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Religious diplomacy serves as a key strategy for the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting enlightened moderate thought worldwide.

As part of its commitment to fostering peace and advocating for values of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual coexistence, the Muslim Council of Elders has, for the first time this year, dispatched several religious missions to various countries. These missions aim to celebrate the nights of Ramadan and spread the values of moderation, tolerance, and enlightened Islamic thought.

The missions have included several Qur’an reciters and Islamic preachers sent to countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Germany, Italy, and others. Their tasks include leading prayers, reciting the Noble Qur’an, and delivering khutbahs (sermons) and religious lectures to worshippers. These efforts are designed to strengthen ties with Muslims worldwide, enhance their religious awareness, encourage positive integration into their communities, and protect them from extremist ideologies, thereby safeguarding them from falling into the clutches of violent and terrorist groups.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated that the Council, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, aims through its extensive programs and activities worldwide to connect Muslims with the fundamentals of their religion and creed. It seeks to enhance a correct understanding of Islam and raise their awareness of the ethical methods to confront the challenges facing members of Muslim communities around the world, especially in light of the increasing phenomenon of Islamophobia. His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam pointed out that the goal of these religious missions is to promote the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, achieve positive integration while preserving Islamic identity, provide a deep understanding of Islamic religious values and traditions, and how to apply these values in daily life.

Since the start of the sacred month of Ramadan, the missions of the Muslim Council of Elders have been carrying out intensive activities amidst significant official and public participation. In Indonesia, His Excellency Yaqut Khalil Qumas, Minister of Religious Affairs, received a delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders, expressing his appreciation for the Council’s efforts in promoting the values and culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence worldwide, and addressing the most prominent issues of the Islamic nation, such as the discourse of extremism and hatred, as well as the widespread phenomenon of Islamophobia.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ mission to Indonesia included a range of events and activities. They conducted a ceremony to certify students at the Al-Kawthar Institute for Quranic Sciences, where students learned about the Hadith of Mercy (Rahmah), which is a common Hadith Musalsal bi al-Awwaliyyah, accompanied by readings of Imam al-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith along with brief relevant comments and remarks for both male and female students. The students were also certified with the Isnads (chains of transmission) of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar of the hadiths explained by Imam Al-Nawawi. Additionally, the mission visited the Dar Al-Najah Institute and University in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, which has 2,500 students. It met with Dr. Safwan Manaf, the university’s director, and several university leaders to discuss ways to advance the university’s scientific progress. Dr. Salah Al-Shami, a member of the mission, then delivered a public lecture on the purposes of fasting, which was attended by all students of Dar Al-Najah Institute and University, who interacted with the lecture.

In Dar Al-Safwa in the city of Depok, West Java, Dr. Salah Al-Shami and the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders held an extended session between Asr and Maghrib, where students heard the Isnads (chains of transmission) from His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Council’s Chairman, of the Hadith Musalsal bi al-Awwaliyyah known as the Hadith of Mercy, the Hadith Musalsal bi al-Awwaliyyah on Friday, and the fasting Hadiths from the book “Bulugh Al-Maram” (Attainment of the Objective According to Evidence of the ordinances) by Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani. They also certified the attending institute students along with a large number of professors and students from other institutes. The gathering was held for a second time in the same institute after Qiyam (night) prayers, where they read a portion of the Hadiths of Abu Bakr Muhammed ibn Al-Hussein ibn Fingawya Al-Thaqafi on the virtue of the month of Ramadan, and licensed those present with chains of transmission from the Grand Imam.

The Council’s mission also had a meeting with His Excellency Professor Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and a distinguished scholar and former Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The discussion covered essential guidance and advice for their academic and Da’wa journey in Indonesia.

In Malaysia, the Council’s mission participated in various activities and events in several mosques in Kuala Lumpur, the capital. These activities included performing Qiyam (night) prayers, reciting the Qur’an, and delivering religious lectures on various aspects of the Islamic faith. Additionally, members of the mission met with His Excellency Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, a member of the Senate, and the former Minister of Islamic Affairs of Malaysia. The discussion focused on the most important issues and challenges facing the Islamic nation and the Council’s delegation program during the blessed month of Ramadan in Malaysia.

In Italy, the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders organized numerous activities and events in several Italian cities, including Milan, the “Al Madina Center”, the “Erba Center” in the city of Lecco, and the “Al Buraq Center” in the city of Como. These activities included performing Qiyam (night) prayers and delivering sermons on religious reflections after prayers in mosques and religious lectures after the Asr and Isha prayers. They also included organizing a program for memorizing the Qur’an for children and adults, holding recitation sessions, and teaching Tajweed (the rules of Quranic recitation) for adults. Quranic recitation sessions for women were also organized.

