مارچ 21، 2026

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar, affirms that discrimination in all its forms and manifestations constitutes a blatant violation of human values and moral principles. The Council emphasizes that cultural and ethnic diversity is a source of richness and strength for societies, rather than a cause of conflict or division.

In a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually on March 21, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that the teachings of the true Islamic faith call for equality, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence among people of all races, colors, and cultures. Almighty Allah says: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, provided them with good things, and favored them greatly over much of what We have created.” (Al‑Isra: 70)

The statement explained that racism continues to pose a serious challenge to societies, due to its negative repercussions on social peace and global stability. It stressed that confronting this phenomenon requires concerted international efforts, the promotion of a culture of dialogue and mutual respect, and the reinforcement of the values of citizenship, justice, and equality.

The Muslim Council of Elders is making significant efforts to curb racial discrimination and work toward its elimination through numerous targeted initiatives aimed at promoting equality, respect for and acceptance of others, and strengthening the values of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence  Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, calls for spreading the values of equality and justice and instilling the principles of tolerance and mutual respect. The document affirms that citizenship is based on equality in rights and duties, under which all people enjoy justice. It further stresses the need to abandon the exclusionary use of the term “minorities,” as it carries connotations of isolation and inferiority, sows the seeds of discord and division, undermines the religious and civil rights of some citizens, and leads to discriminatory practices against them.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its appreciation to mothers around the world on the occasion of Mother’s Day, commending their profound sacrifices and their pivotal role in shaping generations, instilling values, and building societies.

In a statement marking Mother’s Day, observed annually on 21 March, the Muslim Council of Elders affirmed that Islam has elevated the status of mothers and honored them with the highest regard, making dutifulness toward them among the greatest acts of devotion, linking kindness to them with the oneness of Almighty Allah, and enjoining exemplary treatment of them—reflecting their exalted standing and essential role in nurturing righteous individuals and building cohesive families.

The Council added that the mother is the first school that shapes human consciousness and instills in children the values of compassion, tolerance, and belonging, making her the cornerstone of societal stability and the promotion of a culture of coexistence and peace. It called for entrenching the culture of honoring parents, strengthening societal awareness of the mother’s status and rights, and working to enact legislation and launch initiatives that ensure mothers a dignified life, in recognition of their immense role.

The Muslim Council of Elders also expressed its deep appreciation for the sacrifices of mothers and their resilience in the face of challenges and crises, particularly in areas affected by conflict and disasters, where mothers bear compounded burdens to preserve family cohesion and protect its dignity. The Council emphasized that supporting, empowering, and protecting the rights of mothers is an urgent humanitarian and moral obligation.

On this occasion, the Muslim Council of Elders affirms that honoring mothers is not merely a seasonal observance, but a fundamental human duty and a daily practice that reflects societies’ awareness of the value of noble human giving. The Council prays to Almighty Allah to protect mothers and to make their continuous contributions beacons guiding future generations toward a more compassionate and stable future.