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The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the second consecutive year in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, which runs from February 10 to 18, and is one of the largest book fairs  in the region. The Council’s pavilion will showcase over 220 publications in five languages, addressing significant issues and aiming to correct misconceptions while rejecting extremist rhetoric and hatred. Notable translated works include “Religious Thought and Contemporary Issues” by Mahmoud Hamdi Zakzouk, “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and “Al Azhar in the Face of Terrorism” by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Council will also present six books in Hindi, Malayalam, and Urdu by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, including “Concepts of Jihad” and “A message to the Youth.” Likewise, the Council’s pavilion will host various events and seminars throughout the fair’s duration which will discuss human fraternity, interfaith coexistence, mutual respect among religions, and the world as a single human family.

Seminars will feature distinguished speakers such as Sanjay Kapoor (General-Secretary of the Editors Guild of India), Ava Khullar (President of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman), Prof. Dr. Sameena Hameed (Senior Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University), Prof. Dr. Anand Kumar (Social Scientist at Delhi University), Mohammad Salim Ahmed (Secretary-General of Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity), Syed Faisal Ali (Editor in Chief of Rhtriya Sahara Newspaper and TV), Father M. D. Thomas (Founding Director of the Institute of Harmony and Peace), Justice Jaspal Singh (Former Judge at Delhi High Court), Dr. Zikrur Rahman (Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies in New Delhi), and Professor Dr. P.R. Kumaraswamy (Professor of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University).

The Council will also exhibit the outcomes of international conferences and seminars, the Council presents books such as “Proceedings of the International Symposium: Islam and the West – Diversity and Integration” and “The Al-Azhar Global Conference for Jerusalem,” along with “The Dialogue between East and West for Human Coexistence.”

This is set to be the second consecutive time that the Muslim Council of Elders participates at the New Delhi World Book Fair. The first participation took place in 2023 and received significant acclaim from all segments of the Indian society who enthusiastically engaged with the Council’s publications and actively participated in the various events, reinforcing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and shared coexistence.

Widespread Praise for Activities in the Council’s Pavilion as well as the Diversity of Publications and Events

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation in the Cairo International Book Fair 2024, which witnessed a significant turnout from the fair’s visitors who praised the pavilion’s activities and the diverse range of publications that enrich knowledge, reflecting the tolerance of Islamic teachings.

During this year’s exhibition, the Muslim Council of Elders presented 220 diverse publications covering various scientific fields, including over 22 new releases. It also organized various activities and programs promoting coexistence and human fraternity, including interactive workshops, competitions, intellectual seminars, and the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity. 

Speakers at the Council’s pavilion addressed various significant intellectual and cultural issues, including the role of the nation in the Prophet’s tradition, modern schools in the modern era, women between Islamic teachings and inherited traditions, the role of science in the bet between atheism and faith, becoming grammatically correct, the status of Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem in heritage. Additionally, several workshops were conducted for members of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum.

This was the seventh participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in the Cairo International Book Fair, aligning with its mission to promote peace, instill values of dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of cooperation among people of different races and beliefs.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion presented, throughout the duration of the Cairo International Book Fair, hundreds of publications on tolerance, peace, and coexistence. These works covered various scientific disciplines, including theology, philosophy, logic, hadith, interpretation, and more. The materials were authored by prominent thinkers in the Arab and Islamic world, as well as translated works by European researchers addressing tolerance in world religions and confronting Islamophobia.

The top 20 best-selling books at the Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion in the Cairo Book Fair, written by dignitary Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and other distinguished scholars, include:

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, made a significant contribution to the Cairo International Book Fair with an impressive collection of publications such as “The Foundations of Islam,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari,” “Ahlul Sunnah wal Jama’ah,” and “The Good Saying.” Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, added to this rich collection with his work, “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path.”

The Pavilion also featured other notable works, “Facilitating Logical Rules: Explanation of the Solar Epistle” by Mohammed Shams Al-Din Ibrahim, “Modern Logic” by Ali Mohamed Gabr, and “Religion and Reason” by Dr. Suleiman Donya. Contributions from Sheikh Mohamed Hassanein Makhlouf, Dr. Imad Khafaji, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Maabad Abdel Karim, and Sheikh Abdul Wahab Khalaf covered diverse topics ranging from achieving goals in the science of principles to Islamic philosophy, logic, and jurisprudence. These works collectively embody a commitment to intellectual richness and the promotion of values such as peace and tolerance.