The Republic of Kazakhstan welcomed the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders, who conducted an important tour of mosques and important religious centers across the country to celebrate the nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The tour included several cities, including Kokshetau, Stepnogorsk, Pavlodar, and Shymkent, where the mission members were warmly received with great enthusiasm and interest.

In Germany, the Council’s mission organized an exceptional tour of several mosques and important religious centers across the country. The mission members delivered impactful and impressive Qur’anic recitations that attracted both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. They also engaged in religious discussions and dialogues with the Muslim community and the local community, exchanging views on important religious and cultural issues and various challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders: Al-Azhar Al-Sharif stands as a beacon of knowledge and moderation

The Muslim Council of Elders: Under the leadership of Grand Imam Al-Tayeb, Al-Azhar has regained its pioneering global role in defending the causes of the Muslim nation and disseminating the true teachings of Islam

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as to the scholars, students, graduates, and admirers of Al-Azhar worldwide, on the occasion of the 1084th anniversary of the founding of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, a beacon of knowledge in the Islamic world.

Throughout its extensive history, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has stood as a formidable stronghold against extremist ideologies, earning its place as a significant religious institution cherished by Muslims globally. It remains a symbol of moderate Islam, enlightenment, and moderation worldwide, with Al-Azhar University playing a prominent and pioneering role in nurturing generations of scholars and preachers capable of spreading the true essence of religion.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the tireless efforts of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, in developing and uplifting Al-Azhar Al-Sharif to regain its leadership and global role in defending the causes of the Muslim nation, combating extremist ideologies, clearing misconceptions, and promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, fraternity, compassion, and peace.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Grand Imam underscore the importance of ongoing Arab, Islamic, and international efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

During the call, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, exchanged Ramadan greetings with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. They prayed for Allah Almighty to bless the Arab, Islamic, and global community with goodness, prosperity, and stability.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb expressed Al-Azhar’s appreciation for the UAE’s diligent efforts in promoting peace, fostering fraternity and tolerance. He also commended His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s sincere endeavors to deliver humanitarian aid and assist the Palestinian civilians in Gaza facing tough humanitarian circumstances.

In response, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed appreciation for Al-Azhar’s role and the efforts of His Eminence the Grand Imam in advancing peace, fraternity, and harmonious coexistence. He also acknowledged the efforts in providing religious knowledge to Muslims and promoting enlightened Islamic thought.

Concluding the call, both leaders stressed the importance of sustained Arab, Islamic, and international efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, work towards a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, and ensure the delivery of aid to brethren in Gaza.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: “The UN resolution represents an important step in encouraging international efforts to eliminate the phenomenon of Islamophobia.”

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, has welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on combating Islamophobia and the appointment of a special envoy to the United Nations tasked with combating Islamophobia. This coincides with the world’s celebration of the International Day for Combating Islamophobia, which is annually observed on March 15th.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the UN resolution is a significant step in the right direction to encourage the efforts of the international community towards eliminating the phenomenon of Islamophobia and building a world that is more just and peaceful. He emphasized the importance of all members of society being respected and dignified, regardless of their religion or beliefs. He pointed out that Islam is a religion of mercy and peace, based on values of tolerance, justice, and benevolence, promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different religions and cultures.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam explained that combating this dangerous phenomenon is a responsibility that falls on everyone and requires concrete and effective measures, including the enactment of binding legislation, to eliminate all forms of hatred, bigotry, and Islamophobia. This would contribute to achieving international peace and security. He further affirmed that freedom of belief is one of the fundamental principles underlying human rights.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, in which he affirmed that Muslims represent the wonderful diversity of the human family. Mr. Guterres highlighted the significant contributions made by Muslim scholars in culture, philosophy, and science. He emphasized that Islam, embraced by nearly two billion people, represents a pillar of common human history. Mr. Guterres called for an end to the shameful exploitation of hatred against Muslims and exclusionary policies aimed at political gain. He described Islamophobia as a “plague” and a malignant epidemic.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday condemning any call for religious hatred and incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence against Muslims. The resolution urges member states to take necessary measures to combat religious bigotry, negative stereotypes, hatred, and incitement to violence against Muslims, and to ban incitement to violence and its practice based on religion or belief.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the Monastery of Saint Mark the Apostle and Saint Samuel the Confessor in the South African city of Johannesburg. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of three monks from the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The Council firmly rejects such terrorist acts, which are contrary to the teachings of religions and divine laws that prohibit attacks on innocent lives in places of worship and advocate for respect and acceptance of others, discouraging any form of aggression or harm towards them. 

