تمام

Muslim Council of Elders Mourns the Esteemed Scholar Prof. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mahrasawy, Former President of Al-Azhar University and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, along with the esteemed members of the Council and its Secretary-General, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, mourns with acceptance of Allah’s divine decree, the revered scholar, Professor Dr. Mohamed Hussein Al-Mahrasawy. Prof. Dr. Al-Mahrasawy served as the Former President of Al-Azhar University, Chairman of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, and Chairman of Al-Azhar International Academy for the Training of Imams, Preachers, and Muftis. He passed away today after a life marked by dedication, generosity, and commitment to serving his religion and his country and spreading the noble message and moderate enlightened thought of Al-Azhar.

The Council affirms that the late Prof. Dr. Al-Mahrasawy was a pioneer in dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, who carried the benevolent message of Islam to the world, leaving a profound impact on the efforts to build bridges of understanding and human fraternity. They pray to Almighty Allah to envelop him in His vast mercy, grant him paradise, and provide solace and patience to his family, students, and all his admirers.

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Muslim Council of Elders organizes a communal iftar for religious leaders and figures in Indonesia

The Muslim Council of Elders organized a communal iftar event for religious leaders and figures in Indonesia, attended by numerous officials, diplomats, religious institutions, and civil society organizations, aimed at enhancing dialogue, tolerance, and mutual coexistence.

The iftar, organized by the Southeast Asian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders for the third consecutive year, saw the attendance of many notable figures, including Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, Indonesia’s former Minister of Religious Affairs and member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Indonesia’s former Minister of Religious Affairs, and Mr. Kamaruddin Amin, Secretary General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. Ambassadors from several countries were also present, notably His Excellency Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, and His Excellency Osama Hamdy, Deputy Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, along with ambassadors from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Morocco, Singapore, Palestine, and representatives from the embassies of Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, among others.

The event was also attended by several significant religious and community leaders from various Indonesian institutions such as Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian Ulema Council, the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, as well as Hindu, Buddhist, and Confucian religious leaders in Indonesia, alongside envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders in Indonesia during the month of Ramadan including reciters and preachers.

In his opening speech, Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab emphasized the importance of revitalizing the role of religious leaders in guiding society towards peace, tolerance, and constructive interfaith dialogue, noting that the Muslim Council of Elders considers enhancing this role as one of its main priorities.

For their part, participants expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, sustainable development, and positive interaction between cultures. They also praised the vital role played by the Council in creating an environment conducive to religious dialogue and enhancing understanding and coexistence among religions.

The Iftar event is part of the ongoing efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders to promote coexistence and civilizational dialogue among different peoples and cultures.

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Dr. Muhammed Quraish Shihab, Member of Muslim Council of Elders: Dialogue Is a Fundamental Principle Instituted by Islam for the Welfare of Humanity

His Eminence Professor Dr. Muhammed Quraish Shihab, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, affirmed that dialogue is a fundamental principle instituted by Islam for the welfare of humanity. Allah Almighty calls upon us to cooperate, and true cooperation can only be achieved through mutual understanding. As the Almighty says: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another” (The Quran, 49:13) One of the most important means of achieving this mutual understanding is through dialogue. Moreover, difference and diversity are part of the divine order, as Allah also states: “And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ — Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them.” (The Quran, 11:118–119 )

Speaking in the seventh episode of the Ramadan program “One Ummah”, which is broadcast across the Muslim Council of Elders’ social media platforms throughout the holy month, His Eminence explained that the diversity willed by Allah is a diversity of variety—not of contradiction. Therefore, dialogue is a key Islamic teaching; it is the effort to understand others and to explain our own perspective without imposing our views on anyone.

Dr. Quraish Shihab further emphasized that difference can be a source of mercy and a means of broadening the horizons of the Ummah. In fact, some differences among us may stem from a shared pursuit of truth—such as the differences that exist among scholars on various legal and jurisprudential matters. Accordingly, we must learn to benefit from our diversity and embrace it as a source of strength, not division or conflict.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders is broadcasting five special programs across its social media platforms as part of its media strategy to promote and reinforce the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and coexistence. These programs are: “Al-Imam Al-Tayeb”, “One Ummah”, “Humanitarian Values with the Elders”, “The Month of Harmonious Coexistence”, and “Our Ethics”.

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Envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders participate in a communal iftar at the Islamic Cultural Center in Lecco, Italy

Envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders participated in a communal iftar event at the Islamic Cultural Center in the city of Lecco, Italy. The event was attended by the city’s mayor, Mauro Gattinoni, Municipal Council Member Emanuele Manzoni, Deputy Governor Paola Cavalcanti, and the vice president of the archbishop of Milan, Monsignor Bartolo Oberti, along with various local officials, religious figures, and representatives from civil society organizations.

