PRESS RELEASES

Grand Imam: Islam calls for tolerance and rejects hate

Grand Imam: Forceful implementation of ideology on people is harmful

Moratinos praises the Document on Human Fraternity and the Muslim Council of Elders

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has met the United Nations’ High-Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan in the run up to the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions which will take place on 14 and 15 September 2022. Also attending the meeting was Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Grand Imam said that Islam calls for tolerance, coexistence and acquaintance between people of different backgrounds and rejects all forms of extremism. These factors were the reason behind the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity along with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church which has in its own right become a universal constitution for humanity. 

His Eminence emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural identity and that the forceful implementation of ideology by some nations on people of is very harmful and concerning. He particularly pointed to the targeting of religious values, which in turn requires religious leaders to unite to counter such questionable actions. The Grand Imam concluded by declaring that there is a great disparity between many politicians and religious leaders around the world and that it is best to collaborate and unite efforts for better outcomes on the ground. 

For his part, the UN High-Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations expressed his admiration of the Grand Imam and the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading tolerance and promoting interfaith dialogue. He added that the Document on Human Fraternity, which was co-signed by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis, came at an important juncture for humanity in terms of the conflicts and wars raging around the world. He affirmed the global interest in the Document and the importance of implementing its values among young people around the world. 

Moratinos concluded by declaring his organization’s willingness to cooperate with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to empower youth and maintain women’s rights in societies around the world. He pointed to Al-Azhar and the Council’s impact on the ground in various societies which is further enhanced by the number of global initiatives launched by both organizations.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam recognized for his efforts in promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Human Fraternity

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has presented the Astana Medal to Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders for his role in promoting interfaith dialogue and human fraternity. Judge Abdelsalam received the Astana Medial during the opening ceremony of the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan. In attendance during the opening ceremony were His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders along with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church and a host of world and religious leaders from around the world. 

Judge Abdelsalm expressed his pride at being presented with the Astana Medal and thanked President Tokayev for providing a healthy platform that supports interfaith dialogue. He also thanked the Republic of Kazakhstan for hosting the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions as well as promoting global peace initiatives such as the Document on Human Fraternity. 

Judge Abdelsalam had previously been awarded the Knight Commander with Star of the Order of Pius IX by His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church for his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue.

The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders Dr. Sultan Al Remeithi has praised the Arab Republic of Egypt for its role in countering hate speech and extremism, during an online seminar titled ‘Combatting Extremism and Hate Speech: A New Dawn’ which was organized by the TRENDS Research and Advisory center. 

Al Remeithi also acknowledged the commendable role of Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El Sisi in implementing a strategy to stem hate and extremism which would have plunged the entire region into a state of anarchy. He also praised Egypt’s current renaissance and the many development projects underway to enhance Egypt’s standing regionally and internationally.

Dr. Al Remeithi added, “Extremism has crossed international boundaries through its exploitation of social and economic changes in often-complex societal environments. There must be concerted intellectual efforts to address extremism by enlightening and educating people in order to avoid the disaster of creating societies that are incubators for extremism.”