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and to the families of the victims. The Council demands that the perpetrators be pursued and brought to justice.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, has welcomed the UN Security Council’s resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Council expressed hope that this resolution would help alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and emphasized the importance of working towards a permanent ceasefire. The Council also called for immediate and effective measures to deliver humanitarian aid to the most affected areas, particularly focusing on the most vulnerable groups such as the sick, children, women, and the elderly.

The Council affirmed its unwavering support for all efforts aimed at initiating a meaningful and productive dialogue that could lead to a peaceful resolution of the Sudanese crisis. It stressed the importance of prioritizing the national interest and reaching a final agreement that ensures the unity of Sudanese territory and fulfills the aspirations of its people for safety and peace.

Additionally, the Muslim Council of Elders urged the UN Security Council to take swift action to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza and to end the humanitarian tragedy that has persisted for over five months. This appeal is especially urgent as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, intending to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, will present his Ramadan program ‘Imam Al-Tayeb,’ produced by the Council of Muslim Elders, throughout the holy month of Ramadan. In this enlightening series, His Eminence the Grand Imam will explore Al-Asma’ al-Husna (the 99 Names of Allah) (Part Two), offering insights and interpretations, shedding light on the wisdom behind the pairing of certain names, and reflecting on the believer’s connection to these names and their impact on one’s behavior and interactions. The program aims to nurture a virtuous individual for both oneself and the community.

Furthermore, in his Ramadan program, His Eminence Sheikh Al-Tayeb will link the 99 Names of Allah with contemporary life events, extracting lessons and moral guidance, particularly in response to the crises, disasters, wars, and conflicts currently facing the world. He will also suggest approaches to address these challenges through contemplation of the Names and Attributes of Allah, the Most High.

The ‘Imam Al-Tayeb’ program is set to be broadcast on a variety of satellite channels in Egypt and across the Arab and Islamic world. Additionally, it will be streamed on the official page of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as on the official pages of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Council on social media platforms.

“Imam Al-Tayeb,” “Human Values with the Elders,” “Month of Coexistence,” “Reflect on Your Fasting,” and “Humanitarian Stories with Youth” are diverse Ramadan programs to be presented by the Muslim Council of Elders’ social media platforms during the blessed month of Ramadan 2024.

Building on the Muslim Council of Elders’ strategy to utilize all media platforms in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, the Council is presenting five diverse Ramadan programs broadcast daily through its social media pages: “Imam Al-Tayeb,” “Human Values with the Elders,” “Month of Harmonious Coexistence,” “Reflect on Fasting,” and “Humanitarian Stories with Youth.”

The “Imam Al-Tayeb” program features His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. In this program, His Eminence the Grand Imam continues his explanation of Al-Asma-ul-Husna (the 99 Names of Allah), interpreting and explaining the meaning of each name, its pairing with other names, and the servant’s share of these names. He also links the interpretations of the meanings of the 99 Names of Allah with contemporary events, crises, disasters, wars, and conflicts in the world today, and how to derive wisdom from these events and develop a perspective on dealing with them through contemplating the 99 Names and Attributes of Allah.

The “Human Values with the Elders” program continues in its second part, where members of the Muslim Council of Elders discuss the most prominent noble human values stipulated by the Document on Human Fraternity. These include equality, patience, identity, citizenship, mutual respect, and cooperation, among other values, focusing on their importance in human life and their role in promoting peace and harmony, and building cohesive and interconnected societies.

During Ramadan 2024, the Muslim Council of Elders is airing a new program directed at youth titled “Humanitarian Stories with Youth.” This program features some stories and situations about humanitarian values that have inspired these youth to bring about positive and real change among their peers and in their communities.

The “Reflect on Fasting” program discusses the most important secrets of fasting and the psychological and physical effects it has on humans, contributing to the building of their souls and training them in several good values and morals. The “Month of Harmonious Coexistence” program addresses several humanitarian values that can be revived during the blessed month of Ramadan, which heralds goodness and blessings to the Arab and Islamic nations, opening the doors of mercy, forgiveness, and enlightenment of hearts. The program includes a series of episodes such as ” Ramadan Brings Us Together,” ” Ihsan (Kindness),” ” Takaful (Solidarity),” and “Al-Ber (Righteousness).”

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The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, has affirmed that women are fundamental partners in the nation and community-building journey. It emphasized that empowering and supporting women and girls, developing their capacities, and ensuring their full rights across all aspects of life are religious and ethical obligations as well as shared societal responsibilities.

