The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar welcomes the declaration by the State of New York in the United States of America recognizing January as Islamic Heritage Month. The Council regards this positive step as a profound acknowledgment of the civilizational, cultural, and humanitarian contributions of Muslims and their role in enriching societies while promoting values of diversity and coexistence.
The Council affirms that this declaration reflects a growing awareness of the importance of recognizing cultural and religious diversity as a source of strength for societies which also fosters mutual respect, combats hate speech and intolerance, and builds bridges of understanding among followers of different religions and cultures.
The Muslim Council of Elders commends the declaration which also highlights rich Islamic heritage and its enduring contributions to science, academia and the arts while also advancing societal peace and coexistence.
The Council reiterates its call to strengthen joint efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and rapprochement among peoples of all backgrounds, thereby enhancing human fraternity and the values of peace, coexistence, and respect for diversity and cultural pluralism within societies.