تمام

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, mourned the passing of the sister of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who passed away this morning, Wednesday.

The Secretary-General expressed his condolences, saying, “With acceptance of God’s decree and destiny, I offer my deepest condolences to my mentor and my sheikh, His Eminence the Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, may God protect and care for him, to His Eminence Sheikh Mohammed Al-Tayeb, and to all the esteemed members of the family, on the passing of his elder sister, Hajjah Samiha Mohammed Ahmed Al-Tayeb. I pray to Almighty God to envelop her in His vast mercy, admit her into His spacious gardens, and grant her family and loved ones patience and consolation. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.”

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The environmental crisis requires global solidarity and a collaborative approach that is inclusive and multilateral

The Faith Pavilion at COP29 has officially launched in Baku, Azerbaijan, with participation from over 97 organizations representing 11 faiths and sects. This initiative features more than 40 diverse sessions offering religious and ethical perspectives on enhancing climate action efforts.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted that the Faith Pavilion at COP29 represents a major advancement in supporting global climate efforts. He noted that this initiative builds on the momentum and success achieved in the previous edition at COP28, adding that the Faith Pavilion is COP28’s gift to the world, aiming to unify religious voices and gather moral and spiritual energies to address the escalating climate challenges that threaten humanity and the future of our planet.

Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that the environmental crisis requires global solidarity, inclusive and multilateral collaboration, and the integration of diverse approaches. He explained that the Faith Pavilion aims to introduce innovative visions and sustainable solutions that enhance responses to the climate crisis. The initiative underscores the need to combine scientific frameworks with spiritual and ethical values to inspire humanity toward decisive steps to protect the planet, promoting a culture of Earth stewardship as a divine trust that calls for collective responsibility and dedicated action.

The second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, running from November 12 to 22, emphasizes interfaith collaboration for Earth stewardship. It seeks to explore effective adaptation planning practices by faith actors, promote sustainable lifestyles through faith, investigate the non-economic impacts of climate change from faith-based perspectives, address access to loss and damage funding, and advocate for local accountability mechanisms and inclusive climate justice.

The first edition of the Faith Pavilion took place at COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates last year, marking the first such initiative in the history of COP events. Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency, UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and UNEP, it provided a global platform for exchanging perspectives and seeking solutions to the climate crisis. The Pavilion featured over 360 speakers from 54 countries and 9 religious sects, and more than 70 organizations worldwide across 65 sessions. The initiative garnered international engagement, with approximately 4,000 articles published in 30 languages across 70 countries, accounting for 7% of the media coverage related to COP28.

Bangladesh’s Interim Government Invites the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit the Country. 

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Mr. Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, this morning. Their meeting took place at the Grand Imam’s residence in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

During the encounter, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government expressed his pleasure at meeting His Eminence the Grand Imam and conveyed his country’s deep respect for Al-Azhar’s role in shaping thousands of Bangladeshi minds through its educational and ideological frameworks. He highlighted Bangladesh’s pride in its relationship with Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, and its eagerness to strengthen these ties and explore new avenues of cooperation across various fields.

He further recounted the significant historical role of Al-Azhar during the early 1980s when it supported his “Bank for the Poor” initiative, which later earned him the Nobel Peace Prize. This initiative provided microfinance to women and homemakers to help them manage small projects to support their families. While initially met with opposition from most religious leaders in Bangladesh on the grounds of non-compliance with Sharia, Al-Azhar welcomed the project and endorsed it with a legal fatwa. This support was crucial in directing the project towards significant contributions to Bangladesh’s development. 

For his part, the Grand Imam emphasized Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ strong ties with Bangladesh, and their intention to enhance these through welcoming more Bangladeshi students at all educational levels at Al-Azhar. He noted that the upcoming period would see enhanced constructive cooperation in areas of mutual interest that meet the desires and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. He prayed for Allah’s guidance for Mr. Muhammad Yunus in his mission to lead Bangladesh to safety, stability, and security.

Mr. Yunus invited His Eminence the Grand Imam to visit Bangladesh, noting the enthusiastic anticipation of his arrival among the Bangladeshi people. The Grand Imam warmly accepted the invitation, promising to schedule the visit soon.

Also present at the meeting were Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt; Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Ambassador Abdel Rahman Moussa, Al-Azhar’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs.

President of Tajikistan Invites Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Visit the Country

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met this morning with His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of their participation in the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The Grand Imam expressed Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders’ deep appreciation for their relationship with Tajikistan, noting that the coming period would see increased cooperation across various fields, especially in training imams and preachers to enhance their skills in promoting Islam’s moderate stance on contemporary issues.

President Rahmon expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam and commended his significant efforts in conveying the true and moderate message of Islam on various issues. He also highlighted Al-Azhar’s vital role in teaching Islamic sciences and educating Muslims worldwide, noting Tajikistan’s pride in its many esteemed scholars and leaders who have graduated from Al-Azhar.

