تمام

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly warns against the rising wave of hate speech, racism, and Islamophobia directed at Muslims and migrants in parts of England and Northern Ireland. This surge follows the spread of misinformation claiming that a Muslim migrant carried out an attack in Southport.

The Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes that these false allegations, propagated by certain far-right groups to incite fear and hostility against Muslims and migrants, increase tensions and deepen divisions within British society, thereby threatening societal peace and security. Such actions are contrary to the teachings of all religions and divine laws, which advocate for peace, amity, tolerance, and respect for others and their beliefs and sanctities and criminalize attacking others. The Council calls for all necessary legal measures to be taken to combat hate speech and incitement and to hold all perpetrators accountable.

The Muslim Council of Elders commends the British government’s stance in combating Islamophobia and protecting Muslim communities in Britain, particularly the statements made by UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary, Ms. Yvette Cooper. The two officials have pledged to protect Muslims and mosques in the country, enforce deterrent measures against extremists, and reject all forms of extremism, racism, and hatred while preserving the social fabric of British society. The Council also expressed its appreciation for the stance of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Justin Welby, who condemned the acts of violence that occurred in parts of the United Kingdom, including attacks on mosques, assaults on police officers, and the looting and burning of shops by the far-right.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Council’s Message Emphasizes the Importance of an Alliance of Major Religions and Philosophies to Advance Human Thought, Achieve Development, and Foster Civilizational Communication

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 25th World Congress of Philosophy, organized by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies, the Italian Philosophical Society, and Sapienza University of Rome. The event is taking place from August 1 to 8 in the Italian capital, Rome, and aims to explore and discuss scientific and general ideas about the future of societies by examining social, economic, political, technological, and cultural destinies.

In his speech at the session titled “Aristotle-Buddha-Confucius-Islam: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges,” the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized that achieving conditions for coexistence among different perspectives in a small and interconnected world—where everyone is aware of and feels the impact of global events on their lives and their children’s future—begins with recognizing cultural diversity as an essential part of human rights. This is in contrast to the current reality marked by various tensions and conflicts in some societies, leading to the exclusion and marginalization of those who are different.

The Secretary-General added that the importance of dialogue between Confucian and Aristotelian philosophy lies in their cultural and civilizational role in addressing common challenges and the need for the wisdom inherent in their philosophies about life and humanity. He pointed out that integrating Aristotle and Confucius’s philosophies with Islamic philosophy could help overcome contemporary intellectual and human issues. He also explained that the call for an intellectual turn towards the East and interaction and dialogue has been present in the Islamic world for decades; Al-Azhar University, for example, has been studying Eastern and Western religions and philosophies since its establishment, a methodology followed by most Arab and Islamic universities and institutes.

In conclusion, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders asserted that Islam came as a moderate religion with distinctive social, economic, developmental, and cultural thought. This is a characteristic of religions that aim to create a thought pattern that promotes goodness and righteousness. Islam, as a divine religion, laid new foundations for social, cultural, and economic systems based on equality, solidarity, and justice. He highlighted the role of the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading its message aimed at promoting and enhancing values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the importance of an alliance of major religions and philosophies to contribute to advancing human thought, achieving development and civilizational communication, and ultimately building lasting peace and stability.

The session “Aristotle-Buddha-Confucius-Islam: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges” saw diverse global participation, where participants discussed philosophical ideas as a starting point for public discourses on urgent common concerns, including inequality, cultural diversity, the environment, justice, rights, and political transformations on a global scale. Participants also explored ways to expand philosophical discussions to include representatives from sciences, economics, information, medicine, public health, technology, and public institutions, as well as mechanisms to actively encourage and defend diversity in all its forms by bringing together ideas, traditions, and people from all continents and regions.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has met with H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, President of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The pair discussed the ongoing preparations for the Faith Leaders Summit for Climate in Baku, under the patronage of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the organization of the second edition of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, following the success of its first edition in Dubai at COP28.

During the meeting, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted that the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate, hosted in Abu Dhabi last November prior to COP28, culminated in the launch of the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate,” which was co-signed by 30 religious leaders, including His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. This event underscored the significant role that religious leaders can play in raising community awareness about the existential issue of climate change and motivating positive environmental actions. He also emphasized the need to establish a mechanism to ensure the continuity of these efforts up to and beyond COP30 in Brazil.

H.E. Mukhtar Babayev praised the efforts led by the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, to activate the role of religious leaders in global climate action. He expressed his anticipation for the Faith Leaders Summit for Climate and the organization of the Faith Pavilion at COP29, while noting that he is hopeful that the outcomes would contribute to achieving climate justice, protecting the planet, and ensuring the sustainability of its resources for future generations.

