منتظم

*Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam: The Document on Human Fraternity Represents the Ethical and Human Framework Needed by the World to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals*

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the Document on Human Fraternity is a unique document in contemporary history and represents the culmination of an agreement between the two largest religious authorities in the world, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in a joint effort to promote values of fraternity and tolerance worldwide. Abdelsalam added that the document constitutes the ethical and human framework needed by the world to achieve sustainable development goals.

In his speech during the opening of the Eurasian Center, coinciding with the International Day of Human Fraternity and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that the major global challenges facing the international community, such as poverty, the climate crisis, conflicts, and wars, hinder efforts to achieve sustainable development. He highlighted the need to restore balance to human beings themselves, spiritually, ethically, and intellectually, and to adopt new values and ethics that align with the path of sustainability. Abdelsalam pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity provides these values and principles, which can be a vital driver for activating humanitarian work to shape policies and decisions in the field of sustainable development.

Furthermore, Abdelsalam expressed his belief that achieving sustainable development lies in the concerted efforts of the international community to reintegrate values and ethics into daily life and view development as a concept that encompasses comprehensive human progress, not only economically but also morally and spiritually.

He concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of human fraternity as an empowering factor for building a more sustainable and harmonious global future. He urged reflection on the exceptional results achieved by the experience following the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, considering the need for a values discourse in the path of sustainability and how we can all benefit from it, including future generations.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the adoption of the International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4 of each year is based on the commemoration of the most significant document in modern human history, the “Document on Human Fraternity,” co-signed in 2019 by two of the most important religious figures in the world: His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi, the capital of Human Fraternity. He noted that this historical document represented a global call to all members of the human family to promote peace and mutual respect.

During his speech at the “Islam and Human Fraternity” conference organized by Trends Research and Advisory in collaboration with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, and the University Platform for the Study of Islam “PLURIEL,” Judge Abdelsalam stated that the Abu Dhabi Document for Human Fraternity has become a source of inspiration for all those who love goodness, coexistence, and peace worldwide. Many countries, religious leaders, and heads of state have adopted it, and it has been included in various educational programs at prestigious global universities.

Judge Abdelsalam explained that the Document on Human Fraternity represents a qualitative and constructive step towards building bridges between people of all religions. He called on religious leaders to reflect on the model of the Document on Human Fraternity to contribute to planting seeds of trust and hope in God and, consequently, human fraternity, aiming to lead our world out of the effects of this global crisis. He emphasized that humanity today urgently needs those who sow seeds of hope and contribute to the spiritual development of its members. The greatest hope that can be given to humanity is the feeling of peace and the recognition that all are brothers and sisters within the framework of the human family.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates, which sponsors the implementation of the Document on Human Fraternity in reality by activating its principles and working to transform them into a reality experienced by people. This serves as clear evidence of the UAE’s genuine belief and the sincere desire of its leaders to achieve goodness, peace, and fraternity for all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair held its sixteenth seminar titled “The Homeland in the Prophetic Sunnah: Concept and Status,” featuring Prof. Dr. Ahmed Omar Hashem, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar.

During the seminar, Dr. Ahmed Omar Hashem emphasized that faith entails love for one’s homeland, and Jihad in the path of Allah is only ordained for the defense of both creed and country. He highlighted the greatness of Islam in promoting love for one’s homeland, citing the Prophet’s (PBUH) love for his homeland, Mecca and Medina.

Dr. Ahmed Omar Hashem also pointed to the Constitution of Medina, a pact established between Muslims and non-Muslims in Medina which aimed to unite all citizens, regardless of their religions, under one common cause, laying the foundation for human fraternity which reflects the tolerance of Islam and the universality of this faith.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.

The Malaysian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders organized various activities to celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity on February 4th, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

His Excellency Datuk Dr. Zulkifli bin Mohamad Al-Bakri, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Senate in Malaysia, and former Minister of Islamic Affairs, welcomed a delegation to the office of the Muslim Council of Elders in Malaysia which included Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Reverend Dr. Clarence Devadass, Reverend George Harrison, and Mr. Victor Soosai from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, along with representatives from the Catholic Church in the Nilai and Seremban regions. The discussion focused on enhancing peaceful coexistence in Malaysia, a nation known for its religious and ethnic diversity, as a leading model of harmony and coexistence as an Islamic state hosting various religions and ethnicities.

