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The second seminar by the Muslim Council of Elders at the New Delhi World Book Fair took place at the Council’s stand at the largest book fair in Asia. The seminar was titled ‘Human Fraternity’ and featured a number of intellectuals and thinkers.

During the seminar, participants described the Document on Human Fraternity as a historic charter that reflects the contemporary challenges facing humanity and that its spirit is based on achieving long-lasting peace for all of humanity.

Discussions also centered around humans having unique viewpoints and how they must tolerate and accept each other in a cordail atmosphere, which the Document aims to achieve. Panelists discussed how history has shown us that only societies that promote tolerance and human fraternity can flourish and succeed for long periods.

Another point of discussion was the Muslim Council of Elders’ mission of achieving universal peace and stability, which is seen as the best service to achieving the values of the Document on Human Fraternity. It was agreed that religious leaders have a great duty to serve their communities and inspire them to participate in dialogue with followers of other religions.

This is the Council’s first-ever participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair, which is considered to be one of the prime literary events in Asia. The participation is part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2023 has drawn extensive interest from students in New Delhi’s schools, universities, research institutions, and scientific organizations.

The stand saw a strong presence of academics and students who were interested in the Council’s various publications that promote tolerance and coexistence. Visitors were also curious about the Council’s most significant and important objectives and initiatives.

Among the most prominent universities that visited the Council’s stand and inspected its publications is the Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi, the University of New Delhi, and the Jawaharlal Nehru University in addition to the Dar Al Ulama Nadwat Al Ulum in Belkna, Uttar Pradesh and the Dar Al Uloom Deoband Uttar Pradesh.

Some of the most prominent discussions were about the possibility of the council contributing to the cultural and academic activities offered by these universities, centers, and institutions. In addition, students and professors viewed a number of publications published by Dar Al-Hokama Publishing, the Publishing arm of the Muslim Council of Elders.

This is the Muslim Council of Elders’ first-ever participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair, which is considered to be one of the prime literary events in Asia. The participation is part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds.

India’s former Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi visited the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the New Delhi World Book Fair which runs until 5 March 2023.

Naqvi praised the Muslim Council of Elders under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for promoting dialogue, coexistence, and countering hate and extremism while encouraging pluralism and respect.

The former Union Minister for Minority Affairs reaffirmed that efforts promoting tolerance and human fraternity are desperately needed in today’s society. In addition, Naqvi was keen on reviewing “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, which describes the creation of the Human Fraternity Document, which was co-signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

This is the Muslim Council of Elders’ first-ever participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair, which is considered to be one of the prime literary events in Asia. The participation is part of His Eminence the Grand Imam’s vision of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders is set to participate at the New Delhi World Book Fair which runs from Saturday 25 February until Sunday 5 March 2023. The participation is set to include publications in 5 different languages; Arabic, English, Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu, to go with various activities that will be held at the Council stand.

The Council will present a total of 5 books in Hindi by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders and these include; ‘Al-Azhar and Muslim Unity’ in Urdu, ‘Understanding of Jihad’ in Hindi and Urdu, ‘A Word to the Youth’ in Malayalam and Urdu, ‘My Opinion on the Eastern Dialogue’ in Urdu and ‘Talk of Peace’ in Malayalam and Urdu.

The Council will also exhibit for the first time the Urdu language version of ’The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path’ by the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalm which chronicles the birth of the Human Fraternity Document which was co-signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi and the role of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates in supporting the Document.

The Council will also host a series of seminars and lectures discussing dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity to go with meeting prominent regional publishers for the purpose of exploring potential cooperation. The Council will also host various Indian religious leaders as well as civil and community actors, university students, and professors for the purpose of presenting to them the Council’s vision and core message.

This is set to be the Council’s first-ever participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair, which is considered to be one of the prime literary events in Asia. The participation follows the recently-concluded participation at the Cairo International Book Fair which was also part of the Council’s overall vision of promoting tolerance and coexistence through literary channels.

The Muslim Council of Elders and the Ministry of Justice of the United Arab Emirates jointly held a symposium titled “The Role of Judicial Institutions in Fostering Peace and Human Fraternity.” The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam stated during the seminar that justice is the foundation for societal interaction within humans and that it is necessary for there to be justice in order for there to be true peace.

According to Abdelsalam, there are two fundamental components that can be distinguished when defining peace: the first is “the absence of violence or war,” also known as “negative peace,” and the second is “positive peace,” which necessitates the integration of human society’s values, cultural and legal safeguards, and the enforcement of law, which also ensures societal stability and emphasizes the fight against prejudice and hate.

Abdelsalam continued, “The Human Fraternity Document, whose signing is celebrated around the world on February 4th each year, places an emphasis on the virtues of justice, human dignity, citizenship, love, and respect for one another without prejudice or hatred. Justice institutions have a role to play at the national and international levels in fostering peace and strengthening the links of human fraternity. These are ideals that we are all responsible for fostering in our society and nations.”

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders added, “The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an initiative that was unveiled after the Document on Human Fraternity was signed. It is an annual prize awarded to institutions and individuals who significantly advance the principles outlined within the document. It also shines light on significant individuals and organizations that promote change, provide quality programs that foster a more peaceful human society for all people, and create communication and coexistence bridges.”

