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Integration of Jurisprudence and Science in the Service of Humanity – An Intellectual Seminar by the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair

ic jurisprudential sciences with modern scientific knowledge to advance human welfare and to build civilizational awareness grounded in a balance between religious values and contemporary needs. The discussion highlighted how such integration enhances human development and addresses modern challenges with a comprehensive vision.

In his remarks, Dr. Abbas Shoman emphasized the deep connection between Islamic law and all other sciences. He explained that religious and worldly sciences are inseparable and noted that issuing a legal opinion (fatwa) often requires reference to various other disciplines, such as economics and medicine. He added that jurisprudence may at times rely on the determinations of specialists in different scientific fields. Dr. Shoman also pointed to the Islamic Research Academy as a model of knowledge integration due to its diverse membership of experts in both religious and scientific fields, enabling the development of jurisprudence that is attentive to contemporary issues and developments.

For his part, Dr. Mahmoud Seddik stated that the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah call for the integration of different fields of knowledge. He referred to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) guidance in certain hadiths to prevent mixing between the sick and the healthy—an instruction that modern medical institutions endorse today to limit the spread of disease.

The Vice President of Al‑Azhar University explained that the life sciences, especially medical sciences, complement jurisprudential studies to ensure that human life can continue in a sound manner. He noted that the jurist sometimes sets boundaries for the physician’s decisions, just as the jurist needs the insights of medical and scientific specialists before issuing legal opinions. He explained that jurists at the Islamic Research Academy regularly consult specialists in medicine, genetics, economics, and other modern sciences and engage in extensive discussions with them before issuing fatwas or ruling on contemporary issues. This approach, he added, reflects the authenticity of Islamic thought and its openness to diverse fields of knowledge.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21 January to 3 February 2026 with a large selection of the Council’s distinguished publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and peaceful coexistence among all people.

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders is located next to the Al‑Azhar Pavilion in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

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Muslim Council of Elders Discusses Justice and the Judiciary in Islamic Law at the Cairo International Book Fair

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders held its fourth seminar at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, titled “Justice and the Judiciary in Islamic Law,” with the participation of Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Siraj, Professor and Head of the Islamic Studies Unit at the American University in Cairo.

The seminar, moderated by journalist Saad Al‑Matani, examined the ethical and jurisprudential foundations of the concept of justice in Islamic law, the role of the judiciary in upholding human values, safeguarding rights, and achieving balance between legal texts and higher objectives, within a scholarly framework that enhances legal awareness.

During the seminar, Dr. Mohamed Siraj affirmed that the Holy Qur’an sought to establish a legal and legislative system within societies by laying down the governing principles of that system, while leaving it to society to develop the mechanisms necessary to implement those principles. Foremost among these principles, he noted, is justice, which represents the primary axis from which many other principles emerge, such as equality and freedom of belief.

The Head of the Islamic Studies Unit at the American University in Cairo explained that throughout its history, the Islamic world developed a legal system rooted in the authority of the Qur’an. He emphasized that no society can function without a legislative framework that preserves rights and regulates relationships, noting that such a system contributed to the protection of the Islamic state and the realization of justice among people.

Dr. Siraj also pointed out that judges throughout the history of Islamic legislation played a key role in developing high‑level legal principles and establishing judicial precedents that reflected remarkable legal maturity, from which Western legal thought later benefited. He noted that judges in the history of Islamic law enjoyed full independence in carrying out their judicial responsibilities.

The seminar concluded with Dr. Mohamed Siraj calling on researchers and academic institutions to give greater attention to the Islamic legal system, as well as to the curricula and history of judges in Islam, rather than limiting study to abstract legal texts alone. He expressed regret that the volume of academic research published on this heritage in English far exceeds that available in Arabic, and called for addressing this research gap in order to strengthen legal awareness of the treasures of Islamic heritage.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21 January to 3 February 2026. The pavilion features a wide range of the Council’s publications, in addition to organizing a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace, and peaceful coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located next to the Al‑Azhar Pavilion in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

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Cairo International Book Fair Hosts an Intellectual Seminar Titled “In the Sanctuary of Imam Al‑Tayeb”

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair hosted a large‑scale seminar titled “In the Sanctuary of Imam Al‑Tayeb: A Reading of the Works Dedicated to His Eminence the Grand Imam.” The seminar was attended by the eminent scholar Sheikh Hassan Al‑Shafie, member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al‑Azhar and Member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Professor Dr. Mohamed Al‑Duwaini, Deputy of Al‑Azhar.

