NEWS

Under the Chairmanship of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Muslim Council of Elders expresses its solidarity with Malaysia for the victims that perished in the landslide in Selangor state which led to tens of deaths and injuries. 

The Council also extends its condolences to the people of Malaysia and the families of the victims whilst wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

WASHINGTON – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) distributed the Document on Human Fraternity to over 200 bishops in America and committed to using the Document as a reference for future national interreligious dialogues.

“We arranged today for the document to be distributed to all of the Catholic bishops across the United States.  We have encouraged them to use the document as a resource as they reach out to Muslims and friends from other faith traditions throughout our nation,” said the Bishop of Memphis David P. Talley, Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, in an official letter to Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam. Bishop Talley said that the USCCB will include a reflection on human fraternity in each of its national interreligious dialogues going forward, adding: “I and my brother bishops were motivated [by the initiatives and efforts inspired by the Document] to recommit our energies towards placing fraternity at the heart of all we do.”

The USCCB’s decision came after Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam visited the USCCB headquarters in Washington D.C. in last September. The visit was followed by remarks the Secretary-General delivered at the USCCB annual assembly last month, in which he highlighted the historical significance and impact of the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in 2019 by His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. 

Judge Abdelsalam explained how the values enshrined in the Document on Human Fraternity – among them respect for diversity, equality, justice, and human rights – align with American values and the USCCB’s strategic priority to uphold the life and dignity of the human person. He highlighted the key initiatives undertaken to actualize the Document on Human Fraternity and promote interfaith dialogue.

“The Muslim Council of Elders looks forward to the Document gaining awareness and support in the United States following the USCCB’s actions. We stand ready to help actualize the Document in America and beyond,” said Judge Abdelsalam following the decision.

The bishops also expressed their gratitude for Judge Abdelsalam’s book that recounted the journey of the Document on Human Fraternity, The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path, calling it a “vital resource for Catholics and Muslims alike.”

As the central leadership body of the Catholic Church in America, the USCCB serves over 74 million Catholics, with 195 archdioceses and dioceses across the United States.

Islam called on women to honor and respect their rights, and urges them to be kind, caring for and caring for them, and the Prophet بهال ، الله عليه وسلم said: “Recommend women well” [narrated by Bukhari and Muslim], and made women the same rights and duties as of men, the Prophet منالله عليله علي وسلم (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Enough a woman” For women who are not men” [Narrated by Abu Dawood], Islam honored her as a human, a girl, and a mother. And sister and wife.

Women’s rights issues are one of the most important issues brought up by the Muslim Wise Council headed by A. D. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Wise Men, of special interest; through the words of the Imam Akbar and his attitudes, and through the document of the humanitarian brotherhood, which affirmed the duty of working to liberate women from historical and social pressures that are adverse to uphold her faith, dignity, and duty Protecting her from sexual exploitation and treating her as a commodity or an instrument for pleasure and profit; stop all Inhuman practices, vulgar habits of women’s dignity, and working to modify legislation that change without women having their full rights.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Council of Muslim Wise urges individuals, international bodies and institutions to stand together; to raise awareness of women’s rights, and to make further efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women; which fosters a free health environment From violence, the values of good, truth and beauty prevailed, in which women unite And the man to make tomorrow better.

MCE Secretary-General urges making use of the Document on Human Fraternity to draft international charters and laws on inter-civilizational relations

– MCE Secretary-General: The Document on Human Fraternity is a call to all members of the greater human family to advance peace, mutual respect, and social harmony, based on respect for all people and their rights

– MCE Secretary-General: I call for giving due attention to the role of religious leaders in addressing the lack of peace and mutual respect worldwide

Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has stressed the need to make use of Abu Dhabi’s historic Document on Human Fraternity to draft new international charters and laws that enhance inter-civilizational relations and advance moral and spiritual values in dealing with major common human challenges.

In a keynote speech at a thematic session on the role of religious leaders in promoting peace, mutual respect, and social harmony, co-organized by the MCE and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the Secretary-General said the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi, 2019, is one of the best outcomes of interfaith dialogue in modern times.  

This document is an appeal to all members of the greater human family to unite in advancing world peace, mutual respect, and social harmony, based on respect for all peoples and their rights, the Secretary-General added. He stressed that due attention should be given to the role religious leaders can undertake in addressing today’s most pressing problems, including the lack of peace and mutual respect. The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the local and global impact of religious leaders and the difference they can make in this area, he added.

The Secretary-General pointed out that the MCE – since its establishment in Abu Dhabi in 2014 – has sought to make use of the wisdom and vision of community and religious leaders and to translate this into actions and guidance for the betterment of world communities.

The MCE has been doing this out of its conviction that the moral and cultural experiences of people are a great source of wisdom that can help address today’s conflicts and inspire the world to have better human relationships. This holds true when cultural experiences are shared and integrated through the recognition of the collective creativity of all peoples and nations, which has led to the creation of various civilizations throughout the course of history, Judge Abdelsalam explained.

In his concluding remarks, Secretary-General Judge Abdelsalam offered his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Morocco as a pioneering model for promoting coexistence and human fraternity. He gave special thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco for supporting such efforts.

The Secretary-General commended the UNAOC for organizing the ninth edition of the UNAOC Global Forum, with the theme: Towards an Alliance of Peace: Living Together as One Humanity. He further expressed his hope that the Forum will promote greater global awareness of the values of cultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence as a prerequisite for mutual respect and sustainable global peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) is participating with a special pavilion in the Global Media Congress, held in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi from November 15-17, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court in the United Arab Emirates.

