NEWS

In Collaboration between the Muslim Council of Elders, World Council of Churches, and Rose Castle Foundation

Second Edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum Commences Tomorrow

The Emerging Peacemakers Forum is set to begin its second edition tomorrow in Geneva, Switzerland with participation of 50 young men and women from around the world. The forum is organized in partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders, the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation and will take place from July 6th to 14th.

The forum aims to provide a platform for dialogue for young people aged 18 to 30 who are working on developing innovative and sustainable solutions for achieving peace in their respective communities. It seeks to empower young men and women to launch national and regional initiatives and projects related to peacebuilding, as well as promote the values and principles of tolerance and human fraternity.

The forum is also designed to enhance and refine the skills of participants in the fields of peacebuilding whilst aligning with their basic knowledge and experiences. It is hoped that this will be accomplished through the guidance of specialized international experts and practitioners, with a focus on issues such as religion, youth, diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam emphasized that the Emerging Peacemakers Forum aims to shape a global youth movement capable of actively contributing to positive change and finding innovative solutions to contemporary global challenges. Participants are encouraged to serve as shining examples in order to inspire other young people worldwide while also directing their efforts towards peacebuilding, nation-building, and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and solidarity through a range of inspiring initiatives.

In turn, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed his delight at his organization being one of the three chief partners organizing the forum. He stated, “We firmly believe young people have the potential to be powerful agents of peace and social transformation. With their energy, creativity, and passion, they can inspire positive change in their communities and beyond. Their unique perspectives and innovative ideas can help to tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time, paving the way for a brighter future.”

The Emerging Peacemakers Forum is considered one of the most significant initiatives by the Muslim Council of Elders, which is an international NGO based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the council places a great emphasis and interest in youth and believes in their important role in promoting and spreading the values of peace and coexistence.

The first edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum was held in the United Kingdom in 2017 and contributed to creating a generation of young people from the East and the West who uphold the values of dialogue, citizenship and acceptance in the face of all forms of extremism, racism, hatred, and discrimination.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Islamic worlds, including kings, princes, leaders, and people, on the occasion of the blessed Eid ul-Adha. May Allah bless the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as the entire world, with goodness, blessings, love, security, peace, prosperity, and stability.

During this blessed period, which manifests the feelings of unity and solidarity among people through the rituals of Hajj, the Muslim Council of Elders also calls upon Muslims around the world to renounce division and discord while distancing themselves from differences and disputes, and establishing the values of love, fraternity and coming together for the greater good. This period is also an opportunity to come closer to the Almighty Allah, by fulfilling the needs of people, exerting efforts to bring joy and happiness to those in need, extending a helping hand to them, and meeting their needs.

The Muslim Council of Elders also expresses its sincere wishes for peace, goodness, and love to prevail over the Arab and Islamic worlds as well as for all humanity. May this blessed occasion relieve our worlds of all crises and disturbances and may the world as a whole be spared from the evils of wars and conflicts in order for humanity to enjoy greater security and stability.

On World Refugee Day – Muslim Council of Elders calls for an end to wars and conflicts and to instill hope in the hearts of refugees

Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders calls upon the international community to work towards alleviating the immense suffering faced by refugees, internally displaced persons, and homeless individuals as a result of wars and conflicts in the face of extremely difficult humanitarian conditions.

On World Refugee Day, celebrated by the United Nations under the theme ‘Hope Away from Home’ for 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes the necessity of instilling hope in the hearts of refugees while striving to end their suffering and ensuring their safety to resume their normal lives. This includes providing refugees and their families with adequate housing, food, and water.

Likewise, the Muslim Council of Elders is exerting efforts to raise awareness about the plight of refugee whilst advocating for their assistance. The 2019 Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of alleviating the plight of refugees, the marginalized, poor and needy as well as those who have lost their homes without any form of exclusion or discrimination, based on our shared humanity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Dr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, with the two sides discussing potential cooperation in promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Kazakhstan’s efforts in promoting dialogue and coexistence and commended the Central Asian state’s significant interest in enhancing the efforts of religious leaders in spreading the values of tolerance, peace, and human fraternity. He noted that the World and Traditional Religious Leaders Conference, organized by Kazakhstan every three years, has become a global platform for dialogue among leaders and followers of various religions and cultures. He also congratulated Kazakhstan on the upcoming celebration of the 20th anniversary of this international summit of religious leaders, which will be held in October.

