منتظم

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, underscored that the noble Islamic faith emphasizes the importance of caring for orphans, treating them kindly, honoring them, and looking after their affairs. It considers this among the best righteous deeds through which Muslims earn rewards from Allah. Allah the Almighty says: {And give to the orphans their properties and do not substitute the defective [of your own] for the good [of theirs]. And do not consume their properties into your own. Indeed, that is ever a great sin.} (Quran, Al-Baqarah: 2:284). Likewise, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “I and the caretaker of an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” indicating with his index and middle fingers and slightly separating them (Sahih Bukhari).

In a statement on Arab Orphan’s Day, which falls on the first Friday of April each year, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes that caring for orphans should encompass raising awareness of the importance of meeting their material needs, as well as providing them with psychological, social, and educational support, enabling them to become positive contributors to their countries and communities.

On the International Day of Conscience – Muslim Council of Elders: Conscience, an Ethical Compass Guiding Individuals toward Values of Goodness, Justice, Tolerance, and Peace

The Muslim Council of Elders under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes the importance of conscience as a moral compass guiding individuals toward values of goodness, justice, and tolerance. It points out that our world today is in dire need of reviving the human conscience and promoting a culture of peace and coexistence, especially in light of the escalating feelings of hatred, violence, extremism, wars, and conflicts.

In a statement on the occasion of the International Day of Conscience, observed on the 5th of April every year, the Muslim Council of Elders states that Islam and divine laws consider human values and conscience as fundamental guides directing individuals to make right decisions in life. It calls upon individuals, institutions, and societies to seize the opportunity of this day to remind themselves of the value of human conscience and its ability to lead positive change in the world and build communities characterized by peace, justice, and love.

The statement further explains that the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by two prominent religious figures in the world, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, of the Catholic Church, which calls for promoting values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, acceptance of diversity, and pluralism, comes at a critical time when the world is engulfed in conflicts, disputes, bigotry, and extremism. It serves as a beacon of hope and a call for every living conscience to reject hateful violence and blind extremism and to embrace principles of tolerance and fraternity.

Dr. Hassan El-Sagheer, President of Al-Azhar Academy for Training Imams, Preachers, and Fatwa Researchers, extended his congratulations to the Muslim Council of Elders on the occasion of its tenth anniversary.

Dr. El-Sagheer emphasized that over the past decade, the Muslim Council of Elders has continuously offered its contributions, and its generosity continues to overflow and offer goodness. The Council has not left any field or issue unaddressed, emphasizing that this entity is a symbol of amity and a promoter of peace. It empathizes with the suffering of communities and provides effective solutions to problems facing them. The Council has also rendered significant services to humanity by establishing the values of dialogue, citizenship, and acceptance of others through the Document on Human Fraternity. Its initiatives have served thousands and contributed to raising community awareness.

He also praised the efforts of Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, in fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue and contributing to finding effective solutions to the challenges that humanity faces. The Council is a global entity that was born to become influential among institutions that offer valuable services to the world.

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.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that the wise vision and humanitarian principles of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embodied the message of tolerant Islam aimed at promoting values of tolerance and giving, and disseminating a culture of goodness and cooperation among people. The efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed also left its mark on the field of humanitarian work worldwide.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, stated that Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on the 19th of Ramadan each year, commemorating the passing of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, represents a significant occasion to celebrate and recall the values of tolerance, cooperation, and solidarity, and to promote a culture of giving among members of society, and to establish the principles of humanitarian work as a fundamental cornerstone for building more just and peaceful societies. It is also a reminder of the efforts of Sheikh Zayed whose charitable deeds extended to every corner of the world, making his humanitarian legacy a source of inspiration for current and future generations, and a unique model to be emulated in charitable work.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders further explained that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has continued following this pioneering approach, making it a beacon of hope for global volunteer and charitable work, supporting the needy and the poor, and promoting values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity among peoples and nations. This has made the UAE an exceptional model in a world fraught with challenges and conflicts. Abdelsalam also commended the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in providing aid and assistance to the Palestinian people and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian and relief assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip amid the many difficult humanitarian circumstances and challenges.

