تمام

Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the founding of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. The Council comprises a distinguished group of scholars, sages, and dignitaries from across the Muslim world—individuals known for their wisdom, integrity, moderation, and independence. Established on 21 Ramadan 1435 AH, corresponding to July 19, 2014, the Council was founded to promote peace, uphold the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, support just causes across the Muslim world, strengthen unity, and amplify the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges.
His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that since its inception eleven years ago, the Council has devoted its efforts to advancing peace, fostering human fraternity and mutual understanding, and highlighting the tolerant values of Islam in its engagement with others. He underscored the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and interreligious understanding, as well as bolstering intra-Islamic dialogue to foster unity and solidarity. He also expressed the Council’s deep gratitude—on behalf of its chairman, members, and staff—to the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership for their continued support of the Council’s initiatives to entrench the values of peace and coexistence.
As part of its mission to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the Council launched a series of East–West Dialogue Rounds in cities such as Florence, Paris, Geneva, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Manama. These efforts aimed to realize the Council’s vision of promoting peace through mutual understanding and coexistence and enhancing dialogue between religions and cultures. These initiatives culminated in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in February 2019 by His Eminence the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
The Council also launched International Peace Convoys and Ramadan Missions, engaging communities across continents to strengthen ties with Muslims worldwide, promote enlightened and moderate thought, correct misconceptions, and encourage positive integration. These efforts also sought to counter hatred, racism, extremism, terrorism, and Islamophobia. Furthermore, the Council has organized numerous international conferences that explored themes such as peace, citizenship, diversity, coexistence, climate responsibility, and meaningful media discourse.
Recognizing youth as central to building a conscious and peaceful generation, the Council has launched a number of youth-focused initiatives. These include the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the Global Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity, the Azadi Fellowship in Pakistan to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue and counter extremism, the Ethics Education Fellowship to integrate universal values into childhood education, and the Bridges That Unite Us initiative to build volunteerism and instill the principles of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
In 2019, believing in the power of the written word, the Council established Al-Hokama Publishing, a dedicated publishing house focused on producing and translating works that promote the values of tolerance and coexistence. To date, it has published over 250 works in more than seven languages. In 2020, the Council also launched the Al-Hokama Center for Peace Research, the first international, non-governmental research center of its kind, serving as a hub for knowledge and expertise in the service of peace in the Muslim world.
The Council’s regional offices have served as beacons of hope and platforms for communication and peaceful coexistence. Branches have been established in several countries, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, to build effective platforms for engagement with Muslim communities around the world.
With climate change among the most urgent challenges of our time, the Muslim Council of Elders has led exceptional efforts to protect our planet. These include organizing the Southeast Asia Religious Leaders Conference on Climate, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Abu Dhabi—which led to the issuance of the landmark “Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement on Climate”—as well as establishing the first-ever Faith Pavilion at a UN Climate Conference during COP28 in Dubai. The Council also co-organized the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate in Baku, Azerbaijan, and will co-host the Faith Pavilion at COP29.
The Council has also continued to champion the causes of the Muslim world and laid the foundation for a new phase of intra-Islamic dialogue, following the call of the Grand Imam at the Bahrain Dialogue Forum to strengthen Islamic unity. A delegation from the Council visited Iraq and met with diverse religious and societal groups to address pressing Islamic issues, promote reconciliation, and strengthen the bonds of religious fraternity. Additional meetings were held with leading scholars and authorities from various Islamic schools of thought.
On February 19–20, 2025, the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the first edition of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, under the gracious patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The conference was attended by the Grand Imam and over 400 scholars, thinkers, and religious authorities representing various Islamic traditions. The event concluded with the launch of the Call for the People of Qiblah, a foundational charter of principles designed to enhance dialogue and understanding among the diverse schools of Islamic thought.
Year after year, the Muslim Council of Elders continues to uphold and spread universal human values—affirming the importance of dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance of others; protecting religious symbols and sanctities; presenting the true image of Islam; confronting hate speech, extremism, and Islamophobia; and strengthening ties with Muslim communities worldwide—in pursuit of a more peaceful and compassionate future for all humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of his inauguration as Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which falls on March 19.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, stated that under Imam Al-Tayeb’s leadership, Al-Azhar has witnessed significant progress and a remarkable transformation across all academic and religious spheres. During this period, Al-Azhar has reclaimed its global leadership by actively promoting the true essence of Islam and countering all forms of hatred, racism, extremism, terrorism, and Islamophobia.