In a statement issued on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that this day offers an opportunity to honor and celebrate women’s achievements. The Council affirmed that Islam honors women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, elevates their status and importance in all aspects of life, and promotes kindness, care, and respect towards them. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Act kindly toward women” (Muslim). Islam also emphasizes that the best among people are the best in their treatment of their wives. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, also said, “The most perfect man in his faith among the believers is the one whose behaviour is most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives” (Ahmed). Another prophetic Hadith states: “The best of you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family” (at-Tirmidhi).

The statement further emphasized that women are counterparts of men, and supporting and empowering them represents an investment in the future that benefits the entire world. It highlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This Document affirmed women’s rights to education and employment and called for their liberation from historical and social pressures that contradict the principles of their faith and their dignity.

The Muslim Council of Elders places significant emphasis on women, driven by its steadfast belief in the necessity of supporting them in securing all their rights across various domains, recognizing them as active contributors to society. The Council praises their crucial and significant role in the development of nations and communities and in shaping a more prosperous and peaceful future for humanity.

During his participation in the Future Summit on the Solidarity Economy for Integrated and Sustainable Development…

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Discussion about the future will hinge on the restoration of hope and trust in the international community’s capacity to secure peace and human justice.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: The Muslim Council of Elders has a successful track record of involving the voice of religions in addressing various global challenges.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: There should be a greater emphasis on the role of community leaders and religious figures in enhancing the prospects of resolving conflicts and disputes around the world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the challenges facing the world are not confined to the economy, environment, and technology, but also extend to other aspects of human life, including wars and conflicts in many regions of the world. He highlighted the pressing need for community leaders and religious figures to play a more significant role in increasing the chances of ending these conflicts.

During his participation in the Future Summit on the Solidarity Economy for Integrated and Sustainable Development, held under the theme of “War and Peace” organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted that the world is caught in a dilemma between aspirations for a prosperous future and the painful reality that devastates the lives of thousands and the future of entire nations, especially the plight of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip who are suffering from dire humanitarian conditions amidst complete global inaction to save them.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam highlighted that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, gained its importance from being an initiative between two global religious leaders representing the two largest Abrahamic religions: His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He stated, “As we consider the future of peace in our world, we not only recognize the relevance of this Document but also explore ways to implement its principles. These principles acknowledge that severe political crises, injustice, and the lack of fair distribution of natural resources contribute to ongoing deadly conflicts in many countries. We are also challenged to sustain the hope for peace through dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity, especially for the millions of war victims who have witnessed the failure of these values to protect them from war and aggression.”

The Secretary-General emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, an independent international institution that brings together a select group of the Islamic nation’s scholars and wise men from around the world, and works to build peace within Islamic societies and between them and other communities, recognizes that evolving relationships, including those involving violence and peace, or war and peace, require a multi-level understanding. This understanding must take into account the realities of wars, their challenges in the realms of consciousness, economic interests, and the relations between communities and nations, as well as the sources of violence that are perpetuated within public institutions through a continuous cycle of dangerous populist forms of media and populist violence against religions, cultures, races, or nationalities. He also noted that the invitation from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to hold the Future Summit in September is a sincere and serious call that was made before the escalation of wars and conflicts to the alarming level we see today. This makes the summit a new challenge, not only to create a roadmap for the future but also to restore hope in humanity’s ability to plan a better future that excludes no one and no place in the world.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted that discussions about the future will always hinge on the restoration of hope and trust in the international community’s capacity to secure peace and heal the deep wounds and human divides left by wars and strife. He emphasized that the international community’s failure to find a fair and collective mechanism to end bloody conflicts will never align with any sustainable plans for a better future for humanity, which is continuously caught between aspirations for a better future and a reality filled with conflict and destruction. He pointed out that this reality should not deter everyone from continuing their efforts to make peace, explore ways to end conflicts and create a serious and new international mechanism for this purpose while simultaneously continuing efforts to plan for the future and address the common challenges facing all of humanity.

The Secretary-General underscored the importance of enhancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue on issues of solidarity and sustainable development in the face of war and the pursuit of peace. He stated that the Council has a successful track record of involving the voice of religions in addressing various global challenges, particularly the issue of climate change, through organizing the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Change, which resulted in the “Call of Conscience,” also known as Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change. This declaration, signed by thirty religious leaders and figures from around the world, outlines practical and effective steps to address climate change. This was followed by the first-ever Faith Pavilion at a Conference of the Parties (COP), organized by the Council in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, aimed at involving scholars and religious leaders in discussing innovative and effective solutions to address this critical crisis.

It is worth noting that the ‘Future Summit on the Solidarity Economy for Integrated and Sustainable Development: War and Peace,’ was organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network on March 4 and 5 in Rome, Italy. The summit discussed ethical principles and specific reforms for sustainable development issues, financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology, and innovation, as well as youth and future generations, and global governance.