NEWS

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, has met His Excellency Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest related to promoting awareness of Islamic heritage and civilization.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam highlighted the initiatives of the Muslim Council of Elders in disseminating culture and knowledge and emphasized the council’s focus under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on the cultural and knowledge sector as essential tools for achieving peace and coexistence. He also noted the ‘House of Wisdom for Publishing’ which impacted Arab and foreign libraries with over 190 publications covering various fields of thought, culture, heritage, and Islamic civilization in multiple languages. Additionally, he highlighted the council’s participation in international book fairs as well as organizing conferences, seminars, and cultural events aimed at enhancing cultural and religious dialogue among diverse peoples and cultures.

For his part, Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov praised the Muslim Council of Elders for highlighting the scholars and jurists of the Islamic nation who enriched Islamic civilization and contributed to cognitive and human renaissance. He also noted his ministry’s efforts in preparing a series of documentary films about prominent Uzbek scholars and jurists, including Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Khwarizmi, al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and others. He also highlighted the ministry’s focus on religious tourism to introduce Uzbekistan’s Islamic heritage, including its many religious and historical landmarks.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met with His Excellency Adham Ikramov, the Minister of Youth and Sport in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting discussed mutual cooperation and explored various initiatives and activities focused on empowering and enhancing the active contributions of youth in building their communities.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, places a great importance on youth by establishing a range of initiatives aimed at harnessing their energies and utilizing their capabilities to promote peace and contribute to development. He also highlighted the significance of connecting youth with their Islamic heritage, not only to strengthen their cultural and religious identity but also to build their awareness and deep understanding of human values which also contributes to the active participation of youth in the development of their societies and the protection of positive values and peace globally.

The Secretary-General also outlined key initiatives of the Council related to youth that have contributed to building and developing their capabilities. Notably, 90% of participants in these initiatives, including both young men and women, have assumed leadership positions in their respective countries and that the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, which was held for the second time in Geneva this year, aims to prepare young leaders in the field of peacebuilding and affirm the principles of coexistence in societies. Abdelsalam also emphasized the importance of the participation of Uzbek youth in the upcoming edition of the forum, in order to leverage their insights, ideas, and experiences to promote tolerance and peace, especially given Uzbekistan’s diverse society which embraces over 130 different ethnicities.

For his part, Minister Adham Ikramov praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and its continuous support for youth through various purposeful initiatives and projects. He highlighted that his ministry focuses primarily on supporting the capacities of youth, the largest segment of Uzbekistan’s population, and raising their awareness and qualifications to contribute to building a balanced and knowledgeable generation which would be armed with faith and capable of taking responsibility to construct thriving societies and a better future for all. He further expressed his eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders in various potential meaningful initiatives.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met with Dr. Shoazim Minovarov, the Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. The meeting discussed ways to enhance collaboration in promoting Islamic values and introducing Islamic civilization, of which Uzbekistan is a significant contributor.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General praised the efforts of the Center of Islamic Civilization in disseminating Islamic culture and knowledge, building bridges of understanding between different cultures and civilizations. He also highlighted the Council’s keen interest, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in acknowledging Uzbekistan’s distinguished position in Islamic history and its hosting of numerous historical and cultural Islamic scientific centers. He further emphasized the Council’s eagerness to cooperate with the Center of Islamic Civilization, signing a memorandum of understanding to launch initiatives contributing to the revival of Islamic heritage and introducing it to the rest of the world.

For his part, the Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan expressed his nation’s appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders and its pioneering initiatives, as well as its significant interest in introducing Islamic civilization. He also noted Uzbekistan’s plans to open the world’s largest Islamic Civilization Center in October, which is expected to include a library for preserving valuable manuscripts, while featuring 4,805 rare manuscripts and the first Latin-translated copy of the Holy Quran. Additionally, the center will house a museum of Islamic civilization which will serve as an important hub for Islamic studies and culture in the region, reflecting the great heritage of Islamic civilization.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed the importance of developing mutual cooperation and implementing initiatives aimed at introducing Islamic civilization, enhancing dialogue between different cultures and societies, and contributing to the dissemination of the message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and peace among people from around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and urges the international community to take serious measures to grant the Palestinian people their legitimate rights, foremost among them the right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Council emphasizes the need for the ceasefire to facilitate the urgent delivery of medical, relief, and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar, along with other advocates of peace, for their role in sponsoring the ceasefire. The Council also acknowledges the humanitarian and relief efforts carried out by the United Arab Emirates and many Arab and Islamic nations towards our affected brothers and sisters in Gaza. The Council calls for the continuation of Arab, Islamic, and international efforts to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities and to end Israeli aggression against innocent civilians whist halting all other wars to ensure peace and stability for all peoples.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, has met with Her Excellency Tanzila Norbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan to discuss opportunities and challenges in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue and the role of women in building nations and civilizations.