The Secretary-General further emphasized that, driven by his deep belief in the importance of fostering dialogue and promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence, Imam Al-Tayeb has dedicated these years to strengthening dialogue between East and West, uniting the ranks of the Muslim Ummah, and reaffirming the crucial role of religion in the lives of nations and societies. He has also actively encouraged religious leaders and figures to collaborate in addressing global challenges and advancing the values of tolerance, peace, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s bombardment of various areas in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of innocent civilians.

The Council reiterates it firm rejection of all violations committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people and calls for an urgent international intervention to enforce a permanent ceasefire, ensure the immediate entry of humanitarian aid and relief to innocent civilians, and initiate reconstruction efforts in accordance with the plan approved during the emergency meeting of the Arab League, held on March 4 in Egypt.

Reaffirming its unwavering stance, the Muslim Council of Elders stresses the urgent need for a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause, recognizing the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, and bringing an end to their decades-long suffering of over 70 years.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomes the announcement of the successful conclusion of peace negotiations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. The Council acknowledges this significant step as a crucial milestone toward achieving peace and enhancing stability in the Caucasus region.
In a statement, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed the Council’s support for all efforts aimed at promoting peace and fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.
The Muslim Council of Elders also emphasized the importance of continued engagement in building bridges of communication and upholding dialogue and cooperation between both nations, fostering sustainable development and prosperity for their people.

Envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders to the United States, tasked with reviving the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan and promoting the values of enlightened Islamic moderation, took part in a communal iftar hosted by the University of Kansas in collaboration with the Islamic Center of Lawrence. The event was attended by members of the Muslim community, as well as university students and faculty members.

During their participation, Osama Khaled, a researcher at the Technical Office of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Ahmed Sobhi, a member of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, gave an introductory presentation on the efforts of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders in fostering dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. They also highlighted various initiatives aimed at promoting peace, compassion, and cooperation among people of different backgrounds while reinforcing the positive integration of Muslims into their societies and addressing all forms of extremism, racism, intolerance, discrimination, and Islamophobia.

The delegation of envoys from the Muslim Council of Elders also participated in a roundtable discussion on Arabic language education at the same university. The session explored key traditions observed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, featuring discussions on Islamic customs and traditions in countries such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco. This event was coordinated with the university’s Departments of Religious Studies, Arabic Language, and African American Studies and was attended by the heads of the Religious Studies and African American Studies departments at the University of Kansas.

For the second consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has remained committed to dispatching religious delegations to various countries around the world during Ramadan. These efforts aim to advance the principles of moderation and enlightened Islamic thought, reaffirming the significance of religious diplomacy in fostering peace and promoting dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

This year, the initiative includes more than 32 Quran reciters and scholars, who have been sent to nine countries worldwide, including Spain, Italy, Germany, Kazakhstan, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States. These envoys lead prayers, recite the Glorious Quran, and deliver sermons, religious lessons, and lectures.

Through these efforts, the Muslim Council of Elders seeks to strengthen connections with Muslim communities across the globe, enhance religious awareness, and support their positive integration into their respective societies—protecting them from the influence of extremist ideologies and shielding them from falling prey to violent and terrorist groups.

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemns the terrorist attack on a train in the Balochistan region of southwest Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of innocent people.

The Council firmly rejects such acts of terrorism, which are completely contrary to the teachings of Islam, all divine laws, and international conventions and norms. It expresses its deep condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism that seek to destabilize security and terrorize innocent civilians.

The Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of the victims, and prays to Allah Almighty for the swift recovery of the injured.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes that the celebration of International Women’s Day presents a vital opportunity to recognize women’s fundamental role in building nations. Highlighting that women are the counterparts of men and essential partners in the journey of progress and development, the Council calls for empowering women and girls to fully attain their rights and for supporting and enhancing their capabilities. It stresses  that Islam was the first to grant women their full rights, liberating them from imposed restrictions and constraints.

In a statement marking International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, the Council affirmed that Islam honors women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives, elevating their status in all aspects of life. It encourages kindness and good companionship towards them, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “I urge you to treat women kindly.” (Narrated by Muslim) Islam also emphasizes that the best among people are those who treat their women with excellence. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are the best to their women.” (Narrated by Ahmad) The Prophet  also said: “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi)

The Muslim Council of Elders urges governments and nations worldwide to take decisive steps toward empowering and supporting women, countering all forms of violence and discrimination against them, raising awareness of their rights, and fostering an environment that enables their productivity and engagement in all sectors. The Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, affirms women’s rights to education and employment and underscores the need to free them from historical and social pressures that contradict the principles of their faith and dignity.

The Council places great importance on women, stemming from its unwavering belief in supporting them to obtain all their rights. It commends women’s prominent and indispensable role in the advancement of nations and societies and in shaping a more prosperous and peaceful future for humanity.