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Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Diversity is a divine approach that calls on us to be open towards others and unify our efforts in confronting global challenges

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, participated in the Astana International Forum held in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on Thursday. The forum carried the mission statement ‘Tackling Challenges through Dialogue: Towards Cooperation, Prosperity and Progress’ and brought together over 1,000 participants from 70 countries, including leaders, heads of state, government officials, international organization directors, and representatives. The event consists of over 40 panel discussions and activities covering topics related to peace promotion, diversity, the global order, climate challenges, and more.

In his speech during the panel discussion titled ‘Coming Together or Moving Apart: The Future of Multilateralism’ the Secretary-General emphasized that humanity faces two options: either convergence or fragmentation while stressing the importance of managing diversity, establishing its values, building awareness within societies, and developing institutional and legal mechanisms. Alternatively, Abdelsalam added that if we move towards further fragmentation, we should be prepared for the high cost of division, conflict, and the tragic consequences it entails.

Judge Abdelsalam highlighted that diversity, in its various manifestations—religious, cultural, and social—represents human diversity in origin and cultural components. and that it also reflects divine wisdom. Abdelsalam also posed questions, such as how can humans, as creations, allow themselves to hate others contrary to the Creator’s will? How can human will diverge from what God’s wisdom and human nature necessitate?

The Secretary-General also emphasized that our responsibility to establish a serious and constructive dialogue about the future of diversity and its options requires us to be open to diverse social and cultural experiences within our world. He urged the need to examine paths of diversity in our era as expressions of these experiences with the goal of establishing a positive relationship between Islam and the Western world, especially Europe, in strategic fields of identity, culture, and society. He also affirmed the importance of achieving positive integration and confronting all forms of bigotry, hatred, and Islamophobia.

Judge Abdelsalam stated that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar is making concerted efforts to promote the values of peace, coexistence, and respect for others. He mentioned that the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity has laid down several guidelines, principles, and foundations governing coexistence among all people, despite their differences and diversity. Additionally, the friendship between the Grand Imam and Pope Francis, the Pontiff of the Catholic Church, has established an inspiring model for the relationship between religious leaders and paved the way for a constructive dialogue that focuses on human commonalities.

The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude to the government of Kazakhstan for organizing the Astana International Forum and for turning it into a global project for generating ideas to address urgent global problems and advancing dialogue among international actors with different specialties, perspectives, interests, and orientations.

The Astana International Forum was attended by figures from 70 countries, including leaders, heads of state, government officials, and directors of international organizations. Among them were President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, and various other leaders, heads of state, and officials from around the world.

Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns stabbing attack in the French city of Annecy

Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns the stabbing attack that targeted several individuals, including children, in a park in the city of Annecy in the French Alps, resulting in a number of injuries.

The Muslim Council of Elders affirms its absolute rejection of such criminal acts that contradict all divine and international laws as well as basic human values. May Almighty Allah afford the injured a swift recovery.

As part of the activities of the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital Rabat, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled ‘A Reading of the Book ‘Dawn of Andalusia’ by Dr. Hassan Oureid, Professor of Political Science at Mohammed V University in Rabat.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Samir Boudinar, the Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research introduced the seminar while pointing out that the book ‘Dawn of Andalusia’ serves as a model and reference for managing diversity and coexistence within societies.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hassan Oureid expressed his gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for their great efforts in promoting the values of coexistence among people.

The Moroccan scholar also praised the importance of the book ‘Dawn of Andalusia’ for its widespread dissemination and impact on society. He discussed his journey in search of the book and the challenges he faced before meeting the late Moroccan scholar and thinker, Mohammed Ben Cherifa, who gave him the only available copy of the book. He noted that he discovered that ‘Dawn of Andalusia’ was one of the books that did not receive sufficient attention in Arabic Andalusian studies.

Dr. Oureid also discussed the book’s author, Hussein Moenis, who held the position of Professor of Literature at Cairo University in the 1950s. He highlighted Moenis’ pioneering proposal to establish an Institute for Andalusian Studies in Madrid, which was accepted by the late Minister of Education, Taha Hussein. He further explained, “Dr. Moenis spent ten years as the director of this institute and made frequent visits to Morocco, which he considered an extension of Andalusia.”

Dr. Oureid emphasized that ‘Dawn of Andalusia’ is a book about Andalusia in the Arabic language which covers a time period from the Islamic conquest to the establishment of the first emirate by Abd al-Rahman al-Dakhil. It also sheds light on the components of Andalusia and its various tribes associated with the Arabic language.

He pointed out that Arabs were not the dominant element in Andalusia, which was home to many other tribes and nationalities. He explained that the writer, Hussein Moenis, reviewed each tribe and the homogeneity and coexistence that resulted from it, emphasizing that Muslims relied on Sharia as a reference for administrative affairs in that era and built laws based on interests. He also highlighted the important relationship between the Maliki school of thought and Roman law, emphasizing that a researcher in Andalusian studies cannot succeed in their study without reading this book due to its enjoyable and simple language.