These books cover various topics such as theology, philosophy, logic, hadith, and interpretation, contributing to the promotion of understanding and coexistence among diverse communities.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair featured 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 Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in a popular market in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, resulting in the death and injury of numerous innocent victims.

The Muslim Council of Elders reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of this criminal act and all forms of violence and terrorism that contradict the teachings of tolerant Islam, various divine and international laws, and agreements. The Council calls for the urgent unification of international efforts to eliminate and uproot all forms of terrorism.

The Muslim Council of Elders expresses its deepest condolences to the Republic of Somalia, its leadership, and people, as well as to the families of the victims, praying to the Almighty to grant them His mercy and to bestow swift recovery upon the injured.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with His Excellency Dr. Ma’ruf Amin, the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the Human Fraternity Majlis held in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. Both sides emphasized the importance of the practical application of the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, aiming to achieve its noble goals of building a more tolerant and peaceful world.

During the meeting, the Indonesian Vice President expressed his delight in participating in the inaugural session of the Human Fraternity Majlis, coinciding with the International Day of Human Fraternity and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity. He affirmed that the document represents the correct path to establish a global society based on the principles of peace, justice, and humanity. He also praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting the values of dialogue and common coexistence. He also highlighted the collaboration between the Council’s branch in Indonesia and Indonesian institutions in promoting tolerance and building bridges of communication with all components of the Indonesian people and the Southeast Asian region.

For his part, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized that the Human Fraternity Majlis, convening for the first time this year, serves as an important global platform for spreading the noble values of the Document on Human Fraternity. It has brought together global leaders and international officials from various parts of the world to crystallize a common vision embodying the principles of the document and translating them into tangible initiatives and projects that address humanitarian crises. He commended Indonesia for its inspiring religious and cultural diversity in the Southeast Asia region, noting that the Council’s branch in Indonesia will collaborate on implementing various joint initiatives and projects with religious and official institutions in Indonesia and the region, aiming to enhance the values of human fraternity and coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair held its seventeenth and final seminar titled “The Modern School in the Modern Era: Its Schools and Trends,” featuring Dr. Salah Al-Din Al-Shami, a member of the Heritage Revival Office at Al-Azhar.

During the seminar, Dr. Salah Al-Shami emphasized that the science of Hadith is a noble field, and whoever associates with it is linked to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and that those who connect with the Prophet (PBUH) are connected to the goodness of this world and the Hereafter. He pointed out that the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, exerted efforts in transmitting the Prophetic traditions as they heard them from the Prophet (PBUH) until they performed them for those who came after them.

The member of the Heritage Revival Office at Al-Azhar stressed the importance of studying the sciences of Hadith and engaging with them due to their connection to various branches of knowledge. Scholars in jurisprudence, exegesis, theology, dialectical theology, and different branches of Islamic arts should all incorporate substantial knowledge of the Prophetic traditions into their specializations.

Al-Shami explained that books on the sciences of Hadith emerged as independent works when doubts and misconceptions arose from various sects, such as the Rawafid, Mu’tazilites, and Jahmiyyah. These books were written to refute these misconceptions. Over time, this science has reached us with expertise and narration, giving rise to contemporary Hadith schools. He pointed out that the Prophet (PBUH) indicated the importance of critically examining reports and distinguishing between authentic and weak narrations when he said, “May Allah brighten the face of a person who hears my saying and memorizes it, then conveys it exactly as he heard it; perhaps he who conveys it understands it better than the one who heard it.”

Al-Shami clarified that the Hadith school at Al-Azhar has made significant efforts in authenticating Hadith, understanding terminologies, exploring the methodologies of scholars of Hadith, and explaining Prophetic traditions. He highlighted the distinctive contributions of Al-Azhar scholars in these areas and urged more activity in Hadith gatherings at Al-Azhar University, including annual events focusing on the six major Hadith books.

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.

Honorees include: Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah Associations from Indonesia, Sir Magdi Yacoub from Egypt, and Sister Nelly Leon Correa from Chile

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its congratulations to the honorees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024, commending their exceptional efforts in promoting human fraternity and coexistence.

The Council also expresses its appreciation for the remarkable contributions of both “Nahdlatul Ulama” and “Muhammadiyah,” the two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, who for over a century have served their nation and people, reaching over 190 million members. The Council acknowledges their valuable humanitarian efforts, including initiatives to spread peace, enhance lives, and alleviate poverty globally through the establishment of educational institutions, hospitals, and other poverty alleviation projects.