This gathering underscored the commitment to fostering values of coexistence and tolerance, aiming to strengthen bonds of human fraternity and enhance interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders highlighted that all religions and divine messages aim to bring happiness to humanity and promote values of justice, kindness, love, coexistence, and peace.

Participants warmly welcomed the envoys of the Muslim Council of Elders, praising the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in promoting and enhancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, citizenship, and peaceful coexistence. They affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders has successfully used its various initiatives and enlightened thinking to enhance dialogue, respect for diversity, acceptance of others, and the importance of coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

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Muslim Council of Elders Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack Targeting Mosque in Southwest Niger

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, strongly condemns the terrorist attack that targeted worshippers at a mosque in the village of Fambita, located in the district of Téra, southwest Niger, resulting in the death and injury of dozens of innocents.

The Council firmly rejects such terrorist acts that are contrary to the compassionate teachings of Islam and all divine laws and international treaties and conventions. It calls for the urgent need to enhance efforts to promote a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its deepest condolences to the government and people of Niger and the families of the victims, praying to Almighty God for a swift recovery for the injured.

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For the first time… Female envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders during the holy month of Ramadan are enhancing communication with women and spreading values of tolerance and coexistence around the world

This year, the Muslim Council of Elders’ Ramadan convoys included several female envoys for the first time, aimed at enhancing communication bridges with Muslim women worldwide. They assist in understanding religious matters, provide support to correct religious misconceptions, and foster Islamic values. Additionally, they promote enlightened, moderate thought and encourage positive integration into the communities in which they live. This initiative has been greatly appreciated and received positive reactions from women in these communities, who have expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and its supportive stance on women’s rights.

In Italy, a female envoy from the Muslim Council of Elders organized several events and activities in the cities of La Città, Brescia, and Oggiono. These focused on enhancing the positive integration of Muslim women while maintaining their identity, their role in family building, societal upliftment, and raising generations capable of carrying the message of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. Additionally, lectures covered topics such as the jurisprudence of worship, personal status, and psychological and spiritual support, among others. These events were well attended and interacted with by women and girls, who were keen to ask many questions, which were answered according to the enlightened moderate approach.


In Spain, a female envoy from the Muslim Council of Elders delivered several lectures and seminars at the Al-Noor Mosque in Madrid, which also emphasized the Islamic honor and rights granted to women, their elevated status, and the encouragement of kindness towards them, highlighting the significant role of women in building nations and homelands.

In Indonesia, a female envoy from the Muslim Council of Elders organized numerous events at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, attended by thousands of women, girls, and students. She also made visits to various academic institutions including Ibn Al-Nafees Institute in Depok, Al-Shifa Islamic Institute, Al-Taqwa Institute for Girls, Muhasinah Dar al-Quran wa Hadith, East Jakarta High School, South Jakarta Al-Azhar High School, Revolution Mosque, and the Jakarta City Hall, delivering a series of lectures on the role of the Quran in shaping the character of the educating mother, its impact on future generations, the status of women in Islam, and their role in nurturing future generations. Additionally, a seminar on turning adversity into opportunity was organized at the Jakarta Women’s Prison.

On the islands of Banda Aceh and Java, several seminars and lectures were given at various universities and institutions including Ar-Raniry State Islamic University in Aceh, the Spirit of Islam Anak Benseh Institute, Omar Dian Institute, with additional events organized at Guntur Yotri University in Java and Sunan Giri Nahdlatul Ulama University, including an international seminar at the United Nations Office for Coordination of Religious Affairs.

Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders continue their varied efforts in spreading the correct teachings of Islam, combating extremist thought, and correcting misconceptions for the second consecutive year. They are participating in missions involving over 32 male and female envoys across nine countries including Spain, Italy, Germany, Kazakhstan, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States. These envoys lead prayers, recite the Quran, and conduct many lessons, sermons, and religious seminars. These missions are part of the Council’s efforts to emphasize the importance of religious diplomacy in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.