The seminar was attended by a large audience, and there was intense interaction from the visitors of the exhibition, who also sought to explore the publications of the Muslim Council of Elders exhibited at the International Publishing and Book Fair. 

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 ‘The Role of the Muslim Council of Elders in Serving and Disseminating Islamic Heritage’ by Dr. Mohammed Jamal, researcher at the Heritage Revival Office of Al-Azhar.  

Dr. Samir Boudinar, the Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research opened the seminar by shedding light on the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace, dialogue, and communication. He emphasized that Islamic heritage is an endless source of knowledge and an important reservoir of culture and wisdom.

Dr. Mohammed Jamal, a researcher at the Heritage Revival Office of Al-Azhar, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders for organizing such great gatherings at international exhibitions. He considered the issue of heritage as a significant challenge in our contemporary reality, stating that Islamic heritage requires continuous renewal and development that aligns with modern advancements while preserving its authentic values and rich legacy.

Dr. Jamal also pointed out that despite the fact that Islamic heritage traces back to a great civilization, it is crucial to ensure the selection of what is suitable for our time and current circumstances. He commended the efforts of scholars who served heritage and carried the torch of civilization, emphasizing that heritage is one of the main pillars of the Islamic nation.

Jamal also noted the guidance of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who calls for promoting and disseminating moderate heritage among people in order to combat extremism, sectarianism, and division. He stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between reason and revelation while affirming that Al-Azhar’s ideology is most suitable for fulfilling this role, given its committed message based on the teachings of Islam and its balanced approach.

In this context, Dr. Mohammed Jamal also praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in serving Islamic heritage while also enhancing its care and development. He explained that preserving and sustaining heritage requires continuous efforts and unwavering attention.

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.

During the meeting, His Eminence affirmed the openness of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to cooperate with various religious and cultural institutions around the world, and to support all scientific endeavours that contribute to enhancing Islamic cooperation while promoting the values of fraternity, coexistence, and positive engagement with others. The Grand Imam also emphasized the important role of Islamic scholars and jurisprudential assemblies in confronting extremist ideologies and deviant behaviors that threaten societal security and stability.

For his part, the member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy expressed his pleasure at meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as the deep-rooted appreciation of the Islamic Fiqh Academy for His Eminence’s significant scientific and cultural achievements. Sano also acknowledged His Eminence’s efforts in establishing of human fraternity and peace whilst working to promote the correct image of Islam and confronting all forms of extremism and radicalism. He confirmed the International Islamic Fiqh Academy’s keenness to collaborate with scholars of jurisprudence and Sharia at Al-Azhar on various issues of mutual interest.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohammad Abdelsalam has visited the headquarters of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland, upon an official invitation from Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, the Secretary-General of the World Council of Churches.

During the visit, the two parties discussed enhancing cooperation in the field of interreligious dialogue as well as the role of religious leaders in addressing current global challenges, particularly climate change in light of the upcoming COP28 conference, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates at the end of the year.

Judge Abdelsalam and Dr. Pillay also discussed ways to promote and enhance peace in Africa as well as the final preparations for the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, which will be held in partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders, the World Council of Churches, and the Rose Castle Foundation in July. The forum is set to feature the participation of 50 young people from the East and the West with the aim of producing future generations of youth that are capable of positively contributing to international peacebuilding.

At the meeting’s conclusion, the Secretary-General along with other senior figures of the World Council of Churches 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 promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and interreligious and intercultural dialogue. They also expressed their full support for all interreligious dialogue efforts and initiatives planned during the upcoming COP28 conference, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates at the end of the current year. The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, for his part, emphasized that the World Council of Churches serves as a model for how religious organizations should collaborate in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and global peace.

As part of universal efforts towards protecting the environment and preserving the world’s natural resources, the Muslim Council of Elders affirms that environmental conservation and the sustainability of its resources are religious and ethical duties that contribute to advancing global peace, development, and stability.

On World Environment Day, which is celebrated by the United Nations on June 5th of each year, the Muslim Council of Elders calls for the unification of efforts aimed at preserving the environment by promoting sustainability and raising awareness about environmental risks that threaten life on this planet. It also emphasizes the significant role that individuals and institutions can play in protecting and preserving the environment and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, which is one of the main challenges endangering life on this planet.

The Muslim Council of Elders has undertaken various efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues and climate change. The 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, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, emphasizes the necessity of addressing climate change. Additionally, the exceptional meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders and senior representatives of the Catholic Church which took place during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum, further discussed the role of religious leaders in facing current global challenges, particularly climate change.

In late May, His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, alongside Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Excellency Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative for the Presidency of the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 conference, discussed the possibility of launching a joint initiative to invite all religious institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations worldwide to unite their efforts in achieving the shared goal of protecting the Earth. The meeting also explored the potential establishment of an interfaith and intercultural dialogue pavilion at the COP28 conference, which would serve as a dedicated platform for enriching enlightened religious dialogue, knowledge and experience exchange, and highlighting the crucial role of leveraging religious insights and values in addressing the current climate crisis.

