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“Imam Al-Tayeb,” “Human Values with the Elders,” “Month of Coexistence,” “Reflect on Your Fasting,” and “Humanitarian Stories with Youth” are diverse Ramadan programs to be presented by the Muslim Council of Elders’ social media platforms during the blessed month of Ramadan 2024.

Building on the Muslim Council of Elders’ strategy to utilize all media platforms in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, the Council is presenting five diverse Ramadan programs broadcast daily through its social media pages: “Imam Al-Tayeb,” “Human Values with the Elders,” “Month of Harmonious Coexistence,” “Reflect on Fasting,” and “Humanitarian Stories with Youth.”

The “Imam Al-Tayeb” program features His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. In this program, His Eminence the Grand Imam continues his explanation of Al-Asma-ul-Husna (the 99 Names of Allah), interpreting and explaining the meaning of each name, its pairing with other names, and the servant’s share of these names. He also links the interpretations of the meanings of the 99 Names of Allah with contemporary events, crises, disasters, wars, and conflicts in the world today, and how to derive wisdom from these events and develop a perspective on dealing with them through contemplating the 99 Names and Attributes of Allah.

The “Human Values with the Elders” program continues in its second part, where members of the Muslim Council of Elders discuss the most prominent noble human values stipulated by the Document on Human Fraternity. These include equality, patience, identity, citizenship, mutual respect, and cooperation, among other values, focusing on their importance in human life and their role in promoting peace and harmony, and building cohesive and interconnected societies.

During Ramadan 2024, the Muslim Council of Elders is airing a new program directed at youth titled “Humanitarian Stories with Youth.” This program features some stories and situations about humanitarian values that have inspired these youth to bring about positive and real change among their peers and in their communities.

The “Reflect on Fasting” program discusses the most important secrets of fasting and the psychological and physical effects it has on humans, contributing to the building of their souls and training them in several good values and morals. The “Month of Harmonious Coexistence” program addresses several humanitarian values that can be revived during the blessed month of Ramadan, which heralds goodness and blessings to the Arab and Islamic nations, opening the doors of mercy, forgiveness, and enlightenment of hearts. The program includes a series of episodes such as ” Ramadan Brings Us Together,” ” Ihsan (Kindness),” ” Takaful (Solidarity),” and “Al-Ber (Righteousness).”

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The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, has affirmed that women are fundamental partners in the nation and community-building journey. It emphasized that empowering and supporting women and girls, developing their capacities, and ensuring their full rights across all aspects of life are religious and ethical obligations as well as shared societal responsibilities.

In a statement issued on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that this day offers an opportunity to honor and celebrate women’s achievements. The Council affirmed that Islam honors women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, elevates their status and importance in all aspects of life, and promotes kindness, care, and respect towards them. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Act kindly toward women” (Muslim). Islam also emphasizes that the best among people are the best in their treatment of their wives. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, also said, “The most perfect man in his faith among the believers is the one whose behaviour is most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives” (Ahmed). Another prophetic Hadith states: “The best of you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family” (at-Tirmidhi).

The statement further emphasized that women are counterparts of men, and supporting and empowering them represents an investment in the future that benefits the entire world. It highlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This Document affirmed women’s rights to education and employment and called for their liberation from historical and social pressures that contradict the principles of their faith and their dignity.

The Muslim Council of Elders places significant emphasis on women, driven by its steadfast belief in the necessity of supporting them in securing all their rights across various domains, recognizing them as active contributors to society. The Council praises their crucial and significant role in the development of nations and communities and in shaping a more prosperous and peaceful future for humanity.