President Emomali Rahmon extended an official invitation to the Grand Imam to visit Tajikistan, emphasizing the Tajik people’s love for Al-Azhar and its scholars and their anticipation of this important visit. His Eminence welcomed the gracious invitation, affirming his commitment to fulfill it at the earliest possible opportunity.

Grand Imam to the President of Iraq: We Are Committed to Including All Islamic Nations and Schools of Thought in the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference Hosted by Bahrain

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, met with His Excellency Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq, to explore avenues for strengthening mutual cooperation.

The Grand Imam emphasized the deep-rooted ties between Al-Azhar and the people of Iraq, expressing his eagerness to visit this esteemed nation, which boasts profound historical significance. He praised the contributions of Iraqi scholars over the centuries and their enduring efforts in advancing Islamic and Arabic sciences, which continue to be a wellspring for scholars and researchers worldwide.

His Eminence also underscored the importance of unity among Islamic and Arab communities in addressing contemporary challenges facing the Islamic world. He affirmed his commitment to including all Islamic countries, religious authorities, scholars, and specialists in Islamic jurisprudence from various Islamic schools of thought in the forthcoming Intra-Islamic conference, set to be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain early next year. President Abdul Latif Rashid commended the conference’s theme, noting its significance in uniting scholars of the Islamic world for meaningful dialogue. He assured that Iraq would provide distinguished representation to match the event’s importance.

President Rashid expressed Iraq’s gratitude—both at the leadership and popular levels—for the stance of the Grand Imam and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders on various issues impacting the Islamic world. He remarked that the statements and positions issued by Al-Azhar on these matters are followed closely by the Iraqi people, who hold Al-Azhar and its scholars in the highest regard.

The President renewed Iraq’s invitation to the Grand Imam to visit, underscoring the importance of this visit as a message of solidarity for Iraq. The Grand Imam affirmed his commitment to honoring this gracious invitation at the earliest possible opportunity.

Grand Imam Congratulates President of Azerbaijan on the Organization of COP29 and the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate

President of Azerbaijan: Participation of the Grand Imam in COP29 is an Honor for Azerbaijan and Reflects Our Commitment to Coordination between Religious Leaders and Political Decision-Makers to Raise Climate Awareness

President of Azerbaijan: Bahrain’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference is a Key Step Toward Unifying the Islamic Nation, and We Are Keen to Participate

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, upon his visit to Baku to attend the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 and the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, commending the distinguished organization of these pivotal events while wishing that the efforts of the leaders and scholars participating in the conference would bear fruit in addressing one of the gravest threats to humanity: climate change. He also referenced last year’s signing of the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration for Religious Leaders on Climate” and the launch of the “Faith Pavilion” at COP28, which established a global platform for interfaith dialogue on climate issues.

His Eminence also noted the significance of his visit coinciding with the designation of Shusha as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2024, which, he said, reminds the Islamic world of the importance of regaining its role in the new global order. He emphasized the need to draw from the rich heritage of Islamic civilization to achieve comprehensive progress across various fields. He noted that the first step toward such advancement is unity, highlighting the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting Islamic unity, particularly through the upcoming intra-Islamic dialogue conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This conference aims to foster dialogue between different Islamic schools of thought, notably Sunni and Shia, with the goal of creating a unified Islamic voice on contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world.

The Grand Imam also reaffirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan to achieve common objectives and to enhance collaborative efforts between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Caucasus Muslims Board to benefit the Muslims of Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev expressed his gratitude to the Grand Imam for accepting his invitation to participate in COP29, commending his work in promoting global peace, fraternity, and tolerance. He affirmed that the Grand Imam’s visit to Azerbaijan contributes significantly to strengthening relations, especially in interfaith dialogue. The president praised the ongoing efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to achieve unity within the Islamic world, acknowledging that the intra-Islamic dialogue conference in Bahrain represents a key step toward fostering cohesion and unity among Muslims. He emphasized that Azerbaijan is keen to participate actively in this important Islamic event.

President Aliyev added that the Grand Imam’s presence at COP29 is an honor for Azerbaijan and reflects its commitment to facilitating collaboration between religious leaders and political decision-makers to raise awareness of the critical climate crisis. He lauded the “Faith Pavilion” initiative, organized by the Muslim Council of Elders for the second consecutive year at COP29, expressing confidence that this platform will further amplify religious awareness regarding environmental and climate crises, building on the success of its inaugural edition at COP28 last year.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to participate in the opening of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29). This participation follows an official invitation extended to His Eminence by President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan during their meeting at Al-Azhar in Cairo in June of this year.

The Grand Imam is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech addressing Islam’s perspective on environmental conservation and the climate change crisis. His speech will explore how the voice of religion can be utilized to strengthen the role of religious leaders in raising awareness of this critical issue and finding solutions to this serious threat to life on Earth.