The seminar, moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, marked the launch of the first edition of this unique documentary and humanitarian work. The book includes a collection of articles and testimonies written by senior religious leaders, thinkers, and international figures, dedicated to His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

The diversity of international testimonies featured in the book reflects the high global standing of the Grand Imam as a moral conscience for the world, a voice of wisdom in a turbulent era, and a symbol of moderation, dialogue, and human coexistence. Rather than merely celebrating an individual, the book documents the journey of a comprehensive ethical and intellectual school embodied by Imam Al‑Tayeb through decades of scholarship, wisdom, moderation, dialogue, defense of human dignity, and the promotion of human fraternity and global peace.

In remarks filled with appreciation, Sheikh Hassan Al‑Shafii affirmed that His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb has presented a model to be emulated in wisdom, moral integrity, and the assumption of responsibility amid profound challenges. He noted that the Imam’s deeply rooted place in the hearts of Arabs and Muslims did not come by chance, but is the result of a sincere and devoted journey of giving.

Sheikh Al‑Shafii revealed what he described as “the secret behind Imam Al‑Tayeb’s enduring contribution,” summarizing it in key elements that shaped his exceptional character: a deep scholarly passion and genuine love for knowledge; dedication to its pursuit and dissemination; sincere loyalty to Al‑Azhar and its historic mission; constant consciousness of God and focus on the Hereafter; detachment from worldly temptations and transient positions; and a Sufi upbringing that elevates the value of knowledge while diminishing attachment to wealth and worldly gain.

At the outset of his remarks, Dr. Mohamed Al‑Duwaini described the Grand Imam as a proponent of “conscious and sound religious guidance,” emphasizing that whenever Imam Al‑Tayeb addresses jurisprudential or societal issues, he does so with keen insight that reads reality and anticipates the future, placing the concerns of the nation and the Ummah above all else—so much so that his words came to embody the principle, “Peace by which no one suffers.”

The Deputy of Al‑Azhar noted that Imam Al‑Tayeb assumed the position of Grand Imam at a time of exceptional global complexity, when Islam faced unfounded accusations. Yet he traveled across the world, east and west, with courage and steadfastness, ultimately succeeding in dispelling fears of Islamophobia to the extent that Europe itself turned to Al‑Azhar seeking its moderate methodology.

On the domestic level, Dr. Al‑Duwaini highlighted Imam Al‑Tayeb’s role in extinguishing sectarian strife, stating that the Imam courageously led the establishment of the Egyptian Family House to unite Muslims and Christians of all denominations, thereby neutralizing calls to fanaticism. He also pointed to the Imam’s call to abandon the term “minorities” in favor of “full citizenship,” which embraces all without discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.

Dr. Al‑Duwaini further shed light on the human and administrative dimensions of Imam Al‑Tayeb’s personality, explaining that he leads institutions with gentleness and mercy without weakness, and firmness in truth without harshness. He emphasized that the Imam’s office is always open to everyone, and that he consistently instructs his aides, “Do not bar people from me, and do not turn away anyone who seeks me.”

The Deputy of Al‑Azhar concluded by highlighting one of Imam Al‑Tayeb’s major international achievements: Al‑Azhar’s efforts to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence—undertaken with the support of Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam—which culminated in the launch of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019, alongside the late Pope Francis, former Pope of the Catholic Church. The document has since become a cornerstone of dialogue between East and West and a foundational reference for affirming human dignity as a basis for global engagement.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21 January to 3 February 2026. The pavilion features a wide range of publications by the Council, in addition to organizing a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of goodness and peaceful coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located next to the Al‑Azhar Pavilion in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

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Seminar at the Muslim Council of Elders Highlights the Science of Hadith Defects and Its Role in Preserving the Prophetic Sunnah

The pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair held the second seminar during the 57th edition of the fair, titled “The Science of Hadith Defects: A Tool for Protecting the Sunnah or a Gateway to Doubt?”, with the participation of Professor Dr. Ahmed Ma‘bad Abdel Karim, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al‑Azhar.

The seminar, moderated by Dr. Mohamed Ma‘bad, a researcher at Al‑Azhar, was held as part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to preserve Islamic heritage and promote knowledge‑based dialogue founded on sound methodology and awareness. The discussion addressed the science of Ilal al‑Hadith as one of the most precise disciplines of Prophetic Sunnah studies, examining its role in safeguarding the Hadith tradition, preserving its scientific methodology, and responding to doubts raised against it within a rigorous scholarly framework that reinforces confidence in the Hadith heritage and affirms the importance of critical methodology in the service of the noble Prophetic Sunnah.