During the meeting, Datuk Dr. Zulkifli emphasized the importance of appreciating and respecting the concept of diversity and pluralism, whether in religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds. He pointed out that this concept is clearly manifested in Islamic teachings, which advocate justice, tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance of others.

Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim expressed his delight at expanding cooperation with the Malaysian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders and implementing various initiatives and activities. He emphasized the importance of the role of religious leaders and symbols in addressing various global challenges.

The council, in collaboration with representatives from Christian and Buddhist faiths, organized a special event on Batu Ferringhi Beach in Penang under the theme ‘Messages of Hope and Peace,’ which included a beach cleanup, emphasizing that environmental preservation is an integral part of the values of human fraternity, which call for preserving the Earth and its natural resources as our shared home.

A group of youth from the Wesley Methodist Church in Seremban, and representatives from the Buddhist Maha Vihara Society of Malaysia as well as members of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Force also participated in the ‘Harmonious Collaboration 2024’ program. Participants acknowledged commonalities among religions and different cultures, such as the pursuit of peace, environmental awareness, the importance of education, aligning closely with the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity.

The participants in the events organized by the Malaysian branch of the council expressed deep appreciation for the efforts made by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church. They acknowledged the council’s endeavors in promoting a culture of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and global peace, as well as organizing initiatives and activities contributing to fostering a spirit of fraternity, understanding, and harmony among religions.

Under the theme “Messages of Hope and Peace,” the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders organized a series of programs and events aimed at promoting the spirit of fraternity and peaceful coexistence among various segments of Indonesian society which marked the International Day of Human Fraternity, observed on February 4th each year, and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity 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.

The events included a Friday sermon held at the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, attended by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. The sermon addressed the Human Fraternity Document, emphasizing its principles and values in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence worldwide. It highlighted Indonesia’s model as a prominent example of diversity and acceptance of others, with a society encompassing various races, cultures, and religions.

Additionally, the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders organized a sermon-writing competition on the theme of human fraternity. The competition garnered significant interest and participation from a broad spectrum of Indonesians across different provinces, including women. This reflects a strong commitment to the values of human fraternity, with various segments of Indonesian society ready to contribute to spreading the message of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

As part of the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Council’s Indonesian branch also coordinated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to disseminate the values and principles of the Human Fraternity Document. The ministry issued directives to preachers in approximately 800,000 mosques across Indonesia to dedicate Friday sermons to this vital and central topic. The branch also collaborated with local Indonesian media to provide media coverage of the Friday sermons throughout the country.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Indonesian Committee for Persons with Disabilities, the Council’s branch also organized special events addressing the comprehensive concept of fraternity and equality with one hundred and fifty people of determination participated, being honored and engaged in discussions and workshops. The Human Fraternity Document was translated into Braille and distributed to the visually impaired, underscoring the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to conveying the messages and values of human fraternity to all facets in society.

These activities are part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to solidify the values of human fraternity as the foundation for coexistence and global peace. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, for organizing these seminars and events contributing to the dissemination of the spirit of fraternity and understanding among all.

The Pakistan branch of the Muslim Council of Elders held a seminar titled “Human Fraternity: Messages of Hope and Peace in the World” on Sunday, commemorating the International Day of Human Fraternity observed annually on February 4th in recognition of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity between His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders alongside His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The seminar discussed efforts to promote the values and principles of human fraternity, aiming to achieve peaceful coexistence, acceptance of others, and diversity through dialogue and mutual understanding. It also emphasized the significant role played by benevolent religious teachings in promoting peace and hope not only in the Pakistani context but globally.

The seminar witnessed diverse participation from prominent figures in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Among them were Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the Director-General of the Islamic Research Institute and Shariah Professor at the International Islamic University; Dr. Sardar Tahir Tabassum, the founder and president of the Institute of Peace and Development, and Chairman of the Global Harmony Council; Reverend Samuel Robert Azaira, the Director of the Christian Studies Center in Rawalpindi; Mr. Sardar Ranjeet Singh, a former member of the local parliament; Dr. Sanaullah Al-Azhari, an associate professor at the Maritime University’s College of Islamic Studies; and Allama Liaqat Ali, the director of the Jafari Jurisprudence School in Attock.