During his visit, the Grand Imam is also expected to meet with various officials, religious leaders, intellectuals, and cultural figures, aiming to unify perspectives and foster collaborative efforts to address global challenges, with a particular focus on climate issues and the ongoing conflicts affecting our world.

Last year, the Grand Imam, along with other prominent religious figures, co-signed the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate” prior to COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. He also participated virtually alongside His Holiness Pope Francis in launching the inaugural Faith Pavilion, which was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Prime Minister of Malaysia agree to establish a branch of the Muslim Council of Elders in Malaysia

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, welcomed His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for discussions on strengthening mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam warmly emphasized the deep and unique ties between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and Malaysia and commended Malaysia as a pioneering model of pluralism, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Malaysia highlighted the significance of the Grand Imam’s recent visit to Malaysia and its profound impact on the Malaysian people, who hold great respect for Al-Azhar and the Grand Imam. He also noted that the visit had led to several important projects and mentioned the significance of the Grand Imam’s lecture to the Malaysian public, which had been translated into Malay and distributed widely across mosques, educational institutions, libraries, and cultural centers.

The Prime Minister also conveyed the Malaysian government’s enthusiasm for establishing an office for the Muslim Council of Elders in Malaysia, stating that the coming period would see enhanced cooperation between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and Southeast Asian nations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prime Minister of Malaysia presented the Grand Imam with a copy of the translated lecture delivered during his recent visit to Malaysia. In return, the Grand Imam gifted the Prime Minister a copy of the book “The Pope and Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the opening of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22 which will be attended by world leaders, officials, and representatives from international organizations, following an official invitation from President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, arrived in Baku on Sunday morning, where he was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Matin Karimli, Chief of Staff of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education, along with other officials.

At COP29, the Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the second Faith Pavilion, building on the significant success of its first edition at COP28. The Pavilion features a global alliance of 97 organizations, representing 11 diverse religions and denominations, providing religious and ethical perspectives on climate action and will include over 40 discussion sessions focused on the integration of spirituality and ethics in advancing climate action.

Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders has pioneered initiatives to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, including climate change. Last year, the Council hosted the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate in Abu Dhabi, culminating in the launch of the ‘Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate’, which was co-signed by 30 religious leaders worldwide, including the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar as well as His Holiness Pope Francis. The Council also co-hosted the recent Global Religious Leaders Summit for Climate in Baku, furthering its mission to mobilize religious and ethical voices to devise effective climate solutions. The Council continues to impact through the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29, underscoring the essential role of interfaith collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.

Imam of Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi: The Muslim Council of Elders is making pioneering efforts to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence and highlight the compassionate image of Islam

Faculty Member at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities: The values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence are firmly rooted in Quranic and Prophetic texts

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair held a seminar titled “Tolerance and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Foundations and Enduring Values.” The session featured Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Mohand Mechenene, faculty member at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities. The seminar underscored the importance of promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for diversity as core aspects of Islamic heritage, presenting illustrative examples from Islamic history.

Dr. Mahmoud Najah began by commending the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for its commitment to advancing a culture of peaceful coexistence, fostering dialogue, and presenting a compassionate image of Islam. He emphasized that this culture reflects the essence of Islam, a religion rooted in mercy, tolerance, and justice. Dr. Najah pointed out that Islam is not just a religion of worship but a comprehensive way of life that nurtures human relationships based on mutual respect and goodwill across diverse societies.

He further noted that peaceful relations between Muslims and others are foundational, with Islam encouraging peace and coexistence through wisdom and thoughtful engagement.  He also explained that peaceful coexistence in Islam goes beyond merely accepting others; it involves actively building a unified society that thrives on diversity and described peaceful coexistence as a shared life among varied groups based on love, cooperation, and respect for different beliefs, ethnicities, and cultures, calling for a renewed emphasis on these values to address global challenges and create a stable, peaceful future for humanity.

Dr. Mohand Mechenene expressed deep appreciation for the significant work of the Muslim Council of Elders and affirmed that, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Council plays a central role in promoting peace and tolerance. Dr. Mechenene noted that the United Arab Emirates, where the Council is based, exemplifies peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among religions and cultures.

The professor at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities further observed that Islamic civilization is rooted in the Quran, with tolerance and coexistence forming essential principles of Islamic jurisprudence. He cited the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a model of coexistence, known for his respectful interactions with non-Muslims and emphasized that tolerance in Islamic heritage extends beyond coexistence to include active collaboration and positive interaction, embodying an Islamic way of life.

This year marks the third time that the Muslim Council of Elders has participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair with over 220 publications on significant intellectual and cultural topics, the Council seeks to advance its mission of promoting peace, fostering dialogue and tolerance, and building cooperation among people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The pavilion, located in the Arabic section, Hall 6, Pavilion M8.