Abdelsalam also praised efforts made by the UAE’s Ministry of Justice in terms of establishing justice and the promotion of integrity and transparency in order to enhance the role of justice institutions in promoting peace and tolerance. He also noted the Ministry’s role in providing necessary legal services and establishing a culture of innovation to ensure the rule of law and the preservation of rights.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met the Speaker of the Senate of Canada the Honourable George Furey at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam affirmed that under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar the Muslim Council of Elders’ primary message is to strengthen the role of young people in their societies and to promote the principles of tolerance, coexistence, fraternity, love, and peace among all people regardless of race, religion or gender.

Abdelsalam also praised Canada’s initiatives that advance interfaith dialogue and harmony among people, which falls in line with the council’s mission. This, he pointed, is inspired by the co-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 alongside His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Speaker of the Canadian Senate, for his part, applauded the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to spread and advance human fraternity and the ideals of peace and cooperation via a number of significant initiatives. He added that the Canadian Senate places a high value on matters relating to human rights, dialogue, while opposing all forms of hate speech, racism, intolerance, and Islamophobia.

In addition, Furey emphasized the significance of coordinating efforts and cooperating with the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiatives, particularly those involving youth, interfaith dialogue, and addressing the harmful consequences of climate change.

The meeting was attended by a number of Canadian senators alongside the Ambassador of Canada to the United Arab Emirates His Excellency Radha Krishna Panday.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders has spoken at the 100th-anniversary commemoration of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s oldest Islamic organization.

In a pre-recorded message, Judge Abdelsalam said, “We should focus on our future generations, the young people who are tomorrow’s leaders. They should be inspired and given hope for a better tomorrow. They should be empowered to build a better future for themselves and their children. We should educate them that there is a common, harmonious path that brings together all different faiths and cultures.”

Judge Abdelsalam continued, “Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders hopes to continue working toward this aim, path, and an enormous responsibility. This aspiration needs to be addressed by various organizations and groups around the world as well.”

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders concluded, “Prior to becoming a nation associated with peace and coexistence, Indonesia has long followed the path of wisdom and knowledge. Indonesia’s modern history is not only known through the scholarly figures and senior statesmen who shaped it and helped to create the largest Muslim nation, not only through the sheer size of its population but also through the high standard of its elites and scholars who guided the nation in a number of fields of the renaissance.”

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam met 2023 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Honoree Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil ‘Mama Shamsa’ at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam congratulated Mama Shamsa on receiving the 2023 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity for becoming a symbol of hope for those seeking coexistence and strong communities, as well as for her efforts in uplifting many marginalized people, particularly the youth.

In addition to highlighting the significance of recognizing these pioneering international individuals, the Secretary-General noted that the Muslim Council of Elders has a keen interest in fostering intercultural harmony in Africa.

For her part, Shamsa Abu Bakar expressed her joy at receiving the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. She also highlighted how much she appreciated the United Arab Emirates’ efforts in promoting tolerance, peace, and coexistence. She emphasized that receiving this accolade gave her the motivation she needed to continue working and further spread the Zayed Award’s spirit.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity presented Mama Shamsa the Council’s shield in recognition of her work promoting dialogue and human fraternity.

Muslim Council of Elders expresses solidarity with victims of deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Calls on International Community to mobilize and assist victims

Under the Chairmanship of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Muslim Council of Elders extends its sincere condolences with the victims of the deadly earthquake in Southern Turkey which lead to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries in Turkey and Syria. 

The Council expresses its utmost solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria while calling on the international community to urgently mobilize and assist victims stuck under rubble as well as offer support and aid people impacted by the deadly earthquake.

The Muslim Council of Elders also extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims while praying for a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam met with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Ahmad Khan at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, the pair discussed potential cooperation, the diverse heritage of international law, as well as the Council’s role in promoting peaceful coexistence.

During the meeting, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court underlined the importance of showing how the roots of international law come from all regions, that it is the heritage of all humankind. He praised the Muslim Council of Elders under the Chairmanship of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb for its work in spreading peace and coexistence globally. He also recognized the Council’s efforts in addressing a variety of humanitarian issues including: the Myanmar issue, the call for an inter-Islamic dialogue, the affirmation of women’s rights to education, and the dispatching of peace convoys.

Khan noted that the United Arab Emirates’ efforts in in promoting peace are telling and that the ‘Human Fraternity Meeting’ in Abu Dhabi is a reflection of those efforts. He also emphasized the importance of disseminating the document’s ideals and seeking to reflect them in international laws and legislation.

For his part, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Muslim Council of Elders’ Secretary-General, said that the Council’s mission to advance peace and human fraternity in Muslim and non-Muslim nations is a vision and a message that it proudly carries. He also noted that the Document on Human Fraternity has today become a major source of interest and inspiration for many nations around the world.

Abdelsalam continued, “In light of the difficulties our world is currently facing, there is a crucial role that institutions can play in fostering and sustaining both societal peace and religious freedom.” Abdelsalam applauded the United Arab Emirates in particular for its role in supporting initiatives that promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence while countering hate and human trafficking.