During his participation in the Future Summit on the Solidarity Economy for Integrated and Sustainable Development…

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Discussion about the future will hinge on the restoration of hope and trust in the international community’s capacity to secure peace and human justice.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: The Muslim Council of Elders has a successful track record of involving the voice of religions in addressing various global challenges.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: There should be a greater emphasis on the role of community leaders and religious figures in enhancing the prospects of resolving conflicts and disputes around the world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that the challenges facing the world are not confined to the economy, environment, and technology, but also extend to other aspects of human life, including wars and conflicts in many regions of the world. He highlighted the pressing need for community leaders and religious figures to play a more significant role in increasing the chances of ending these conflicts.

During his participation in the Future Summit on the Solidarity Economy for Integrated and Sustainable Development, held under the theme of “War and Peace” organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted that the world is caught in a dilemma between aspirations for a prosperous future and the painful reality that devastates the lives of thousands and the future of entire nations, especially the plight of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip who are suffering from dire humanitarian conditions amidst complete global inaction to save them.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam highlighted that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, gained its importance from being an initiative between two global religious leaders representing the two largest Abrahamic religions: His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He stated, “As we consider the future of peace in our world, we not only recognize the relevance of this Document but also explore ways to implement its principles. These principles acknowledge that severe political crises, injustice, and the lack of fair distribution of natural resources contribute to ongoing deadly conflicts in many countries. We are also challenged to sustain the hope for peace through dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity, especially for the millions of war victims who have witnessed the failure of these values to protect them from war and aggression.”

The Secretary-General emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders, an independent international institution that brings together a select group of the Islamic nation’s scholars and wise men from around the world, and works to build peace within Islamic societies and between them and other communities, recognizes that evolving relationships, including those involving violence and peace, or war and peace, require a multi-level understanding. This understanding must take into account the realities of wars, their challenges in the realms of consciousness, economic interests, and the relations between communities and nations, as well as the sources of violence that are perpetuated within public institutions through a continuous cycle of dangerous populist forms of media and populist violence against religions, cultures, races, or nationalities. He also noted that the invitation from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to hold the Future Summit in September is a sincere and serious call that was made before the escalation of wars and conflicts to the alarming level we see today. This makes the summit a new challenge, not only to create a roadmap for the future but also to restore hope in humanity’s ability to plan a better future that excludes no one and no place in the world.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted that discussions about the future will always hinge on the restoration of hope and trust in the international community’s capacity to secure peace and heal the deep wounds and human divides left by wars and strife. He emphasized that the international community’s failure to find a fair and collective mechanism to end bloody conflicts will never align with any sustainable plans for a better future for humanity, which is continuously caught between aspirations for a better future and a reality filled with conflict and destruction. He pointed out that this reality should not deter everyone from continuing their efforts to make peace, explore ways to end conflicts and create a serious and new international mechanism for this purpose while simultaneously continuing efforts to plan for the future and address the common challenges facing all of humanity.

The Secretary-General underscored the importance of enhancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue on issues of solidarity and sustainable development in the face of war and the pursuit of peace. He stated that the Council has a successful track record of involving the voice of religions in addressing various global challenges, particularly the issue of climate change, through organizing the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Change, which resulted in the “Call of Conscience,” also known as Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change. This declaration, signed by thirty religious leaders and figures from around the world, outlines practical and effective steps to address climate change. This was followed by the first-ever Faith Pavilion at a Conference of the Parties (COP), organized by the Council in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, aimed at involving scholars and religious leaders in discussing innovative and effective solutions to address this critical crisis.

It is worth noting that the ‘Future Summit on the Solidarity Economy for Integrated and Sustainable Development: War and Peace,’ was organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network on March 4 and 5 in Rome, Italy. The summit discussed ethical principles and specific reforms for sustainable development issues, financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology, and innovation, as well as youth and future generations, and global governance.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam, extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Professor Dr. Qutb Sano, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah, for his triumph in the inaugural session of the 2024 Doha Arabic Book Award in the field of Humanities and Shari’a.