During the meeting, which was attended by H.E. Mr. Saeed Matar AlQemzi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Uzbekistan, and several members of the Senate of Uzbekistan, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the cultural, artistic, and scientific diversity of Uzbekistan while also highlighting its significance as one of the important cultural centers in the Islamic world. He affirmed the council’s commitment, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to focus on preserving and celebrating Islamic heritage, passing it on to future generations. He also noted the council’s initiatives to promote values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Secretary-General further expressed appreciation and gratitude towards the Republic of Uzbekistan for awarding him the ‘Religious Tolerance Medal’ and also commended Uzbekistan’s ‘Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance’ resolution which was introduced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017 and which was unanimously endorsed by UN member states on December 12, 2018. He also affirmed that Uzbekistan, through being a home for over 130 ethnicities and religions, serves as a global model for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

For her part, H.E. Tanzila Norbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, welcomed the delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders, led by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam and emphasized the visit’s aim to enhance mutual cultural and religious communication and cooperation, contributing to the promotion of tolerance and coexistence. She also conveyed the greetings of the President of Uzbekistan to His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders while also praising the council’s leadership and its pioneering initiatives in promoting peace, dialogue, and coexistence. Norbaeva also acknowledged the ‘Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change’ which was signed by religious leaders during the Global Faith Leaders Summit organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi.

Norbaeva also praised the efforts of the UAE in promoting tolerance and enhancing peaceful coexistence among different cultures and societies. She further noted the similarities between Uzbekistan and the UAE in embracing diverse nationalities from various backgrounds, cultures, and religions, all living in tolerance and harmony and highlighted the Senate of Uzbekistan’s preparation of over 50 legal documents emphasizing the importance of religious tolerance and that Uzbekistan is home to 16 official religions, each enjoying full and equal rights and responsibilities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders commended H.E. Tanzila Norbaeva for chairing the Senate of Kazakhstan and also expressed his happiness at the empowerment of women in the Islamic world and Uzbekistan, which is considered a cradle of Islamic civilization. For her part, Norbaeva congratulated Judge Abdelsalam on receiving the ‘Religious Tolerance Medal’, being the first high-profile figure outside Uzbekistan to be honored with this accolade.

The Republic of Uzbekistan has presented the ‘Medal of Religious Tolerance’ to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, in recognition of his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and relations and disseminating the values of tolerance and coexistence. The award marks the first time that this prestigious medal has been awarded to a personality from outside Uzbekistan.

The Secretary-General received the medal, one of the highest honors in Uzbekistan, from His Excellency Dr. Muzaffar Kamilov, advisor to the President of Uzbekistan, and His Excellency Sadiq Tashbayev, Minister of Religious Affairs in Uzbekistan.

Expressing his appreciation and gratitude, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders thanked the Republic of Uzbekistan for this honor, affirming that the recognition is a testament to the UAE’s role in promoting the values of coexistence and tolerance through its leading local and global initiatives. He also commended Uzbekistan’s distinguished efforts and experience, highlighting that the Transoxiana region has historically represented a source of Islamic knowledge and heritage for all scholars of the Islamic world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders has previously received several awards and honors, including the papal knighthood “Knight Commander with Star of the Order of Pius IX” by His Holiness Pope Francis, making him the first Arab Muslim to receive this prestigious award from the head of the Catholic Church.

Additionally, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan awarded him the ‘Medal of Shafa’a (Intercession)’ and the ‘Astana Medal’ in recognition of his efforts to promote human fraternity and dialogue. In June 2023, the National Eurasian University in Kazakhstan conferred upon him an honorary professorship, acknowledging his efforts in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, fraternity, and coexistence.

Among these accolades, the Secretary-General also received the ‘Community Service Medal’ from the Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, in appreciation of his commitment and positive impact in enhancing security in communities. Furthermore, the President of the Supreme Constitutional Court of the Arab Republic of Egypt honored him with the ‘Supreme Constitutional Court Medal’ in recognition of his representation of the Egyptian judiciary during his tenure at Al-Azhar and the committee for drafting the Egyptian constitution.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, is a member of the Al-Azhar Interfaith Dialogue Center, a member of the King Hamad Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and the Deputy President of the Religions for Peace organization. He has previously served as the Secretary-General of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity and as an advisor to His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He actively participated in the preparation of the historic Document on Human Fraternity co-signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019. He also contributed to the drafting and amendment of the Egyptian constitution in the Constituent Assemblies for drafting the Egyptian constitution in 2012 and 2013 and played a role in drafting several documents for Al-Azhar between 2011 and 2018.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has held various meetings with officials during his visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan including Dr. Muzaffar Kamilov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan for Religious Affairs, Sadyk Tashbayev, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Dr. Oygon Ghofurov, President of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. During the meeting, discussions centered around enhancing mutual cooperation and reviving the heritage of Islamic scholars.

The Secretary-General underscored Uzbekistan’s rich history in Islamic civilization, highlighting the significant contributions of its prominent Muslim scholars and thinkers across various fields who have also played a crucial role in advancing Islamic sciences, arts, and philosophy throughout the ages, contributing to the development of humanity. He also outlined the Muslim Council of Elders’ plan to revive the heritage of the nation’s scholars, aiming to shape the intellectual perspectives of current and future generations.

The Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan welcomed the Secretary-General and his accompanying delegation, praising the efforts of the Council, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also acknowledged the Council’s positive role in promoting values of peace, tolerance, and mutual coexistence, while expressing his nation’s eagerness to collaborate with the Muslim Council of Elders and Al-Azhar in enhancing dialogue and human fraternity. He also congratulated the Council on the opening of its Central Asian branch in Kazakhstan, and anticipated further joint initiatives and projects between Uzbekistan and the Muslim Council of Elders.

Minister Sadyk Tashbayev highlighted Uzbekistan’s significant progress, especially in the religious domain, including16 different religious denominations living together in tolerance and harmony. He emphasized Uzbekistan’s possession of numerous scholarly centers in Samarkand and Bukhara, along with the Islamic Civilization Center, housing over 100,000 historical manuscripts from eminent Islamic scholars from the Transoxiana region.

Dr. Oygon Ghofurov, President of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, noted the academy’s prominent standing as the second-ranked scientific institution in Uzbekistan and the foremost in the field of humanities which offers a wide range of educational programs, including Islamic studies, jurisprudence, Quranic and Hadith sciences, Arabic language, and comparative Islamic studies, the academy collaborates closely with international religious and academic institutions like Al-Azhar and Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities. He further expressed the academy’s readiness to cooperate with the Muslim Council of Elders in initiatives promoting dialogue, peace, and coexistence.

Both parties also reiterated the importance of strengthening mutual cooperation and sharing experiences in promoting tolerance, peace, coexistence, and promoting the Islamic nation’s heritage and scholars. This collaboration aims to benefit current and future generations by learning from the scientific and humanitarian contributions of these scholars.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls for the urgent protection from children from becoming victims of wars and conflicts witnessed in our world today. The council emphasizes the escalating violence in many regions worldwide, particularly highlighting the Israeli aggression on Gaza, resulting in thousands of child casualties, numerous injuries, and families losing their homes, and basic necessities, leading to challenging humanitarian conditions.

In a statement issued on World Children’s Day, observed on November 20 of each year, the council underscores the necessity to halt the increasing violence affecting children globally. It particularly condemns the Israeli aggression on Gaza, expressing concern over the loss of life, injuries, and the dire humanitarian situation faced by children.

The statement emphasizes that World Children’s Day serves as a stark reminder of the shared responsibility of the international community to provide care and protection for children, putting an end to all forms of risks and difficult humanitarian conditions they may face, safeguarding their human dignity based on our religious and ethical responsibilities.

The council also referred to the Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document affirms the fundamental rights of children, including upbringing, nutrition, education, and care, as duties incumbent upon families and society. It also stresses the importance of ensuring these rights for every child and condemns any practices that compromise their dignity or violate their rights.

The statement praised the United Arab Emirates for hosting around 1000 Palestinian children from Gaza along with their families, providing medical treatment and healthcare. It also acknowledged Egypt for receiving newborns from Gaza, ensuring proper healthcare for them. The council called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and halt the bloodshed of children and women in Gaza.

Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns Israeli occupation’s aggression against schools and hospitals and calls for a decisive international stance to protect civilians in Gaza

The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s bombing of the Al-Fakhoura School, affiliated with UNRWA, as well as the Tal Al-Zaatar School, along with the ongoing aggression against hospitals and homes of innocent civilians which has led to dozens of martyrs and injuries, with the majority being women and children.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls on the international community to take a decisive stance to halt this inhumane aggression against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip. It also urges the prompt delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as medical supplies to civilians to go with supporting the Palestinian people in securing their full rights and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has received His Excellency Jorge Rodríguez, the Minister of Communications of the Republic of Costa Rica, at the council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The meeting discussed ways to enhance mutual cooperation and emphasize the media’s role in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. Also in attendance was Francisco J. Chacón Hernández, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica in the United Arab Emirates and Dean of the GRULAC (Group of Latin America and the Caribbean).

During the meeting, the Costa Rican Minister of Communications expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also praised the historical friendship between His Eminence the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, which culminated in the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The Minister further expressed his nation’s eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders in various initiatives and activities of mutual interest and also commended the Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change and the upcoming Faith Pavilion at COP28.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders welcomed the Costa Rican Minister of Communications and highlighted the council’s interest in strengthening collaboration with Latin American nations. He also commended Costa Rica’s model in promoting coexistence and the positive role of women in achieving progress and development. The Secretary-General affirmed that the council has numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the role of media in spreading the values of human fraternity and explained that the upcoming period will witness further collaboration between the Muslim Council of Elders and Costa Rica in areas related to peace promotion and the role of religions in addressing global challenges, with a particular focus on climate change.

The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders also congratulated the President of Costa Rica, H.E. Dr. Rodrigo Chaves, for his committed leadership for peace, the achievement of inclusive economic sustainability for his people and the empowerment of women in all endeavors of life.