The United Arab Emirates will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) from November 30th to December 12th, 2023. The aim of the conference is to seek effective solutions to confront the negative impacts of climate change, as one of the main global challenges threatening life on this planet.

In line with the commitment of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to promote peaceful coexistence and celebrate diversity in the Muslim world, a seminar titled ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World: Concepts and Mechanisms’ was organized at the Council’s stand in the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. The seminar featured Dr. Yahya Ramadan, Head of the Raqee Center for Studies and Dr. Fouad Bouali, Director of the ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World’ initiative at the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Yahya Ramadan expressed his gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders for their efforts in promoting peace and disseminating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He emphasized that understanding and managing peace require taking into consideration the global context in which Muslims exist, stressing the need to approach the management of identity harmony in the Arab world from different perspectives and the necessity of a deeper understanding of it.

The Head of the Raqee Center for Studies and Research added that the contemporary world is characterized by cultural and identity diversity, and migration has led to the coexistence of different cultural groups. This has given rise to identity discourse, which is sometimes insufficiently understood. He also pointed out the challenges posed by diversity and stressed the desired goal of building a society based on the values of peace and shared living. Ramadan finally affirmed the importance of managing the issue of identity in a fruitful way and transforming it from a source of tension and division into a mechanism for peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Dr. Fouad Bouali emphasized that identity harmony is a timely and crucial issue, stating that the discussion of identity is not merely a temporary debate but a sustainable and future-oriented matter. He also explained that “identity harmony management” is not just a theoretical project but a procedural project aimed at achieving peace among people. He presented a set of proposed solutions to overcome the identity crisis, including recognizing minorities, implementing policies of diversity, promoting constructive dialogue and mutual learning between different communities. He also highlighted the importance of achieving social solidarity and social justice as the foundation for achieving identity harmony.

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.

Under the title ‘Efforts of Orientalists in Preserving Heritage as an Expression of Cultural Communication’, the Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar at the 2023 International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat. The seminar was delivered by Dr. Ahmed Shoukry Binbayn, the Director of the Royal Library in Morocco.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Binbayn expressed his gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for their participation in the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat. He praised the council’s efforts in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, coexistence, tolerance and peace. 

During the seminar, which was attended by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and moderated by Dr. Samir Boudinar, Executive Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, Dr. Binbayn discussed various aspects of Orientalist work, including academic, research, linguistics, and other historical aspects. He emphasized the importance of using scientific and critical methods in studying heritage and the need for communication and collaboration between researchers and Orientalists in order to achieve a higher level of accuracy and comprehensiveness in interpretation and documentation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Binbayn criticized the lack of awareness among some teachers and students about the work of Orientalists who have long been working on preserving heritage throughout history. He pointed out that some students and teachers have preconceived notions about certain Orientalists, which poses a significant challenge in understanding and appreciating the efforts of others.

The Director of the Royal Library in Morocco also highlighted the existence of fair and sympathetic Orientalists towards Islam, such as ‘Gustav Jahn’ who translated the book ‘Sibawayh’ into the German language due to his expertise and deep knowledge of grammar and morphology. He also noted other Orientalists who embraced Islam and defended it, as well as others who didn’t convert to Islam but defended it nonetheless.

In conclusion, Dr. Binbayn appealed to younger generation to be vigilant and not succumb to extremists. He encouraged them to embody the teachings of tolerant Islam, which call for accepting and respecting others, and to promote the values of human fraternity among all people.

Dr. Samir Boudinar, the Executive Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, affirmed the importance of peaceful cultural communication, while emphasizing the efforts of Orientalists in preserving heritage. He explained that Arab and Islamic heritage is rich and vast and has required continuous efforts by successive generations of scholars throughout history.

The seminar witnessed a significant attendance of visitors to the fair who were also keen to visit the Council’s stand to explore publications by ‘Dar Al Hokama Publishing’, which aims to correct misconceptions and promote the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

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 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity today opened nominations for its 2024 award – an independent global prize honoring individuals and entities of all backgrounds working selflessly and tirelessly to advance solidarity, integrity, fairness, and optimism, and create breakthroughs towards peaceful coexistence. 

The award – which includes a USD $1 million financial prize – launched in 2019 to mark the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, during which the two leaders co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity.

The Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said: “As the 2024 edition of the award begins, we call for nominations of people and organizations who are advancing human fraternity at all levels of society, inspiring others to serve the common good, and changing our world for the better.”

Eligible nominators can submit nominations through the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s official website: https://zayedaward.org/. 

Nominations will be accepted until October 1, 2023. An independent judging committee of experts in peacebuilding and coexistence will review the nominations and select the honoree(s).

The recipient(s) will be honored during a ceremony to be held on February 4, 2024 – coinciding with the UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity and the anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Since the award’s inception, leaders, activists, and humanitarian organizations from around the world have been honored including: His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church (honorary recipient); the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb (honorary recipient); UN Secretary-General António Guterres; activist against extremism Latifa Ibn Ziaten; His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and his wife, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah; Haitian humanitarian organization the Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty (FOKAL); the Community of Sant’Egidio organization; and Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil.