PRESS RELEASES

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.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that Islam has greatly elevated the status of mothers and strongly advocates for their appreciation, respect, and compassionate care, in recognition of their enduring sacrifices and unwavering devotion to their children. Allah Almighty says in the Glorious Quran: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age while with you, say not to them so much as, ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (The Quran, 17:23) And also: “And We have enjoined upon man care for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship.” (The Quran, 46:15) The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized the mother’s esteemed position, saying: “Paradise lies at her feet”. Islam, the Council emphasized, urges righteousness and dutifulness toward one’s parents—even after their passing—through praying for them, seeking forgiveness on their behalf, fulfilling their commitments, maintaining the bonds of kinship that stem from them, and honoring their close friends.

On this special occasion, the Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest respect and appreciation to all mothers across the Arab and Muslim worlds, and to mothers worldwide, for their unmatched contributions in nurturing, compassion, kindness, and raising generations upon the values of goodness, compassion, and peace.

The Council also calls upon academic, religious, and media institutions—on this Mother’s Day—to help further promote and elevate the role of mothers in society, in recognition of their rights and in support of their noble mission. A mother, the Council affirms, is the cornerstone of future generations and a wellspring of values such as tolerance, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that Zayed Humanitarian Day represents a celebration of the highest values of giving, tolerance, and human fraternity. It draws inspiration from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, whose life was dedicated to spreading goodness, compassion, peace, mercy, and solidarity among people of all backgrounds.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasizes that commemorating Zayed Humanitarian Day is a significant opportunity to reflect on the legacy of goodness and humanitarian work established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul. As the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, he transformed the nation into a leading model of compassion, tolerance, and human fraternity, extending a helping hand to all those in need.

The Secretary-General further highlights that Sheikh Zayed left behind a lasting, inspiring, and sustainable humanitarian legacy that continues to guide advocates of goodness, peace, and coexistence worldwide. He notes that the UAE and its wise leadership remain committed to following in the footsteps of their visionary founder through diverse initiatives and pioneering projects that spread kindness and goodwill across the globe

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes the urgent need to promote dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace in response to the growing rhetoric of hatred, extremism, discrimination, and Islamophobia.

In a statement marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15 by the United Nations General Assembly, the Council reaffirmed that Islam is a religion of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. It also warned against efforts by far-right groups to spread negative stereotypes about Islam for political and partisan gain.

The Council called for concrete action to counter Islamophobia, including fostering dialogue between East and West, encouraging the positive integration of Muslims in their societies, and enacting laws that criminalize attacks on others or insults to their religious symbols and sanctities.

The Muslim Council of Elders remains committed to promoting Islamic values of tolerance and enlightened, moderate thought in the face of bigotry, extremism, racism, and discrimination. It continues to lead inspirational initiatives and programs, such as East-West dialogue tours, international peace convoys, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum (EPF), student dialogue programs on human fraternity, and Ramadan convoys around the world.

The Document on Human Fraternity, signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, upholds that freedom is a fundamental right for all human beings, including freedom of belief, thought, expression, and practice. It affirms that religious, racial, and cultural diversity is part of God’s divine will, forming the foundation for human rights, freedom of belief, and respect for differences. Moreover, it rejects any form of coercion in matters of faith, culture, or way of life, asserting that no ideology or civilization should be imposed upon others against their will.