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The Muslim Council of Elders – Central Asia, in cooperation with the International Center for Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue and the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture “Nur-Mubarak,” organized an international roundtable titled “Spiritual Diplomacy and the Preservation of the Sacred Heritage of World and Traditional Religions” on June 25–26 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The event saw distinguished participation from prominent scholars, religious leaders, experts, and intellectuals in order to explore the vital role of ancient manuscripts and religious-cultural heritage in the modern era. Discussions focused on developing effective strategies for restoring rare manuscripts and promoting spiritual diplomacy as a bridge for interfaith understanding. A central theme was a bold initiative to restore a rare 12th-century manuscript of the Holy Qur’an.

Among the notable participants were Dr. Darhan Kydyrali, Chief Coordinator of the Muslim Council of Elders – Central Asia; Bauyrzhan Bakirov, Deputy Chairman of the International Center for Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue; Dr. Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Ibrahim, Rector of Nur-Mubarak University; Dr. Eleonore Cellard, Associate Researcher at INALCO in France; Dr. Ashirbek Muminov, Central Asia Advisor to IRCICA; and Dr. Rustam Jabborov, Scientific Consultant at the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU).

The first day featured presentations under the theme *“Spiritual Diplomacy and the Role of Religions in Building Mutual Trust,”* moderated by Dr. Ykhtiyar Paltore, Director of the Department of Science and Innovation at Nur-Mubarak University. Restoration experts held specialized workshops and seminars, while a scholar from Al-Azhar University led a guided tour of the Islamic manuscript collection, showcasing the rare 12th-century Qur’an.

The second day focused on mechanisms for preserving rare Islamic manuscripts and the latest academic approaches to studying Islamic heritage. The roundtable concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration affirming the steadfast commitment of participating institutions to protect sacred heritage and promote spiritual diplomacy as a foundation for understanding and coexistence among cultures and religions.

This initiative is part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ broader efforts to promote spiritual diplomacy, foster dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures, and contribute to spreading values of peace, understanding, and stability.

The Muslim Council of Elders has been awarded the “Best International Pavilion” prize at the 2025 Islamic Book Fair in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, marking its third consecutive year receiving this honor. The award comes in recognition of the Council’s continued efforts to advance the values of dialogue and human coexistence through its distinguished cultural participation.

The recognition reflects the pavilion’s strong appeal to visitors and participants from all walks of life, thanks to its interactive activities, cultural programs, and intellectual seminars that helped foster a shared human discourse. The pavilion also showcased a wide range of scholarly and cultural publications that embody the Council’s mission to support global peace and dialogue.

This year, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Jakarta Islamic Book Fair featured more than 250 diverse publications addressing issues of peace, coexistence, identity, and citizenship. The collection focused particularly on themes of human fraternity, Islamic unity, and the role of youth in peacebuilding, along with titles aimed at promoting a moderate and enlightened understanding of Islam, correcting misconceptions, and countering extremist rhetoric, hate speech, intolerance, and Islamophobia.

This award reflects the ongoing international recognition of the crucial role played by the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders held a thought-provoking seminar titled “The Call for the People of Qiblah and Efforts to Strengthen Intra-Islamic Dialogue” as part of its participation in the 2025 Islamic Book Fair in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event drew significant interest and active engagement from both visitors and participants.

The seminar featured distinguished speakers including Prof. Dr. Syafiq Mughni, Vice President of Muhammadiyah; Dr. Muhammad Zain Al-Majid, Member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Ms. Alissa Qotrunnada Wahid, Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network Indonesia (GNI). 

Opening the seminar, Prof. Dr. Syafiq Mughni stressed the critical importance of intra-Islamic dialogue in light of the growing challenges facing the Muslim world, both internally and externally. He noted that these challenges are a true test for the Ummah, which the Qur’an describes as “You are the best community ever raised for humanity” [3:110]. Achieving this status, he explained, requires both knowledge and moral values, emphasizing that scientific advancement is incomplete without a strong ethical foundation. 

He remarked, “The key to the revival of the Ummah lies in blending modern science with noble character. Morality is the backbone of any nation—when it collapses, the nation follows.” He also called for greater commitment to moderation and balance in addressing differences, stating that the advancement of knowledge and ethics together is what protects the Ummah from falling into extremism and takfir (excommunication).