The Secretary-General noted that the intention of the Muslim Council of Elders is to open a Central Asian branch of the Council in Kazakhstan, with the aim of serving as an effective communication bridge between the Council and the Central Asia nations as well as promoting dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

For his part, the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan 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 for its pioneering role in promoting peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities and spreading a culture of dialogue and shared coexistence. He emphasized the importance of opening an office for the Muslim Council of Elders in Kazakhstan, as it aligns with the Council’s mission of disseminating values such as tolerance, peace, and harmony, which are in turn in line with the goals of the World and Traditional Religious Leaders Conference.

The Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan also briefed the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders on the outcomes of meetings with religious leaders in Egypt and other future plans for his nation’s Senate. He expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for his efforts in promoting a culture of coexistence and peace, as well as his active participation in the Astana International Forum. He also praised the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, which serves as a platform for dialogue as well as being a practical application of the noble principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Participation in the Rabat International Book Fair is in line with the Council’s Message to Promote Peace and Spread Values of Dialogue and Coexistence

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation in the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital, Rabat with remarkable success and exceptional interaction and attendance from the fair’s visitors, who were keen to explore the latest releases of the Council and participate in the cultural program events, which aimed to promote the values of dialogue and coexistence.

Over the course of eleven days, from June 1st to 11th, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion attracted various segments of Moroccan society, which included prominent academics, professors, and researchers, especially those interested in religious studies, heritage preservation, and issues of civil peace and coexistence.

The activities organized by the Council’s pavilion, included seminars, meetings, and discussions, stood out for their ability to inspire fruitful dialogue and deepen mutual understanding of cotemporary important issues. These activities also drew the attention of intellectual institutions, institutes, and universities, which throughout the fair, made sure to participate with their their students and researchers who took part in the daily discussions organized by the Council.

Visitors to the Council’s stand also expressed their great admiration for the publications presented by the Muslim Council of Elders which featured a diverse collection of books and writings that focused on promoting values of tolerance, peace, and mutual coexistence which resonates with the aspirations of the public.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated that the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat represents one of the most important intellectual and cultural platforms in which the Council is keen to participate. This participation is achieved through a distinguished collection of publications issued by ‘Dar Al-Hokama Publishing’, in addition to several events and seminars aimed at spreading and enhancing peace, coexistence, and fraternity.

The Secretary-General further explained that the participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in book fairs around the world stems from the message of the Council under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to promote peace in Muslim and non-Muslim communities and spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled ‘Principles of Understanding and Comprehension from Thought and Language’ in the Al-Oudaya Hall at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat. The seminar was presented by Dr. Nazir Ayad, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy at Al-Azhar.

Dr. Samir Boudinar, the Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, opened the seminar by referring to the book “Understanding and Comprehension from Thought and Language” by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, President of the Ulema Council of Oujda, and President of the Regional Scientific Council in the Oriental Region.

For his part, Dr. Nazir Ayad addressed important issues related to the reality of Muslims and the proper understanding of Islam, as well as attempts to achieve communication and understanding in the Muslim world. He explained that there are many challenges of the modern era that affect the proper understanding of Islam, such as rapid changes in society, multiple ideologies, and conflicting theories. He emphasized that in light of these challenges, the search for understanding and comprehension becomes an inevitable necessity and a religious duty.

Dr. Ayad highlighted the importance of language in achieving proper understanding, pointing that the misuse of language can hinder communication and lead to misunderstandings. He called for the preservation of the Arabic language, which is the language of the Quran, and its development to align with modern advancements. He emphasized the issue of ijtihad (independent reasoning) in Islam, stating that it is the essence of religion, and proper interpretation of Sharia requires familiarity with the Arabic language and its arts. He called for the necessity of flexibility that interacts with the nature of Sharia and the changes of the era.

The Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy emphasized that Almighty Allah has bestowed in religion what enables Muslims to achieve righteousness in this world and the hereafter. He pointed out that selective readings have led to a misunderstanding of religious texts and that language goes beyond the role of expression to become a complex structure of analyses, words, and expressions, necessitating familiarity with all these aspects to overcome their misuse, while avoiding the dominance of emotion and readings based on personal inclinations, which do not align with the nature of understanding.