For the first time… Female envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders during the holy month of Ramadan are enhancing communication with women and spreading values of tolerance and coexistence around the world Read More »

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Haddad, Member of the Muslim Council of Elders: Islam Promotes Comprehensive Citizenship, and Love of One’s Homeland is Part of Faith

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, Member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Member of the UAE  Fatwa Council, Senior Mufti, and Director of the Fatwa Department in Dubai, affirmed that Islam came to promote citizenship in its comprehensive sense—one that is based on harmony and cooperation among all members of society to achieve social cohesion and mutual support in times of need. This, he noted, was exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upon his arrival in Madinah, where he promptly laid the foundations of citizenship among the people of the city through what is known as the Charter of Madinah. The Charter preserved the rights of all citizens—regardless of their religion or tribal affiliation—including the tribes of Aws and Khazraj, as well as the emigrants.

His Eminence made these remarks during the ninth episode of the Ramadan program Human Values with the Elders, which is broadcast on the official social media accounts of the Muslim Council of Elders. He emphasized that every member of a nation bears the responsibility of protecting and defending their homeland against anyone who seeks to harm it, so that society may remain safe and secure, where people support and protect one another. He noted that the saying “Love of one’s homeland is part of faith” reflects this principle, as true faith and Islam are not complete without a sense of peace and stability. If fear overwhelms a person—whether for their life, wealth, or family—they will be unable to properly fulfill their religious and social obligations. Therefore, every individual must live in peace and security in their homeland and serve as a faithful guardian of it, just as they would protect themselves.

His Eminence Dr. Al-Haddad added that this sense of responsibility must stem from a deeply rooted psychological conviction before it becomes a legal obligation. Without such inner conviction, a person may remain indifferent to the loss or destruction of their homeland. This has been a recurring and observable reality throughout the history of the Muslim world, both past and present—homelands have only been compromised when national consciousness was absent. Almighty God offers a powerful example in the Glorious Quran of the consequences of both national stability and decline, as He says: “And Allah presents an example: a city which was safe and secure, its provision coming to it in abundance from every location, but it denied the favors of Allah. So Allah made it taste the envelopment of hunger and fear for what they had been doing.” (The Quran, 16:112) This, Dr. Al-Haddad said, is a vivid and divine warning to those who endanger the safety and security of their nations.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders is broadcasting five Ramadan programs across its social media platforms: Al-Imam Al-Tayeb, One Nation, Human Values with the Elders, The Crescent of Coexistence, and Our Morals. These initiatives form part of the Council’s media strategy aimed at utilizing all platforms to promote the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

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Muslim Council of Elders Member His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov: The servant’s relationship with their Lord is the light that illuminates their path and from which they draw strength, tranquillity, and success in both worlds

His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Chairman of the Muslim Board in Uzbekistan, emphasized that the greatest possession a person has in their life is their relationship with their Lord. This relationship is the light that illuminates their path, the source from which they draw strength, tranquillity, and success in both this world and the hereafter. He pointed out that this relationship is not merely a series of rituals performed by the servant but is a deep spiritual connection based on love, submission, and appreciation.

In the eleventh episode of the Ramadan program “Humanitarian Values with the Elders,” broadcasted on the social media platforms of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov stated that faith is the foundation upon which the relationship with Allah is built. It is the certainty that Allah is the Creator, the Merciful, the Just. When faith is present in the heart, it becomes a motivation that makes the servant worship their Lord with love, not just out of fear of punishment but out of longing for His satisfaction and closeness.

The member of the Muslim Council of Elders added that worship is the essence of the servant’s relationship with their Lord and is a manifestation of the truth of monotheism and submission to Allah. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Book: “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me” [The Quran, 51:56]. Worship is not limited to prayers and fasting but includes every act done by the servant in their daily life with the intention of drawing closer to Allah. It is the shortest path to closeness to Allah. As worship increases, so does the depth of the servant’s relationship with their Lord, leading to profound internal peace. Prayer is also an important means of direct communication between the servant and their Lord, expressing the servant’s desire to turn to Allah at all times, whether in hardship or ease, showing their dependence on and need for Him in all aspects of their life.
 
He also explained that one of the manifestations of the servant’s relationship with their Lord is gratitude for His blessings, which involves acknowledging Allah’s favors and recognizing His grace upon them. Gratitude should not only be expressed in words but must also be accompanied by actions. Allah Almighty says: “And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe’”[The Quran, 14:7]. Patience is also one of the crucial qualities that a servant must embody in their relationship with their Lord. It indicates enduring the hardships and trials faced in life. If the servant manages their relationship with their Lord based on this principle, they will attain a high status and elevated degree with Allah.