Dr. Muhammad Zain Al-Majid, in turn, reflected on the significance of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference held in February 2025. Jointly organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, Al-Azhar, and Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the conference culminated in “The Call for the People of Qiblah”. He described the declaration as a sincere appeal to revive the spirit of Islamic unity, rooted in a religious imperative affirmed by Qur’anic teachings and a civilizational necessity that urges the Ummah to build its future through dialogue and shared values, rather than division.

In her remarks, Ms. Alissa Wahid affirmed that Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity has made its practice of Islam a model of openness and compassion. She noted that Indonesian society is inherently multiethnic and called for the reinforcement of fraternal values as a means to counter hate speech and insularity.

As part of its active participation in the 2025 Islamic Book Fair (IBF) in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the Muslim Council of Elders organized an intellectual seminar titled “Promoting Digital Awareness and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence” during the fair’s opening day. The seminar witnessed notable attendance, particularly from youth and individuals interested in the intersection of modern technology with human and religious values.

The seminar began with a keynote address by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a renowned exegete of the Quran, former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, and member of the Muslim Council of Elders. In his remarks, Prof. Shihab emphasized that Islam does not separate knowledge from ethics, noting that the first revealed verse—“Read in the name of your Lord”—establishes a foundational link between science and moral responsibility. He warned that without a grounding in spiritual and human values, science and technology, including artificial intelligence, could become tools of misguidance rather than enlightenment. He further cautioned against relying on AI for issuing legal or religious verdicts, as the data it relies on may stem from cultural and religious contexts that do not align with Islamic traditions. Prof. Shihab identified three core ethical principles that must govern the use of modern technology: human dignity, public benefit, and moral accountability.

Dr. Rezzy Eko Caraka, a leading researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, presented on the practical dimensions of artificial intelligence applications. He stressed that modern technologies should remain tools that serve humanity, not replacements for human decision-making or thought. Dr. Caraka highlighted several ethical challenges associated with AI, including violations of privacy, excessive cognitive reliance on technology, and the environmental impact of server operations. He called for fostering a culture of responsible and mindful technology use and advocated for the development of ethical and intellectual frameworks grounded in religious values.

In a remarkable intervention, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Pratikno, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, underlined the need for comprehensive digital sovereignty to confront the challenges of artificial intelligence—starting with the development of localized content. He warned that the absence of local content in AI datasets could distort religious concepts and erode cultural identity. Prof. Dr. Pratikno urged institutions like the Muslim Council of Elders to lead efforts in developing AI models that reflect the particularity of Islamic values and cultural authenticity.

Concluding the seminar, participants agreed that while AI represents an unprecedented technological revolution, its adoption must remain within a robust ethical framework—one that respects religious and cultural specificities, preserves human dignity, and serves the greater good.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has met with Dr. Đuro Macut, Prime Minister of Serbia, to discuss ways to enhance academic and religious cooperation in support of Serbia’s Muslim community.

His Eminence affirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to addressing the needs of Serbian Muslims by training imams and preachers, equipping them to tackle contemporary intellectual and religious challenges. These efforts focus on promoting human fraternity, fostering positive coexistence, facilitating the integration of Muslims into Western societies, clarifying women’s rights in Islam, countering extremist ideologies with reason and logic, and establishing an Arabic language center in Serbia to serve the Muslim community and teach the language of the Holy Qur’an.

His Eminence also emphasized that peace and mutual understanding should serve as the foundation for coexistence among all people. He further urged for efforts to instill patriotism in youth and to embrace diversity and differences, which he described as a divinely ordained universal principle essential for humanity’s continuity.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Serbia expressed his pleasure at meeting His Eminence, highlighting Serbia’s dedication to strengthening ties with Islamic countries and institutions. He also commended the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders for his efforts in promoting dialogue, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders is taking part in the 23rd Jakarta Islamic Book Fair, held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) from June 18 to 22, 2025. Marking its fourth consecutive year of participation, the Council is showcasing its work through a dedicated and prominent pavilion—one of the fair’s key attractions. This presence reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of peace and coexistence, advancing the principles of moderate Islam, and deepening its cultural footprint in Southeast Asia.

