Dr. Salama Jumaa Dawood, the President of Al-Azhar University, extended his congratulations to His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders.
Dr. Salama Dawood praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders over the past decade, including the Document on Human Fraternity co-signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This document served as a strong foundation for promoting principles of human fraternity and cooperation in humanitarian work, essential for building communities, along with various valuable scientific publications in diverse fields.
The President of Al-Azhar University also highlighted that the United Nations’ designation of February 4th of each year as the International Day of Human Fraternity, celebrated worldwide, stands as global recognition of the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts since its establishment in 2014. These efforts have focused on addressing issues facing the Muslim world, enhancing dialogue between the East and the West, and fostering values of peace and mutual coexistence among all people, regardless of color, gender, or belief, inspired by the Quranic verse: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” (Quran 49:13).
The university president wished the Muslim Council of Elders continued success and prosperity in the coming years, noting that the conflicts and challenges affecting the world globally necessitate the universal application of the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity and the rejection of all forms of violence and extremism increasingly prevalent in recent years.