The Secretary-General expresses deep appreciation for Dr. Qutb Sano’s significant contributions to enriching the Arab library and Islamic thought with a multitude of important scientific works in areas such as comparative Fiqh (jurisprudence), Usul al-Fiqh (principles of jurisprudence), Islamic finance, education, and more. He also commends Dr. Sano’s efforts in promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and shared coexistence, wishing him continued advancement, distinction, and prosperity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the Document on Human Fraternity, presented to the world by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, from Abu Dhabi in 2019, is a continuously evolving message that has catalyzed various global initiatives. It has sparked a variety of global initiatives and inspired further collaborative efforts to uphold the values it embodies and the inclusive human ideals it encompasses, in response to narratives of intolerance, hatred, discrimination, and Islamophobia. This ongoing endeavor will be pursued collectively, in partnership with global institutions.

The Secretary-General’s remarks were delivered on his behalf by Imam Yahya Pallavicini, President and Imam of the Islamic Religious Community of Italy, at a roundtable titled “Religious Fraternity and Social Cohesion for Peace.” The event also marked the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Islamic Religious Community of Italy and coincided with February, the month in which the world observes the International Day of Human Fraternity. The choice of Milan, a city renowned for its cultural, literary, and artistic heritage, as the venue for this discussion underscores the centrality of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence.

The Secretary-General further noted Italy’s role as a global spiritual hub and a model for interfaith coexistence among the three Abrahamic religions. He emphasized that this gathering addressed the challenges of fraternity and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities, aiming to unite them against the global challenges facing our shared humanity.

In his concluding remarks, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam commended the positive contributions of Muslims in Italy, particularly in Milan, which he described as a unique city that embraces diversity and coexistence. He praised Milan as a beacon of religious openness, making it an ideal location for this roundtable dedicated to countering intolerance, xenophobia, and Islamophobia.

The roundtable, titled “Religious Fraternity and Social Cohesion for Peace,” was hosted by the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Milan and attended by a variety of religious leaders, thinkers, and politicians.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, unequivocally condemns the massacre perpetrated by the Israeli occupation against unarmed Palestinian civilians awaiting aid trucks at Al-Nabulsi Roundabout near Al-Rasheed Street in northern Gaza Strip. This heinous act resulted in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of innocent civilians.

The Council urgently appeals to the global conscience to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting the defenceless Palestinian people and to take immediate action to halt the aggression on the Gaza Strip. It calls for the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid and an end to this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The Muslim Council of Elders renews its call to the international community to seek a just and comprehensive resolution to the prolonged Palestinian issue, which has persisted for over 70 years. The Council emphasizes the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Muslim Council of Elders took part in the unveiling of “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth,” a document inspired by Islamic principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. This significant event occurred during the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 26 to March 1. The assembly convened under the theme “Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.”

“Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” serves as a collective expression of the Islamic community’s stance on environmental issues. It encourages Muslims worldwide to integrate sustainability into their daily lives and collaborate in safeguarding our shared home, planet Earth. The document’s importance is underscored by its encapsulation of fundamental Islamic values and principles concerning the environment, as well as the widespread consensus it has garnered. The Muslim Council of Elders has actively supported the document, following its contribution to the review of its contents.

The document underscores a range of principles aimed at environmental preservation, sustainable development, and environmental justice, drawing inspiration from Islamic teachings that emphasize the interconnectedness of all creatures and the imperative to safeguard the planet for future generations.

In her address at the document’s launch, Her Excellency Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in the Kingdom of Morocco, lauded the substantial efforts of over 300 institutions and individuals in bringing “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” to fruition. She pointed out that this trailblazing document and its endorsed principles are intended to act as a guiding framework for living in harmony with nature.

Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Environment Programme and Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, remarked that “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth,” while deeply rooted in Islamic spiritual teachings, finely balances faith and reason. It reassures believers that religion does not constrain science. He further stated that the document serves as the Islamic equivalent to the papal encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.” He also praised the Muslim Council of Elders for organizing the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Action in Abu Dhabi and the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic first in the history of the Conference of the Parties.

Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research affiliated with the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” is the outcome of a significant initiative launched as part of a strategy aiming to enhance the role of cultural and religious factors in environmental protection and sustainable development. He highlighted that the release of Al-Mizan, as a covenant for the Earth, alongside various partners, showcases the importance of culture and religion in driving behavioral change, a crucial element in environmental action, alongside scientific and technical solutions, legal frameworks, institutional initiatives, and policies at various levels.

Director of Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research added that the Muslim Council of Elders’ collaboration in preparing and announcing this document stems from its commitment to addressing all issues impacting human peace across different domains. This commitment led to the creation of the document known as The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change, a document that reflects the Council’s vision for environmental issues, drawing inspiration from religious values to outline the role of scholars and wise men in addressing its risks, with climate change being a primary concern. The Call of Conscience was signed by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, along with 38 religious leaders and figures during the Global Faith Leaders Summit on Climate Change held in Abu Dhabi last November. Additionally, the Muslim Council of Elders, in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the UAE, and the United Nations Environment Programme, organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a historic first in the history of the Conference of the Parties.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Samir Boudinar stated that this pivotal moment of announcing “Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” ushers in a new phase of work to support the document’s principles, necessitating increased cooperation and expanded partnerships with all voices advocating for the role of faith. It also calls for the activation of spiritual and moral values in transforming human awareness and behavior, and enhancing responsibility towards the environment and commitment to sustainability.

The launch of Al-Mizan document saw participation from several Islamic and international institutions, including the Muslim Council of Elders, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the UNEP’s Faith for Earth Initiative, the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IFEES), as well as Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Qur’anic Botanic Garden in Qatar, Üsküdar University in Turkey, and Embrace the Earth organization.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, vehemently denounces the two terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso. One attack targeted a mosque in the east of the country, resulting in the deaths of dozens, most of whom were men gathered for prayer. The second attack struck a Catholic church in the north during a mass, killing at least 15 people and injuring others.

The Muslim Council of Elders reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of attacks on places of worship, a heinous crime that violates the teachings of all religions, divine laws, and international conventions, laws, and norms advocating for respect for others’ beliefs and sanctities, criminalizing assaults on places of worship, and demanding the protection of innocent civilians’ lives.

The Council extends its deepest condolences to the government and people of Burkina Faso and the families of the victims, praying to Allah, the Almighty, to grant them patience and solace and to provide a swift recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met on Tuesday with His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. Both parties discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity, emphasizing the importance of culture in instilling the values of peace and human coexistence among peoples and societies. During the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the outstanding initiatives undertaken by the Department, especially the UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi in February. He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s pivotal role as a global cultural beacon rich in diversity, hosting numerous cultural events and institutions, including the Abrahamic Family House. He pointed out that this unique edifice serves as a global platform for dialogue and convergence among different religions and cultures, in light of the various cultural, intellectual, and religious initiatives and activities it organizes. For his part, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak commended the distinguished efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, which have contributed over the past ten years to spreading and promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence at various levels, especially in the field of interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He confirmed that the coming period would witness further joint cooperation between the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi and the Muslim Council of Elders to launch many constructive future initiatives aimed at enhancing the values of dialogue, communication, and peaceful coexistence.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, received His Excellency Sharifi Bahodur Mahmudzoda, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United Arab Emirates, at the Council’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. They affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation in interfaith dialogue and activating the role of youth in creating global peace.

During the meeting, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam emphasized the Council’s keen interest in strengthening communication bridges with Muslim communities, especially in Central Asia. He pointed out that the Council’s regional office in this area is committed to fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, particularly among the youth.

For his part, His Excellency Sharifi Bahodur Mahmudzoda congratulated the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders on the opening of the Council’s regional office in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. He praised the Council’s leading role in promoting peace and effective communication with Muslims in Central Asia and expressed his country’s readiness to enhance cooperation in various future programs and initiatives.