In conclusion, Dr. Nazir Ayad praised the scientific and research efforts of His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, stating that proper understanding can only be achieved by adhering to the principles, with the necessity of distinguishing between the absolute and the limited in this regard. He explained that diversity is a universal reality that allows for exploration, development, and adaptation of life.

The seminar witnessed a significant attendance by visitors of the International Publishing and Book Fair who were eager to listen to the seminar and participate through various questions and diverse interventions. The event concluded with a book signing ceremony.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council’s message, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital Rabat has held a seminar titled ‘’Religious Pluralism, Identities, and the Paths to Peace’ by Dr. Said Kafaiti, Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez and Dr. Karima Norah Al-Issaoui, Professor of the History of Religions and Dialogue of Civilizations at the Faculty of Theology at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tetouan.  

At the seminar’s beginning, Dr. Karima Norah Al-Issaoui discussed the history of the relationship between Islam and the West. She pointed out that this relationship has not always been good, as misunderstandings and religious conflicts have prevailed over the past centuries. She also highlighted the presence of misconceptions and negative attitudes towards Islam in the West, which affect the integration of Muslims in those countries and increase identity tensions. She also called for promoting mutual dialogue and cultural understanding between different cultures and working towards overcoming religious differences and focusing on common values.

For his part, Dr. Said Kafaiti shed light on important data regarding religious pluralism and identities in European countries. He pointed out that the challenges related to pluralism are not limited to the increase in the number of immigrants and refugees, but also involve unprecedented religious and cultural diversity in those countries in recent decades.

Professor Kafaiti also emphasized the importance of the Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. He explained that the document promotes the language of dialogue among followers of religions and contributes to enhancing tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Dr. Kafaiti called on youth and new media outlets to widely disseminate the principles of the document to combat misunderstandings of religious texts and electronic fatwas that reflect misconceptions, impede dialogue, and reject differences. He stressed the need to include a definition of religions and enhance the values of dialogue and tolerance in educational curricula, with a focus on religious and human commonalities.

In conclusion, the interventions and discussions raised important issues about religious and identity pluralism in the West. The participants emphasized the necessity of working towards enhancing communication and mutual understanding between cultures and religions, and building bridges of dialogue and cooperation to achieve peaceful coexistence in diverse societies.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council’s message, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, was awarded an honorary professorship by the Eurasian National University in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in recognition of his efforts in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, fraternity and coexistence. The university held a special ceremony in the presence of Dr. Yerlan Sydykov, the Chancellor of the Eurasian National University, along with several professors and students. 

At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr. Yerlan Sydykov expressed the university’s appreciation to Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and to the message of the Council, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for their efforts in promoting and strengthening peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies, as well as disseminating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and acceptance of others.

In his speech, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said, “I have come to you from the United Arab Emirates, a nation that has managed to export tolerance and human fraternity to the entire world, whilst becoming a role model for promoting the values of dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity.” 

He also expressed his immense joy to be present in Kazakhstan, a country known for its rich civilization, diversity, progress, and development in various fields. He praised Kazakhstan’s efforts in promoting dialogue and coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders further praised the Republic of Kazakhstan for promoting dialogue and coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures, exemplified by its organization of the World and Traditional Religious Leaders Conference. The seventh edition of the summit took place last year and was attended by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, along with various leaders and representatives of global and traditional religions from around the world. This unique event, hosted by Kazakhstan every three years, reflects the nation’s belief in the significant role of religious leaders in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, coexistence, and peace.

Judge Abdelsalam dedicated his honor to Al-Azhar, the fortress of knowledge and scholars, where he learned and grew up embracing moderation, diversity, pluralism, and accepting others. He also dedicated it to his mentor, the Grand Imam, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who instilled in him the love of goodness and the promotion of dialogue, coexistence, and helped him down the path of peace and human fraternity.

During a meeting with the university’s students, the Secretary-General emphasized that dialogue is the only means through which visions and ideas can be exchanged. He stressed the importance of comprehensive dialogue in managing human relationships at all levels, from the most personal to international relations between nations and communities. He pointed out that diversity is a characteristic of the universe and a law of human society, and its impact lies not only in preserving the balance of human civilization with its diverse components but also in enriching and highlighting its strongest and most beautiful aspects, contributing to human advancement and well-being.

