The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, urges institutions and individuals to enhance their focus on the Braille language, which serves as a bridge connecting the visually impaired (blind and visually impaired individuals) with various knowledge and sciences.
In a statement on the occasion of World Braille Day, observed on the 4th of January every year, the council emphasizes that disseminating and promoting Braille language, as well as translating scientific publications, books, and writings in various fields of knowledge into this language, enhances educational and cognitive opportunities for those who rely on it in their daily lives. This contributes to building an inclusive and supportive society.
The Muslim Council of Elders places significant importance on promoting the use of Braille as a means to disseminate values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. The council collaborated with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination to translate the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, into Arabic, English, and Italian Braille. The goal was to make it accessible to the visually impaired worldwide.
This initiative aligns with the council’s ongoing efforts to provide fair opportunities for all segments of society to access knowledge in various fields. It also reflects the council’s commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and encouraging their full participation in their communities.
It’s worth noting that Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetical and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number. It is used by blind and visually impaired individuals to read printed books and periodicals in visible print, ensuring their access to human information and knowledge.