During the seminar, Dr. Ma‘bad noted that His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, deserves credit and recognition for introducing the teaching of this discipline at Al‑Azhar University, in recognition of its great importance in serving the Prophetic Hadith. He explained that this subject had not been included in the university’s curricula prior to his assumption of the office of Grand Imam.

Dr. Ahmed Ma‘bad affirmed that the science of Ilal al‑Hadith is among the most noble, precise, and honorable of Islamic sciences, and that engaging with it requires extensive study and deep reading of the works of the great scholars. He explained that defects appear more clearly and frequently in chains of transmission than in the text itself, noting that the presence of defects in the chain does not negate careful attention to the text, as the text may still be authenticated through other routes or supporting narrations.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21 January to 3 February 2026. The pavilion features a wide range of the Council’s publications, alongside a series of seminars, activities, and events that promote the values of peace and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located next to the Al‑Azhar Pavilion in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

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Muslim Council of Elders: Empowering Youth Is a Fundamental Pillar in Shaping Education that Upholds Values and Builds the Future of Humanity

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar, affirms that empowering young people and engaging them as active partners in the educational process represents one of the essential pathways to building aware, cohesive societies capable of fostering the values of peace, coexistence, and mutual respect.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day of Education, observed annually on 24 January and celebrated this year under the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education,” the Council emphasized that education is a humanistic and ethical project aimed at building the individual, developing awareness, and refining capacities for critical thinking, dialogue, and responsibility. From this perspective, involving youth in designing educational visions, developing curricula, and formulating educational policies is a fundamental step toward ensuring more inclusive education that is responsive to societal realities and contemporary challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders underscored the importance of harnessing the vast intellectual and creative energies of young people, noting that affording them the space to express themselves and participate actively helps transform education into a platform for instilling values, promoting a culture of positive difference, and reinforcing the principles of human fraternity.

In line with its mission to promote a culture of peace and counter extremist ideology and hate speech, the Council places special emphasis on educational and intellectual initiatives targeting youth. These initiatives seek to empower young people intellectually and ethically, preparing them to become effective contributors to their communities and to engage positively with society in a spirit of responsibility and wisdom.

The Council concluded by affirming that investing in education rooted in values, participation, and dialogue is an investment in the future of humanity as a whole, stressing that empowering youth to participate in shaping education is a pivotal step toward building a more just, understanding, and peaceful world.

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Sheikh Hassan Al‑Shafiie Recounts His Scholarly Journey with Imam Al‑Amidi at the Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Cairo Book Fair

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted its first seminar at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, titled “From My Experience with Imam Al‑Amidi,” featuring Professor Dr. Hassan Al‑Shafie, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al‑Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders. The session was moderated by Dr. Mohamed Mashal, a faculty member at Al‑Azhar University, and was held within the Council’s broader effort to revive Islamic scholarly and intellectual heritage and to examine its themes from a contemporary perspective.

During the seminar, which explored the impact of Imam Al‑Amidi in establishing a rational methodology and his role in strengthening intellectual dialogue and openness within the Islamic tradition, Dr. Hassan Al‑Shafie reflected on his academic and intellectual engagement with Al‑Amidi’s legacy. He highlighted the enduring scholarly significance of Imam Al‑Amidi in the fields of theology and Islamic philosophy, describing him as the greatest thinker and jurist after Imam Al‑Ghazali, whom he characterized as a landmark figure in Arab and Islamic intellectual history.

Al‑Shafie also elaborated on the profound intellectual contributions of Imam Al‑Amidi and his influential body of works, which have shaped the thought of generations of scholars. Among his most prominent writings are “Abkar al‑Afkar,” considered a comprehensive encyclopedic work in Islamic theology; “Ghayat al‑Maram,” which presents a concise synthesis of his theological views; and “Al‑Ihkam fi Usul al‑Ahkam,” regarded as the most significant work in the science of Islamic legal theory after Imam Al‑Ghazali’s “Al‑Mustasfa.”