During the blessed month of Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders broadcasts five Ramadan programs on its platforms: “Al-Imam Al-Tayeb,” “One Ummah,” “Humanitarian Values with the Elders,” “Month of Harmonious Coexistence,” and “Our Ethics.” These programs are part of the Council’s media strategy aimed at utilizing all platforms to promote and enhance the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

Muslim Council of Elders Member His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov: The servant’s relationship with their Lord is the light that illuminates their path and from which they draw strength, tranquillity, and success in both worlds Read More »

Muslim Council of Elders Organizes Interfaith Iftar for Religious Leaders in Pakistan

The Muslim Council of Elders organized a communal Iftar for religious leaders and figures in Pakistan, attended by a large number of prominent leaders and representatives from various faiths, as well as ministers, officials, and academics. The initiative comes as part of the Council’s mission to promote the values of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.

Now in its second consecutive year, the Iftar gathering witnessed the participation of distinguished figures, including His Excellency Mr. Makhdoom Zada, Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province; Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs; Rt. Reverend Nadeem Kamran, General Bishop of the Evangelical Church in Pakistan; Ayatollah Javed Iqbal, a prominent Shia scholar; Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Secretary General of the Islamic Research Institute; Mr. Haroon Sarab Diyal, Hindu leader and President of the Pakistan World Religion Foundation; Dr. Qibla Ayaz, former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology; and Professor Dr. Kalyan Singh, a Sikh academic. The event also welcomed representatives of religious minorities such as Arun Kumar, Coordinator of the Hindu Council; Sardar Ranjit Singh, former member of the local parliament; and Christopher Sharaf, Coordinator of the Saiban Pakistan program for Christian minorities.

Among the attendees were also a number of prominent academics, including Dr. Rashid Ahmad, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre in Peshawar; and Dr. Muhammad Abdullah, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Centre at the University of Lahore. The event drew university presidents, cultural and media figures, and representatives from the ministries of endowments, religious affairs, environment, and education, as well as youth representatives from various religions and international organizations operating in Pakistan.

The attendees extended their congratulations to the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on the occasion of the Council’s 11th anniversary. They praised the Council’s efforts in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, highlighting the importance of instilling these values in future generations to build bridges of communication between followers of different faiths. Dr. Kalyan Singh commended the Council’s role in fostering interfaith harmony and addressing global humanitarian challenges, while Rt. Reverend Nadeem Kamran and Mr. Haroon Diyal praised the Council’s contributions in Pakistan. Ayatollah Javed Hussain highlighted the success of the first Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, co-organized by the Council and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in February, while Dr. Zia-ul-Haq affirmed the Council’s tangible impact on the global stage through its efforts at international forums.

This gathering reaffirms the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. It is part of a broader series of initiatives by the Council aimed at establishing global peace through dialogue and cooperation among followers of different religions and cultures.

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Muslim Council of Elders Member His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad al-Noor al-Helw: Muslims Should Increase Acts of Devotion and Do Good Deeds During the Blessed Month of Ramadan.

His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad al-Noor al-Helw, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Grand Mufti of the Republic of Chad, emphasizes the importance of increasing acts of devotion and doing good deeds during the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of goodness and blessings, ordained for this Ummah to foster closeness to Allah and develop piety, as Allah says, “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become pious (mindful of Allah)” [The Quran, 2:183]. This piety in Ramadan is gained through fasting and its related acts of kindness towards the fasting, the poor, and the needy.

In the tenth episode of the ‘Humanitarian Values with the Elders’ program, which is broadcast on the platforms of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence explained that Allah Almighty has given wealth to the rich to test them with the poor, bestowing His grace upon them and then commanding them to spend, as Allah says, “And donate from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you, and you cry, ‘My Lord! If only You delayed me for a short while, I would give in charity and be one of the righteous.’ But Allah never delays a soul when its appointed time comes. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do” [The Quran, 63:10-11]. His Eminence further noted that there are many such verses that especially command the believer during seasons of goodness to outdo others in charity, reflecting the generosity of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which was at its peak during Ramadan. 

His Eminence Sheikh Al-Helw added that it is essential for Muslims to increase their acts of obedience and good deeds during this blessed month to gain Allah’s satisfaction and love, ensuring success in this life and the hereafter. Fortunate is the one who utilizes this month to amass goodness and show benevolence to others.

During Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Elders broadcasts five Ramadan programs: ‘Al-Imam Al-Tayeb’, ‘One Ummah’, ‘Humanitarian Values with the Elders’, ‘Month of Harmonious Coexistence’, and ‘Our Ethics, as part of the Council’s media strategy to use all platforms to promote and enhance the values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

Muslim Council of Elders Member His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad al-Noor al-Helw: Muslims Should Increase Acts of Devotion and Do Good Deeds During the Blessed Month of Ramadan. Read More »