During the Congress, the MCE will review its key initiatives and events, as well as showcase its various publications. The MCE is an independent and international organization chaired by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb. The MCE aims to promote peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies, combat the rhetoric of extremism, hatred, intolerance and discrimination, correct misconceptions, and spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

Today, Wednesday morning,  the Global Media Congress, – held under the theme “Shaping the Future of the Media Sector” – began with the participation of more than 1,200 media sector pioneers, specialists and global influential figures representing 6 continents. It includes more than 30 

 sessions and a series of workshops, in which more than 162 prominent international speakers will participate.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam met with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Information and Social Development Darkhan Khader Ali in Astana. They discussed the role of media in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

The Kazakh Minister of Information expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting world peace and coexistence. He also praised the visit of His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb – MCE Chairman – and his participation in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, during which His Eminence stressed that religious fraternity advances human fraternity.

Khader Ali said that he followed closely the meetings of the Grand Imam and Pope Francis in Kazakhstan – as well as in Bahrain – noting the meetings carry a message of peace and coexistence for all humanity. He also praised the strong relations between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates and the leading role the UAE plays in supporting coexistence around the world.

For his part, the MCE Secretary-General expressed the Council’s appreciation for the efforts of Kazakhstan in promoting interfaith dialogue, pointing out the intention of the Muslim Council of Elders to open a regional office in Kazakhstan, that would be a point of contact with Central Asia.

Judge Abdelsalam added that the MCE views the media as an important component of society because of the role it can play in spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. He explained that MCE launched the Code of Twenty to help the Arab media contribute to spreading the values of human fraternity. The MCE also intends to launch a code of conduct for the Asian media to assist in promoting a culture of dialogue, acceptance, and coexistence.

Calls for all religions to protect the planet, our mutual home

We hope that COP27 is a success which will achieve tangible strategies to combat climate change

Religious leaders have a great responsibility to remind people of the dangers of this issue, for they hold great influence

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has reaffirmed that climate change is the single greatest threat to contemporary peace which requires serious unified international action and solutions. 

This came during Abdelsalam’s virtual speech during the ‘Realizing Ambition through ethical, multi-generational and sector responses to the climate crisis’ organized by Religions for Peace as part of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) being held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

During his speech, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, who is also the co-President of ‘Religions for Peace’ said, “Climate change has fast-become a critical global issue due to the negative effects and threats it is having on the lives of people living on this planet. All religions, namely Islam, have emphasized the urgent need to preserve planet earth in a manner which highlights God’s greatness. They also call for us to build and maintain communities and future generations that respect the environment and have an awareness of their respective responsibility.”

Judge Abdelsalam concluded, “We look forward to the success of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change (COP27) which is being held in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. We hope that it produces a number of tangible strategies and plans that can positively contribute towards saving the planet from climate change.”

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has taken part in the opening of the second edition of the Eshraqat festival in Abu Dhabi. The festival is organized by the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. 

Speaking at the event, Judge Abdelsalam said, “This festival, which is held under the theme ‘Tolerance is Knowledge’, is an important opportunity to introduce the UAE’s efforts in spreading and promoting tolerance and coexistence, especially amongst young children.”

The festival was opened by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates. The three-day festival is being held in partnership with 18 different local and international organizations and will take place at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the success of the recently concluded ‘Bahrain Dialogue Forum’ as well as the positive reception of the historic co-visit by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-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. 

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said, “The Kingdom of Bahrain is a symbol of how to achieve dialogue and coexistence between people of different religious and sectarian backgrounds. From here, the Grand Imam’s invitation for an inter-Islamic dialogue was issued for the purpose of achieving Islamic unity. This goes with the continued Islamic-Christian dialogue through the ‘Dialogue between East and West’ initiative, which aims to spread coexistence between all of humanity.”

Judge Abdelsalam praised the efforts of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain in supporting and promoting coexistence and His Majesty’s willingness to provide the necessary resources to make the Bahrain Dialogue Forum a resounding success.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders reiterated the Council’s many projects and initiatives that will build on the results of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum. He insisted that the fruits that humanity is reaping are increasing following the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-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, which was the initial inspiration for the Bahrain Dialogue Forum.

The Director of the Fatwa Department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai and member of the Muslim Council of Elders His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Haddad has praised the Council, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for continually entrenching coexistence between all people since its founding.

Al-Haddad added, “Islamic sharia has always sought to achieve unity and the Muslim Council of Elders hopes to achieve this great Islamic teaching amongst all people through the historic Document on Human Fraternity. This noble document, which was universally welcomed by all religions and co-signed by two religious symbols in His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders along with His Holiness the Pope of the Catholic Church.”

He concluded, ” The Muslim Council of Elders has organized many conferences, seminars, and meetings in order to achieve and entrench peaceful coexistence globally. The Bahrain Dialogue Forum, which will be attended by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis alongside other religious leaders, aims to continue this noble strategy.”

The Kingdom of Bahrain is set to host the ‘Bahrain Dialogue Forum: East and West for Human Coexistence’ on the 3rd and 4th of November under the patronage of the His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The forum will be attended by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-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 alongside 200 religious leaders and prominent academic and media figures from around the world.

The Bahrain Dialogue Forum is set to be held in partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.