Concluding the seminar, Dr. Al‑Shafie offered guiding advice to the younger generation of researchers, stressing the vital importance of mastering the Arabic language as an indispensable tool for scholarly investigation. He stated, “Mastery of the language is my weapon and the weapon of every serious researcher,” and urged students of knowledge to pursue learning with sincerity and diligence.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21 January to 3 February 2026. The pavilion features a wide range of the Council’s publications, alongside a series of seminars, activities, and events that promote the values of peace and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion is located next to the Al‑Azhar Pavilion in Heritage Hall No. 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in the Fifth Settlement.

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Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Receives Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister to Discuss Strengthening Joint Cooperation

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to explore enhancing cooperation.

His Eminence recalled the atrocities and violations committed against Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past, noting that those tragic events represent a painful chapter in human history. He expressed gratitude that this period is now part of the past and prayed that such suffering never be repeated, emphasizing the importance of Muslims around the world living in peace and stability alongside followers of other faiths.

The Grand Imam reaffirmed that peace is the core message of Islam and highlighted the pioneering Egyptian Family House, which was jointly led by Al‑Azhar and various Egyptian Churches, which has played a significant role in countering sectarian tensions and eliminating extremist narratives—so much so that such voices are barely heard in Egyptian society today.

His Eminence also expressed Al‑Azhar’s readiness to train Bosnian imams at the Al‑Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, helping them develop the skills needed to address contemporary issues. He further offered to establish a center for Arabic-language in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to dispatch Al‑Azhar scholars and professors to support Bosnian students in learning the language of the Qur’an and reinforcing their connection to their rich Islamic heritage.

For his part, the Bosnian Foreign Minister conveyed his nation’s appreciation for Al‑Azhar’s vital role in promoting global peace, advancing the values of human fraternity, and presenting the true image of Islam. He stated: “Many Bosnians have graduated from Al‑Azhar and hold esteemed positions in our society. Some currently occupy senior roles in the country and contribute significantly to the development of our communities.”

He added that a key contemporary challenge is guiding young people to learn authentic Islam from trustworthy institutions such as Al‑Azhar and protecting them intellectually from groups seeking to influence or exploit them: “Our country is a bridge between East and West, and we seek to benefit from Al‑Azhar’s extensive expertise. We are deeply committed to educating our youth so they understand Islam correctly and are not drawn toward ideologies that promote hatred and extremism.”

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With Over 275 Publications and 13 Cultural Seminars, the Muslim Council of Elders Participates with a Special Pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair 2026

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the 57th Cairo International Book Fair 2026, held from 21 January to 3 February, in line with its mission to promote peace, strengthen the values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of different backgrounds and beliefs.

This year, the Council’s pavilion presents over 275 publications, including 25 new books that address important contemporary intellectual issues. Among the most prominent new releases are: “Al-Qawl al-Tayyib (Part Four)” authored by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders; “Causality and Its Problems in Islamic Philosophy” by Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abd Al-Fadil Al-Qawsi, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar; “Abd al-Karim al-Jili and His Place in Sufi Islamic Thought” by Najah Mahmoud Al-Ghunaymi; and “Religious Discourse in the Works of Muhammad Abdullah Daraz: Syntactic Structures and Pragmatic Meanings” by Dr. Ahmed Mostafa. The pavilion also features a number of specialized studies in Islamic thought, philosophy, and Sufism.

The pavilion offers visitors many works authored by His Eminence the Grand Imam His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, highlighting the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Among these works are: “Foundations of Islam”, “On the Azhar Methodology”, “On Theological and Sufi Terminology”, “Reflections on the Thought of Imam al-Ash‘ari”, “Heritage and Renewal: Discussions and Responses”, “Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah”, “Discourses on Purposes and Principles”, “Al-Qawl al-Tayyib”, “Religion is Ease”, “Morals and Values”, and “From My Old Notebooks”.

The pavilion also includes important intellectual publications by members of the Muslim Council of Elders and a group of leading thinkers and researchers. Notable works include “Love in the Holy Qur’an” by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, a member of the Council; “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; “Methods of Reasoning in Islamic Creed” by Imad Khafaji; “Freedom of Thought in Islam” by Mohamed Al-Sadiq Arjoune; and “Principles of Understanding and Communication in Thought and Language” by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Driven by its belief in the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations and a means for constructive communication, the Council has translated several works in support of fraternity and peace. Among the most notable translations are “Religious Tolerance in World Religions” by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton, and “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” authored by a group of researchers.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair will host more than 13 cultural seminars and events, featuring a distinguished group of intellectuals, experts, and religious leaders. These sessions will discuss a range of significant intellectual and humanistic issues, including: toward a philosophy for the age of wisdom; the digital age and the reshaping of literary taste; and Al-Azhar and issues of Islamic dialogue.