Judge Abdelsalam further highlighted that in today’s world, with its diverse civilizations and identities, the paths of communication between societies and the dialogue among cultures and nations cannot achieve their goals without a strong presence of universities with their visions, projects, and students with knowledge, questioning, dialogue, and creativity. They are the repository of our aspirations for the future and the questions that should be posed and discussed in order to find answers that make our world a better place.

The Secretary-General clarified that the Muslim Council of Elders works to derive wisdom in all societies as a source of independent and purposeful will for those societies. He emphasized its crucial role in managing diversity through the roles of the council’s members, who all strive to address common global challenges. These challenges can only be overcome by choosing constructive convergence within diversity or by avoiding fragmentation that threaten not only constructive diversity but also our shared human existence.

In conclusion, Abdelsalam also addressed a message to the participating youth, emphasizing the importance of embracing hope and perseverance in pursuing the path of knowledge with determination and confidence in human capabilities to face challenges. He highlighted the abilities and capacities that Allah bestowed upon humans, along with the guidance and enlightenment, as the most valuable asset and the most precious trust that we bear for the sake of a better future.

The Eurasian National University is one of the most important universities in Kazakhstan and the largest educational institution in Astana. The university has previously honored several influential figures for promoting peace and coexistence, including His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2018.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, has met the Chairman of the Nazarbayev Centre for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue, Mr. Bulat Sarsenbayev, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the field of interfaith and intercultural dialogue and its role in addressing global challenges, including climate change.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Nazarbayev Centre for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue in promoting dialogue, particularly the efforts that followed the recent meeting of the World and Traditional Religious Leaders Conference. He emphasized that Kazakhstan plays an important role in promoting a culture of dialogue and convergence while shedding light on the important role that religious leaders and relevant institutions can play in raising awareness about climate change. This is particularly relevant in light of the international challenges and the UAE’s upcoming hosting of COP28 confernece at the end of this year.

For his part, the Chairman of the Nazarbayev Centre for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue 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, in seeking to unify the efforts of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, including climate issues, promoting peace, and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. Sarsenbayev also praised the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity which was signed in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, for the noble values it represents in terms of promoting dialogue and coexistence. 

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to enhance their cooperation through various efforts and initiatives that contribute to correcting misconceptions, supporting the values of coexistence, and benefiting from interfaith dialogue efforts in formulating an effective vision for the role of religions in addressing climate change. This would be based on the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Nazarbayev Centre for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue in November of last year.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital Rabat has held a seminar titled ‘Efforts of Conflict Resolution Groups in Africa’ by Dr. Adel Mousawi, Professor of International Relations at Mohammed V University in Rabat.  

Dr. Samir Boudinar, the Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research opened the seminar by emphasizing the importance that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, places on conflict resolution and peace promotion, particularly in the African continent.

Dr. Adel Mousawi, for his part, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in seeking to resolve conflicts in Africa. He highlighted that the Council has successfully mediated several disputes on the continent, contributing significantly to achieving internal peace and reconciliation among conflicting parties. He also noted the council’s efforts in promoting values of coexistence, intercultural and interreligious dialogue within the framework of civil peace, and their dedicated work towards enhancing stability and development in Africa.

Mousawi further elaborated on the concept of factions in African nationalist political thought. He discussed various pillars, including the sense of African identity and the rejection of foreign interference, that underpin the concept of factions. He pointed out that while the concept of factions is necessary, it is insufficient to prove African uniqueness. He raised an important question about the availability of the necessary willpower to achieve integration and unity in the African continent.

As a professor of international relations and international law at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Dr. Adel Mousawi emphasized the importance of continued communication and cooperation between the international community and the Muslim Council of Elders in strengthening peace and stability efforts in Africa. He emphasized that African solutions should be based on consultation and cooperation among African nations, including utilizing the expertise and knowledge possessed by the Muslim Council of Elders.

Dr. Mousawi concluded by affirming that regional cooperation and solidarity are the keys to success in achieving peace and stability in Africa. He called for the continued joint efforts to confront challenges and build a prosperous future for the African continent.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council’s message, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.