values and promote a culture of coexistence, civilised dialogue, and peace among various cultures and peoples worldwide based on the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting also discussed the Muslim Council of Elders initiative titled Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace, established in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia, which aims to strengthen the role of religious scholars and leaders in supporting global development and peace efforts.

Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

His Highness commended the Grand Imam’s significant efforts in spreading the message of understanding and human coexistence, as well as in fostering a culture of mutual respect. He also praised the pivotal role of Al-Azhar in presenting the true image of Islam and maintaining its benevolent and peaceful message.

The Grand Imam praised the initiatives and charitable efforts of His Highness supporting regional and global peace and development. He also highlighted His Highness’ humanitarian approach, which focuses on human development and empowerment worldwide.

The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s commitment to Islamic issues, continuing its historical support for its brothers, especially the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people at various levels.

His Eminence highlighted Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts in promoting values of peace, coexistence, and human fraternity, as well as combating hate speech and extremism and supporting the role of religious scholars and leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs;Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; and Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Teachers and students at Darunnajah Islamic Institutes in Indonesia to His Eminence the Grand Imam: Your visit is a long-cherished dream and a historic moment we will always remember

­ Teachers and students at Dar Darunnajah Islamic Institutes in Indonesia: The Grand Imam has brought knowledge and enlightenment to Indonesia 

­ Director of Darunnajah Islamic Institutes in Indonesia announces naming of new building as ‘Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: Seeing the enlightened faces of the students today confirms that Islam has men and women capable of carrying its message

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif: Al-Azhar’s doors will remain open to all Indonesian students wishing to study there

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to the students: Pursue knowledge and do not succumb to extremist currents that confuse national with Ummah allegiance

­ His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to the students: Studying various schools of thought revives acceptance of others and openness to all cultures

Thousands of teachers and students at the Darunnajah Islamic Institutes (Darunnajah Nodern Pesantren) in Indonesia warmly welcomed His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb. They expressed their profound love and appreciation for His Eminence and their immense joy at his visit, emphasizing that this visit represented a long-cherished dream and a historic moment that they will always remember.

In his welcome address during the celebration titled “Al-Azhar and Its Civilizational Message in Islamic Advocacy and Education,” Dr. Sofwan Manaf, Director of Darunnajah Islamic Institutes, stated that the honor of hosting His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders was a significant and historic moment, long dreamed of by the institute’s founding father, who had always anticipated this visit. Today, the dream has come true. He noted that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is greatly loved and respected by all Indonesians and has been instrumental in preparing generations of scholars and jurists who uphold the banner of knowledge and moderation worldwide, affirming that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has always been and will continue to be the primary Islamic authority  for Muslims globally.

The director of Darunnajah Islamic Institutes confirmed that this visit serves as significant motivation for the institutes’ students and teachers to continue working toward preparing a new generation of Muslim preachers. He expressed his anticipation of opening more avenues of cooperation between Darunnajah Islamic Institutes and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, noting that the Grand Imam has brought knowledge and enlightenment. He also announced that a new building soon to be opened at the institute would be named ‘Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.’

In his speech, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, expressed his immense pleasure at seeing the enlightened faces of the students and faculty, stating that their presence today instilled in him a sense of the capability of Islam’s men and women to carry its message. He highlighted the exemplary dedication and commitment to ethics and academic excellence of Indonesian students studying at Al-Azhar, affirming that the doors of Al-Azhar will always remain open to all Indonesian students wishing to study there. Furthermore, he announced a number of Al-Azhar scholarships for students at the Darunnajah Islamic Institutes and university to encourage their continued excellence.

His Eminence urged the students to be diligent in their studies, stating, “Knowledge, then knowledge, then knowledge,” and highlighted their role as the core of the nation’s future scholars and bearers of its message. He stressed the importance of “loving one’s nation” and resisting extremist currents that try to conflate national allegiance with allegiance to the Ummah, with the intention of sowing division among Muslims. He called on students to engage with and study all schools of jurisprudence and science, advising against adherence to a single school of thought. His Eminence pointed out that studying various schools of thought  fosters acceptance of others and openness to all cultures.