Special recognition is also extended to the renowned global heart surgeon, Sir Magdi Yacoub, for his dedicated efforts in providing medical care to save lives, particularly for vulnerable social groups and children. The Council also acknowledges Sister Nelly Leon Correa, co-founder of the ‘Woman Standing Up Foundation’ in Chile, for her contributions to offering comprehensive support to incarcerated women, and assisting them in building new lives and reintegrating into their communities post-release.

The Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, with its significant independence and impartiality, has successfully encouraged individuals and institutions over the past five years to strive for the noble human values outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed 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 of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

The Muslim Council of Elders wishes all honorees of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 continued success in their journey of human fraternity and the promotion of the shared values of coexistence. Their recognition is seen as an encouragement and inspiration for other individuals and institutions worldwide to work towards spreading the values of goodness, peace, and fraternity.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: We are all members of one human family, equal in rights, and united in diversity

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, launched the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program, the second phase of the global student dialogue program on human fraternity organized by the council in collaboration with Georgetown University last year. The program aims to introduce university students to the values of human fraternity and establish an international platform for students worldwide to engage in creative ideas to enhance solidarity among religions and cultures in societies.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, welcomed participants of the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program to continue these meaningful student dialogues that aim to promote human fraternity within university communities. The participants engaged in discussions and dialogue sessions to address the challenges and obstacles facing the dissemination and promotion of human fraternity on university campuses. The program also highlighted positive practices in this field and presented proposals and innovative ideas contributing to the consolidation of a culture of dialogue and communication within universities, serving as a starting point for its global dissemination through the youth.

During his meeting with the students of the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized the importance of empowering and developing the capabilities of youth as a vital and essential pillar for building better, more prosperous, and peaceful societies. He affirmed that youth are not only our future but also our present, actively contributing to shaping and defining the path of the future. He called on the youth to take advantage of all available opportunities, acquire necessary experiences, enhance their leadership skills, and contribute to addressing the urgent global challenges, emphasizing the need for a culture of dialogue and communication within universities.

Abdelsalam added that the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program is one of the outcomes of the Document on Human Fraternity, a unique and pioneering document in its principles and values, co-signed by 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 of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document has sparked a global movement in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

The program’s itinerary, lasting until February 10, includes the Human Fraternity Majlis organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in partnership with the Abrahamic Family House, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. Participants engaged in a session titled “Youth as Ambassadors for Unity and Diversity,” focusing on the importance of presenting initiatives that enhance understanding, tolerance, and unity through leveraging technology. The program also featured lectures by Ryann Craig from Georgetown University, and a workshop series discussing solutions that contribute to spreading a culture of solidarity, human fraternity, and peaceful coexistence.

The visit of the participants of the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program will also include meetings with students from New York University in Abu Dhabi and students from the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities. Discussions will focus on collaborative ways to promote and enhance the values of tolerance, human fraternity, acceptance of others, and diversity in university communities. Additionally, the participants will tour the Louvre Abu Dhabi to explore the “East Meets West” exhibition, visit Qasr Al Watan as well as the Document of Human Fraternity exhibition, and tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ Pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair organized various activities and events on the International Day of Human Fraternity, celebrated annually on February 4 which also commemorates the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity 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 His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church.

Throughout the day, the Council’s Pavilion hosted multiple activities promoting coexistence and human fraternity, including workshops and competitions which saw active participation from numerous students of Al-Azhar University and emerging peacemakers. The pavilion also featured speeches encouraging the promotion of human fraternity, delivered by prominent figures such as the preacher Khalil Amin and Yasmine Obeid from the Emerging Peacemakers Forum.

Furthermore, members of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum organized a seminar titled “Do We Still Believe in Peace?” The discussion included participants such as Arwa Ahmed Qandeel, a graduate of the first edition of the forum, Marika Goldhorn Hassan Mansour, and James O’Neil, graduates of the second edition. The seminar explored the definition of peace, the participants’ personal journeys with the forum, their expectations, and the insights gained, offering advice to young people based on their experiences.

February 4 marked the fifth anniversary of the signing of the historic Abu Dhabi 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 alongside Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The document emphasized the call for peace and harmonious coexistence among all humanity, recognizing that we are all members of one human family.

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.

*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.