The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s decision to annex 8,000 dunams of land in the Al Aghwar area of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Council expresses its unequivocal rejection of all measures aimed at altering the historical and legal status quo in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as any practices that violate international resolutions. Such actions threaten further escalation and tension in the region and hinder efforts to achieve peace and stability.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls on the international community to work towards stopping the aggression against the Palestinian people and to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. It also supports the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, welcomed, at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, His Eminence Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman Al-Duweiny, the Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, accompanied by a high-level delegation from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. The delegation included His Eminence Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Head of Al-Azhar Institutes Sector, and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Hussein, the Dean of the Islamic Da’wah College at Al-Azhar University.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders affirmed that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is the nation’s fortress and its solid bulwark against all attempts at extremism or negligence. He congratulated Al-Azhar Al-Sharif on its 1084th anniversary, highlighting its role as a beacon of the Islamic world defending its issues and promoting the true teachings of religion according to its enlightened moderate approach. He also emphasized that under the leadership of the Grand Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has witnessed a qualitative leap in all scientific, Da’wah (preaching), and intellectual fields.

From his side, His Eminence Professor Dr. Mohamed Al-Duweiny, the Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the accompanying delegation congratulated His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the occasion of the Council’s 10th anniversary. They commended the Council’s significant achievements under the leadership of Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, especially in defending the nation’s issues, promoting dialogue between East and West, advocating for Islamic dialogue, and building bridges of communication with Muslims worldwide through the Council’s international branches. They also emphasized the importance of youth in shaping global peace and fostering values of tolerance and coexistence.

At the end of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in spreading the values of dialogue and human fraternity, combating extremist thought, correcting misconceptions, and promoting the true teachings of religion.

The Muslim Council of Elders organized an iftar banquet for leaders and symbols in Indonesia and Malaysia, attended by a large number of prominent religious leaders and figures from various religious denominations and sects, in addition to a select group of political, cultural, and intellectual personalities. This initiative is part of the Council’s mission to foster values of tolerance, peace, acceptance of others, and interfaith dialogue and coexistence.

The Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders hosted a Ramadan iftar banquet attended by several religious leaders and prominent figures, including His Excellency Dr. Muhammed Quraish Shihab, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, as well as His Excellency Dr. Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, former Minister of Religious Affairs, and His Excellency the Egyptian Ambassador, Yasser El Shimy, and His Excellency the Malaysian Consul, Datuk Syed Muhammad Hasrin, along with deputy ministers of Religious Affairs, Education, and Culture, representatives from Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah societies, the Indonesian Ulema Council, as well as representatives from major international and local institutions in Indonesia, and academics.

During her address, Ayu Kartika Dewi, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs for Social Affairs in Indonesia, commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting coexistence and human fraternity in Indonesia and globally. She also highlighted Indonesia’s unique experience as the largest Islamic country in the world in terms of fostering interfaith harmony, making it a role model in spreading a culture of tolerance and mutual respect worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Indonesian Church Council, Jacklevyn Manuputty, reflected on the impact of the holy month of Ramadan on the Indonesian people, where conflicts are mitigated, and dialogue is encouraged, emphasizing the importance of activities that promote humanity and coexistence. He urged the Council to continue its noble efforts, wishing it further success and prosperity in its journey.

Representatives from various faiths, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Catholicism, and Theravada Buddhism, shared their reflections on Ramadan and fasting, affirming that these experiences contribute to unity and coexistence among diverse religious communities in Indonesia.

The iftar concluded with the watering of the Peace Tree in Indonesia by religious leaders, along with the screening of film materials showcasing the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders over the past decade since its establishment, coinciding with the 21st of Ramadan.

In Malaysia, participants in the iftar banquet organized by the Malaysian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders in Kuala Lumpur praised the Council’s efforts to bring together religious leaders during this significant event, recognizing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding as fundamental tools for building mutual understanding and respect among diverse religious and cultural components and fostering more cohesive and understanding societies. They affirmed that such activities contribute to joint efforts to promote peace and peaceful coexistence in Malaysia and worldwide.

Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Malaysia’s former Minister of Islamic Affairs, underscored in his speech the Council’s core message, emphasizing the dissemination of a culture of dialogue, mutual respect, and awareness of shared values among religions, in addition to combating religious bigotry and discrimination, and promoting communication and collaboration among religious leaders.

Cardinal Wojciech Załuski, Apostolic Nuncio of Malaysia, Brunei, and East Timor, highlighted the significance of the Document on Human Fraternity co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, as a roadmap towards achieving world peace and enhancing interfaith understanding. He emphasized Malaysia’s exceptional position as a country with unique cultural and religious diversity, playing a pivotal role in this journey.

For his part, Dr. Dzulkefly Hassan, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs in Malaysia, affirmed that continuous dialogue and mutual acquaintance among religions constitute a fundamental cornerstone for building a unified and tolerant society. He emphasized that mutual understanding and mutual respect are essential elements for achieving social harmony and lasting peace, asserting that the religious and cultural diversity that characterizes the country makes it a model to be emulated in achieving communal coexistence and religious understanding.