Participants expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, particularly through its branches in various countries which serve as effective platforms for communication and disseminating the council’s message aimed at promoting peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The speakers underscored the pivotal role of the Document on Human Fraternity as a global message for peace, embodying the spirit of coexistence and tolerance among religions. The document’s signing by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis symbolized their sincere commitment to enhancing dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and acceptance of others.

Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq emphasized the central role of the Document on Human Fraternity as a global message for peace and an embodiment of the spirit of coexistence and tolerance among religions which brought together the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Pope of the Catholic Church to affirm their earnest commitment to promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Dr. Sardar Tahir Tabassum highlighted the urgent need to activate constructive dialogue between religions to address religious conflicts and enhance the values and principles of human fraternity as well as expanding international cooperation and mutual understanding could contribute to addressing major human issues and challenges. Meanwhile, Reverend Samuel Robert Azaira stressed the importance of working towards human fraternity and peace, confirming the role that the Document on Human Fraternity can play in promoting the values of coexistence and reconciliation among religions.

Mr. Sardar Ranjeet Singh, a former member of the local parliament, expressed pride in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, considering it an expression of shared fundamental principles among religions, including values of charity, cooperation, and the sharing of goodness, which are foundational teachings in Sikhism and other religions worldwide. Additionally, Dr. Sanaullah Al-Azhari and Allama Liaqat Ali discussed the vital role that communication and dialogue play in combating and rejecting hate speech and extremism. They emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity to support peace, peaceful coexistence, and spread them among people and nations, regardless of their cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its fifteenth seminar titled “Women between the Teachings of Islam and Traditions.” The seminar featured the participation of Prof. Dr. Shafiqa Al-Shahawi, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies for Females, and Prof. Dr. Khadra Salem, Member of the Senate and was moderated by Dr. Saad Al-Mat’ani.

During the seminar, Prof. Dr. Shafiqa Al-Shahawi emphasized that Islam has elevated the status of women, granting them full rights and positioning them as crowned queens within their homes. She highlighted that humanity soars with two wings, represented by both men and women, and the harmonious collaboration between them contributes to the orderliness of society.

The Dean of the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies urged society to uphold women’s rights by emulating the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) guidance in dealing with women. She emphasized the significant role of the media in highlighting women’s rights and accomplishments while debunking erroneous traditions surrounding them.

Prof. Dr. Khadra Salem affirmed that Islam cares for women, raising their status and honoring them as daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers. She emphasized that women play a significant role in Islamic society, holding multiple roles within their homes and communities. She commended the efforts of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in advocating for women and preserving their rights.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized the necessity of adhering to the values of human fraternity for a world that is more just, peaceful, and secure. He pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, has sparked global initiatives in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

During his speech at the international symposium “Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue as Factors for International Solidarity,” organized by the Islamic Academy in Uzbekistan on the occasion of the International Day of Human Fraternity and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, the Secretary-General stated that our world urgently needs to reinforce the values of fraternity and coexistence, especially in the face of wars, conflicts, and challenges that call for collective action to establish the values of peace, justice, and love among people.

Judge Abdelsalam added that involving local communities in peace-building and gaining societal acceptance is a fundamental step toward realizing the values of human fraternity and enhancing global solidarity. He expressed gratitude to the Islamic Academy in Uzbekistan for organizing this international symposium coinciding with the International Day of Human Fraternity and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity. He also appreciated the Republic of Uzbekistan, a land of diversity and coexistence, and a nation with a rich Islamic civilization that has contributed significantly to humanity’s intellectual heritage throughout history.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the decisions issued by the International Court of Justice regarding the imposition of interim measures in the Gaza Strip as well as calls for temporary measures to protect civilians, halt any statements or practices, and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide against the Palestinian people.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its satisfaction with the decisions of the International Court of Justice aimed at stopping the violations of Israeli occupation and providing protection for Palestinians.

The Council commends the efforts of South Africa and all initiatives calling for the protection of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the urgent delivery of humanitarian and relief aid, preventing further loss of life, avoiding escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories, and affirming the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ booth at the Cairo International Book Fair will host a seminar tomorrow, Thursday, at 3:30 PM Cairo time. The seminar, titled “In the Sanctuary of the Arabic Language… Why Should We Preserve It?” will be presented by Dr. Hassan El-Shafei, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar. This event reflects the council’s role in raising awareness about the importance of the Arabic language and its contribution to the advancement of sciences.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.

The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.