This year, the Council is presenting over 250 intellectual and cultural titles, including a selection of its latest 2025 releases by Al Hokama Publishing. The publications explore key issues such as peacebuilding, coexistence, and identity pluralism, with notable titles including: “Religion and the Nations of Greater Asia: Managing Religious and Ethnic Pluralism in China and India,” “Peace in Africa: Studies and Perspectives on Enhancing Stability and Development,” “The Making of International Peace: Drawing from Shared Contexts,” and “International Peace: Shared Values and Institutional Concepts,” authored by a group of researchers from the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. 
 
 The pavilion further highlights over 30 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works aim to present the true spirit of Islam and its rich intellectual and philosophical heritage. Titles include “Al-Qawl al-Tayyib,” “From My Old Notebooks,” “Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash‘ari,” and “A Discussion on Peace.” Additionally, the book “Islam and the West: An Approach to the Causes of Confrontation and a Survey of the Conditions for Intercultural Exchange” by Dr. Mohamed Elbenayadi, “The Quran’s Discourse on Humanity” by Sheikh Ali Mohamed Hassan Al-Amari, “Imam al-Haramayn and His Influence on the Development of the Ash’ari School” by Dr. Ali Mohamed Jaber, and “Islamic Principles on Family Planning” by Abu Al-Wafa Al-Maraghi will also be featured.

 The Council is also showcasing a selection of significant works by its members and prominent intellectuals. Among the highlights are: “Love in the Holy Qur’an” by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, “The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path – A Testimony on the Birth of the Document on Human Fraternity” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, “Principles of Understanding and Mutual Comprehension in Thought and Language” by Dr. Mostafa Benhamza, “Muslims at a Crossroads” by Dr. Mahmoud Hamdi Zakzouk, “Dimensions of Mutual Knowledge in Morocco and Al-Andalus” by Dr. Jaafar bin Al-Hajj Al-Salami, and “Studies in Thematic Parallels in Qur’anic Narratives: A Comparative and Analytical Approach” by Dr. Abdelghani Al-Rajihi.

As part of its commitment to expanding its cultural impact and reaching Indonesian audiences, the Council is offering a collection of publications translated into Bahasa Indonesia. Notable titles include: “Al Qawl Al-Tayeb,” “From My Old Notebooks,” “Reflections on the Thought of Imam Al-Ash’ari,” Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah: Who Are We?,” “The Essentials of Islam,” “and Social Ethics in Islam” by Sheikh Abu Al-Wafa Al-Maraghi, as well as “Correcting Misconceptions” by Sheikh Muhammad Abu Zahra. In addition, the Council is presenting several works translated from other languages, such as: “The Voice of Change,” “Shared Global Values and the Making of International Peace,” “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe,” “Islam and Good Governance” by Prof. Muqtedar Khan, and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Dr. Aaron Tyler.

The Council’s participation in this year’s fair extends to a series of high-level intellectual seminars featuring a distinguished group of scholars and thinkers. Among the highlights is a seminar titled “Promoting Dialogue Among the Components of the Muslim Ummah,” featuring Dr. Muhammad Zainul Majdi, member of the Council’s Executive Committee; Prof. Dr. Syafiq Mughni, Vice President of the Muhammadiyah; and Ms. Alissa Wahid, Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network Indonesia (GNI). Another seminar, titled “The Importance of Strengthening Digital Sovereignty and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Indonesian Context,” will feature Prof. Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs; Prof. Dr. Pratikno, Minister of Human Development and Culture; and Dr. Rezzy Eko Caraka, researcher at BRIN and visiting professor in Taiwan.

In its commitment to engaging diverse segments of society, the Council is also hosting a variety of interactive workshops at its pavilion. These include “AI and Coexistence for Children” and a screenwriting workshop on “Human Fraternity and Coexistence,” designed for young creators and content developers.

The Council’s pavilion has been awarded “Best Pavilion” at the Jakarta Islamic Book Fair for three consecutive years—an acknowledgment of the richness of its content, the diversity of its programs, and the high level of visitor engagement. The Muslim Council of Elders warmly invites the public to visit its pavilion in Halls A & B at the Jakarta Convention Center to explore its latest publications and take part in its diverse activities, all of which reflect its mission to promote peace, mutual understanding, and dialogue among nations and cultures.