Dr. Sharanjit Kaur, from Universiti Teknologi Abdul Rahman and representative of the Sikh community, emphasized the utmost importance of mutual understanding and understanding in laying the foundations for peaceful coexistence and harmony in Malaysia, stressing the need for mutual respect and understanding of others’ spiritual and cultural traditions as a way to achieve a cohesive and harmonious society. Sister Loh Pai Ling, representative of the Buddhist Association of Malaysia, highlighted the significant importance of instilling dialogue and peaceful coexistence values from a young age, explaining how education and communication between generations can strengthen mutual understanding and build bridges of empathy and friendship among followers of different religions.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ foreign branches in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan operate within the framework of the Council’s mission to strengthen communication with Muslims worldwide, with the aim of promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

UN Secretary-General: “We continue to support justice in Gaza and to exert pressure on the international community to respect the rights of Palestinians.”

UN Secretary-General to Al-Azhar Grand Imam: “You are a powerful voice for supporting the rights of the Palestinian people.”

Al-Azhar Grand Imam presents the UN Secretary-General with a shield from the Muslim Council of Elders, appreciating his courageous stance towards the Palestinians and his efforts to combat Islamophobia.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received today, Sunday, Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, accompanied by Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and Ms. Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt. The two parties discussed the latest developments in Gaza.

His Eminence the Grand Imam warmly welcomed Mr. António Guterres, commending his courageous stances in supporting the Palestinian cause and promoting justice and human rights in Gaza. He also praised Mr. Guterres’s clear positions in warning the world of the dangers of this aggression, as well as the significant efforts of the UNRWA towards refugees fleeing the aggression’s flames.

His Eminence Sheikh Al-Tayeb remarked, “We have closely followed your brave actions and fair statements in various international gatherings, as well as the pressures and difficult situations you have encountered while advocating for justice and the Palestinian cause. I want to assure you that we, at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, including scholars, professors, students, and affiliates, support your stances and will not waver in our support. We understand that you feel the pain and sorrow that we feel, and our only recourse is to rely on God, Almighty. Through your actions and those of leaders and wise individuals like you, you serve as a beacon of hope for protecting the weak and oppressed in Gaza.”

He stressed that the world is heading in the wrong direction without humanitarian principles or moral guidelines. He emphasized that if the current situation persists, we will witness an unprecedented spread of crime, hatred, destruction, wars, and violence. This contagion will extend from conflict zones to all countries worldwide, reaching even the West and America. Therefore, it is imperative for all of us to unite and stand in solidarity to halt the torrents of innocent blood being shed every hour.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that the current events in Gaza threaten to undermine the ongoing efforts of communication and rapprochement between the East and the West that have been initiated years ago. He noted that the international community’s responses to the aggression in Gaza have been frustrating and disappointing, particularly from the Security Council and the broader international community. In contrast, significant fairness has been shown by Western and American societies, and some fair-minded Jews have even called for an end to the aggression in Gaza.

The UN Secretary-General expressed, “It is a great honor for me to meet with Your Eminence and express my appreciation for your constant efforts in promoting peace and solidarity. You are an example to be followed by all. I would like to convey our appreciation to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif as a strong voice defending and supporting the Palestinian people. We are determined to exert pressure on the international community to respect the rights of Palestinians and alleviate their suffering. Yesterday, I visited the Rafah Border Crossing to emphasize the necessity of ending the aggression and for the international community to fulfill its duties with actions, not just words. On the other side of the crossing, I saw Palestinians suffering from severe shortages of food and water, as well as the spread of various infectious diseases. It is our responsibility to highlight and immediately stop this suffering. This is a responsibility for all of us.”

Mr. António Guterres noted that he had met with officials from various international institutions and organizations the previous day, where he listened to many accounts about the situation in Gaza. He remarked that some officials had told him that in his more than 25 years of working in conflict and war zones around the world, he had never witnessed the level of destruction, suffering, and violence that he saw in Gaza.

Mr. Guterres emphasized that Islamophobia has significantly evolved and has become one of the most widespread forms of discrimination and hatred. He attributed this evolution to modern technological advancements, highlighting that the world is currently witnessing unprecedented levels of hatred and violence. He cited the situations in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and various parts of Africa, stating, “I do not recall a more dangerous period than what we are experiencing now.” He emphasized his continued support for justice in Gaza, asserting that no one will be able to silence or suppress his voice.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar presented Mr. António Guterres with a shield from the Muslim Council of Elders as a token of appreciation from Al-Azhar and all the wise people of the Islamic world for his courageous stance towards the innocent Palestinians in Gaza, as well as his efforts in combating Islamophobia and the phenomenon of hostility towards Islam.