PRESS RELEASES

Muslim Council of Elders Calls for a Global Strategy to Combat Hatred, Extremism, and Islamophobia

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, vehemently condemns the terrorist attack that claimed the life of Rahma Ayat, an Algerian student, in Hannover, northwestern Germany.

The Council calls for the urgent development of a global strategy to address all forms of racism, extremism, hatred, and Islamophobia. Likewise, it advocates for decisive measures to enact binding legislation criminalizing such reprehensible terrorism while fostering dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, peace, mutual respect, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late student, praying that Almighty Allah envelops her in His boundless mercy, grants her a place in His vast heavens, and provides her family and loved ones with patience and solace.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the heinous terrorist bombing that targeted a church in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of several innocent victims and the injury of others.

The Council firmly rejects such terrorist acts, which stand in complete contradiction to the righteous teachings of Islam, all divinely revealed religions, international laws and norms, and universally shared moral and humanitarian values. These values unequivocally prohibit any harm to places of worship and call for their protection and respect.

The Council stresses that targeting places of worship constitutes a blatant violation of the sanctity of life and sacred sites, and is a crime that cannot be justified under any pretext. It reaffirms its unwavering stance in rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism and calls for decisive action against extremist groups that seek to spread destruction, instability, and division among members of the same nation.

As the Muslim Council of Elders condemns this atrocious act, it extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, wishes a swift recovery to the injured, and prays that Almighty Allah safeguard Syria and its people from all harm and evil.

Muslim Council of Elders: The Refugee Crisis Tests the Global Conscience and Its Commitment to Justice, Compassion, and Equity

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar underscores that the refugee crisis is not merely a transient humanitarian issue but a persistent challenge to the world’s conscience and its dedication to justice, compassion, and equity. The Council calls for urgent international action to develop fair solutions, provide aid, alleviate refugees’ suffering, and establish binding international laws to protect them and uphold their right to live with dignity.

In a statement on World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes that the refugee crisis transcends mere numbers and statistics, embodying the profound suffering of individuals and families stripped of their fundamental rights and deprived of safety and stability. The Council expresses deep concern over the worsening plight of refugees amid ongoing global crises, wars, and conflicts. It stressed that supporting refugees extends beyond emergency aid, necessitating efforts to address the root causes of conflicts and ensure the safe, voluntary return of those who have lost their homes and shelter.

The Muslim Council of Elders applauds pioneering humanitarian initiatives that provide protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, addressing their essential needs for shelter, food, medicine, and education while safeguarding their full human rights. It also recognizes the vital support offered to host countries and communities bearing the greatest burden of accommodating refugees. The Council notes that the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, called for alleviating the suffering of refugees, the marginalized, the poor, and those without homes or shelter, without exclusion or discrimination.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that combating hate speech, racism, intolerance, and discrimination is a moral, religious, and humanitarian imperative—especially in light of the growing global rise in violence, incitement, and social polarization, all of which pose a serious threat to communal harmony and human coexistence.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, observed annually on June 18, the Council warned of the dangers of turning a blind eye to verbal incitement, racist practices, and exclusionary rhetoric—particularly within digital and media spaces—which fuel hatred and resentment and create fertile ground for extremism and violence. The Council stressed the urgent need to enact binding legislation to curb such harmful discourse.

The statement emphasized that Islamic law forbids anything that incites division, hatred, or discord. As the Qur’an states: “And tell My ˹believing˺ servants to say what is best” [Qur’an 17:53], and as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught: “A kind word is charity.” Islam calls on its followers to uphold the values of compassion, mutual respect, and tolerance; to embrace diversity and pluralism; and to strengthen the principles of human fraternity—values that form the true foundation of peace and stability in societies and nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders continues to lead efforts to promote dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect through several pioneering initiatives, including East-West Dialogue, Intra-Islamic Dialogue, the International Peace Convoys, and the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, among others. The Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, clearly states that religions have never been a source of war, conflict, hatred, or extremism. Instead, it calls for an end to the misuse of religion to incite hatred, violence, extremism, and blind fanaticism, and urges all people of faith and goodwill to work together in spreading the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that caring for the elderly and protecting them from all forms of neglect, physical abuse, psychological harm, or social marginalization is a moral and religious obligation that must not be overlooked. It represents one of the highest forms of righteousness advocated by Islam and emphasized by the Prophet of Mercy, Muhammad (PBUH), who said: “He is not one of us who does not show reverence to our elders.”

In a statement issued to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15, the Council stated that the true measure of a civilized society lies in the care and appreciation it shows toward its elderly. This generation represents sacrifice, wisdom, and experience—those who paved the way for the present. It is therefore our collective duty to ensure they enjoy a life of dignity, supported by comprehensive health, social, and psychological care that reflects their inherent human and moral status. The statement further stressed that acts of kindness and loyalty to elders should not diminish with age, but rather deepen and strengthen. Preserving a person’s dignity in old age is among the sincerest forms of compassion and solidarity that must be cultivated and upheld.

The Muslim Council of Elders places strong emphasis on the protection and care of senior citizens and actively works to raise awareness of their rights and dignity. In this context, the Council partnered with the Pontifical Academy for Life at the Vatican and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to launch an international declaration in support of the elderly—the first official initiative of the Vatican under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This declaration recognizes older persons as the custodians of collective memory and identity, bearers of wisdom and experience whose transmission to younger generations strengthens societal resilience in the face of crises and lays the groundwork for a more balanced and stable future.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls on all communities, individuals, institutions, and international organizations to fulfill their ethical and humanitarian responsibilities toward senior citizens. This includes enacting and enforcing protective legislation, implementing care and awareness programs, upholding their rights, and combating all forms of age-based discrimination. Such efforts are vital to enhancing the status of older persons and ensuring their right to a safe, dignified, and fulfilling life.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, condemns the Israeli military strike on the Islamic Republic of Iran and warns of its serious repercussions for regional and global security and stability.

The Council calls on the international community to take the necessary measures to de-escalate the situation, prevent the expansion of the conflict, and support diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering international peace and security.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its sincere condolences to the Republic of India following the tragic crash of an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad Airport, which resulted in the loss of dozens of lives.

The Council expresses its deepest sympathy and solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragic incident.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Council hopes that this step will contribute to enhancing security and stability in South Asia and across the world.

The Council calls on both parties to uphold the terms of the agreement, to heed the voice of reason, and to act with wisdom by prioritizing dialogue and mutual understanding. Such an approach will help avert further tensions in the region and foster the values of coexistence, ultimately fulfilling the aspirations of the two neighboring peoples for peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its appreciation for all efforts aimed at ending wars and conflicts, and prays for peace to prevail across the globe so that humanity may enjoy goodness, prosperity, security, and stability.

It is worth noting that the Muslim Council of Elders had previously called on both the Indian and Pakistani sides to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid descending into the abyss of war that would endanger the security and stability of their nations, their peoples, and the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls on the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to exercise restraint and de-escalation, and to avoid sliding into the abyss of war—one that would endanger the security and stability of both nations, their peoples, and the wider world.

The Council stresses the importance of heeding the voice of reason, embracing wisdom, and prioritizing dialogue and mutual understanding. It urges both parties to work towards a peaceful resolution, avoid fueling tensions in the region, and uphold the values of coexistence in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the two neighboring peoples for stability and prosperity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the tragic killing of a Muslim worshipper who was fatally stabbed inside a mosque in the village of La Grand-Combe in the Gard region of southern France. The attacker stabbed the victim multiple times, filmed him with a mobile phone as he lay dying, and shouted insults against Islam.

The Council firmly rejects this heinous terrorist act, which stands in stark contradiction to the moral and humanitarian values upheld by all divine religions, international laws, and universal traditions that call for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and acceptance of others. It also stresses the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat Islamophobia and to enact binding legislation that criminalizes attacks on individuals and insults against religious figures and sacred sanctities, ensuring that all people can live in peace and security.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim, praying that Almighty God grant him His infinite mercy and a place in His vast Paradise. The Council also expresses its hope that the relevant authorities will swiftly apprehend the perpetrator and bring him to justice.