In the same context, and as part of its efforts to prepare future leaders, the Council is organizing several cultural seminars delivered by youth from the Emerging Peacemakers Forum. These activities aim to develop young people’s skills and strengthen their abilities in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and the promotion of human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair is located in the Heritage Hall (Hall 4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

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Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Receives Sultanate of Oman’s Minister of Endowments to Discuss Strengthening Joint Cooperation

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has received Dr. Mohammed bin Said Al Mamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, and his accompanying delegation to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation in religious, academic, and intellectual fields.

His Eminence expressed his deep appreciation for the longstanding and solid historical ties between Al‑Azhar and the Sultanate of Oman and its people. He praised the Omani model as one that embraces all, fosters genuine human fraternity, and promotes constructive coexistence. He reaffirmed that Al‑Azhar bears the responsibility of safeguarding the unity and cohesion of the Muslim Ummah, working to bring scholars together and address factors of division—particularly in light of the exceptional challenges facing the Arab and Islamic worlds today.

His Eminence added that, in partnership with the Muslim Council of Elders, Al‑Azhar launched the first edition of the “Intra–Islamic Dialogue” in February last year in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The goal, he noted, is to achieve scholarly unity, bring the scholars of the Ummah to one dialogue table, and work toward strengthening Islamic fraternity and turning the page on disagreements—thereby contributing to greater stability and reinforcing the values of cooperation and understanding across the Ummah.

For his part, Oman’s Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs affirmed Oman’s deep appreciation for the role of Al‑Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in serving Islam, supporting the causes of the Ummah, fostering unity, and strengthening Islamic solidarity—efforts that, he said, are greatly needed in present times.

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“Intra-Islamic Dialogue: A Reading of the Call for the People of Qiblah” — at a seminar hosted by the Muslim Council of Elders at the New Delhi World Book Fair

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted its third seminar at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 under the theme: “Intra Islamic Dialogue – A Reading of the Call for the People of Qiblah.” The session explored the importance of unity, coexistence, and shared human values in light of the “Call for the People of Qiblah”. The seminar featured distinguished speakers: Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Habib, prominent historian and author; Prof. Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Director of the Centre for Distance Education at Jamia Hamdard; and Prof. Dr. Zikrur Rahman, Founding Director of the India Arab Cultural Centre.

Opening the discussion, Dr. Zikrur Rahman emphasized that the Call for the People of Qiblah, issued in the Kingdom of Bahrain, seeks to foster unity and strengthen relations within the Muslim community. He noted that the initiative aligns closely with the values championed in the Document on Human Fraternity, particularly the principles of coexistence, compassion, and solidarity.

Dr. Rahman highlighted that Islam, like all religions, calls for togetherness and categorically rejects extremism. Citing Qur’anic teachings, he stressed that humanity was created in nations and tribes “to come to know one another,” underscoring the centrality of human fraternity. He also addressed the role of cultural centers in bridging differences across schools of thought and strengthening national cohesion.

Prof. Dr. M.A. Sikandar underscored the essential role of educational institutions in deepening intra Islamic understanding through sustained dialogue and inclusive curricula. He emphasized that universities serve as vital spaces where diverse cultures and perspectives meet, enabling students to cultivate mutual acceptance and respect.

Dr. Sikandar also highlighted the growing importance of digital learning environments, noting that they provide safe and encouraging platforms for interfaith and intra faith engagement. He pointed to new opportunities for madrasa students who can now access modern education, learn languages, and develop skills for global integration.

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Habib stated that both the Call for the People of Qiblah and the Document on Human Fraternity are essential for strengthening coexistence within Muslim societies and fostering goodwill among nations. He argued that genuine unity becomes possible when people see one another first as human beings rather than solely through religious identities.

Dr. Habib stressed that building bridges requires mutual engagement and a willingness to share space, particularly to safeguard the well being of minorities. He concluded by noting that living a moral life filled with coexistence is a personal commitment, and that religion, at its core, should not be a source of division.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair stems from its belief in the pivotal role of knowledge and culture as fundamental pillars for fostering understanding, countering division, reinforcing social cohesion, and affirming the importance of religious and intellectual institutions in addressing global issues and building bridges of communication and dialogue among societies.

The seminar was the third in a series of seminars and cultural activities held by the Muslim Council of Elders at its pavilion in Bharat Mandapam, Hall No. 4, Pavilion H 06, as part of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026.

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