World Council of Churches: The Muslim Council of Elders Has Significantly Advanced Global Efforts to Promote and Spread the Values of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, congratulated the Muslim Council of Elders and His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, on the tenth anniversary of its founding. Rev. Pillay emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders has significantly advanced global efforts to promote and spread the values of tolerance, human fraternity, and peaceful coexistence.

In an official correspondence to the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay stated that the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders came at a critical time when the world was witnessing an increase in extremist rhetoric and the misuse of religion to achieve geopolitical agendas, posing a significant challenge to humanity. He noted that the council has become a beacon of hope and a platform providing an authentic voice for Islam and its noble values that call for peace, love, justice, and respect for others. He added that the council has swiftly become a powerful force for spreading the values of goodness and human fraternity, challenging misconceptions, and promoting dialogue among diverse communities.

Rev. Pillay also praised the strong relationship between the World Council of Churches and the Muslim Council of Elders, stating, “Our initiatives and joint cooperation have strengthened the bonds between our communities and demonstrated a united stance against violence and division. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we reflect on the journey we have undertaken together. The World Council of Churches is proud to walk side by side with the Muslim Council of Elders in advocating for a world that embraces diversity, respects and values every individual, and achieves reconciliation and unity among all people, ensuring justice and equality for all. We also aim to enhance the role of religions in spreading hope, love, and peace.”

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches also expressed his hope that the Muslim Council of Elders would continue its successful journey and constructive efforts to build bridges of communication and dialogue with others, and that the coming decade would be filled with exceptional achievements and joint efforts to build a world characterized by justice, peace, and mutual respect.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that human trafficking is one of the most challenging issues facing the international community in the modern era. Individuals are exploited for various purposes, including forced labor, crime, begging, and more. This necessitates unifying international efforts to combat this dangerous phenomenon that violates human dignity and subjects millions of people to suffering and exploitation.

In a statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which falls on July 30th each year, the Muslim Council of Elders stated that all divine religions urge us to respect human rights and preserve human dignity, regardless of gender, religion, or race. Allah says in the Noble Qur’an: “Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures” (Al-Isra: 70). The Council called for increasing awareness of the dangers of human trafficking and the necessity of protecting the most vulnerable groups, especially women, children, refugees, the displaced, and those who have lost their homes and shelters. It also emphasized the necessity of providing victims with psychological, social, and legal support to ensure their reintegration into society in a manner befitting their human dignity.

The statement pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, confirmed that Allah created all humans equal in rights, duties, and dignity. The Document called for living as brothers to build the earth and spread the values of goodness, amity, and peace. It also called for the protection of the rights of migrants, displaced persons, and all victims of wars, persecution, and injustice, as well as the weak, the frightened, the prisoners, and the tortured without exclusion or discrimination.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Constantinople, in Istanbul, Turkey. The discussion focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in promoting and fostering the values of tolerance, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue, as well as its role in combating hate speech and addressing global challenges.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam praised the role of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in promoting interfaith dialogue, particularly concerning climate change and combating hate. He expressed his appreciation for His Holiness’s efforts in spreading a culture of understanding and mutual respect, stating that this meeting reflects the spirit of cooperation and understanding between religions and cultures that the Muslim Council of Elders aims to establish. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working with all active parties worldwide to promote peace and counter all forms of extremism, hatred, racism, intolerance, and discrimination.

Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted that true friendship, especially among those dedicated to humanity and striving for genuine peace, can overcome challenges and obstacles. He referenced the global model of fraternal relations between His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Justin Welby. Among the fruits of these efforts are the Human Fraternity Document in Abu Dhabi, considered the most significant in modern human history, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement on Climate,” the Al-Azhar Global Citizenship Declaration, the Bahrain Dialogue Forum between East and West, and other important initiatives.

For his part, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I expressed his appreciation for the efforts of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb in solidifying the values of coexistence and human fraternity, building bridges of communication and understanding between religions, and the active role played by the Muslim Council of Elders on various levels to reinforce the culture of diversity, pluralism, and acceptance and respect for others. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts to deepen religious and cultural dialogue and expressed his eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Council to address the common challenges that hinder peace and stability in societies.

During the meeting, His All-Holiness congratulated the Council on its tenth anniversary, acknowledging the significant steps it has taken in its first decade to promote the spirit of tolerance, love, and fraternity among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity. He expressed his hopes for continued success and further achievements in collaboration with the Council in the coming period.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and President of the Muslim Council of Elders, condemns the terrorist attack that took place in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, resulting in the death and injury of several people.

The Muslim Council of Elders firmly rejects such terrorist acts, which are contrary to the teachings of Islam, all divine religions, international laws, and norms. The Council calls for coordinated efforts to eliminate and uproot this heinous terrorism.

The Council expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of Somalia, as well as to the families of the victims. It prays to Almighty Allah to grant mercy to the deceased and a swift recovery to the injured.

His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, received His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in the United Arab Emirates, and His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. The meeting took place at His Eminence’s residence in Abu Dhabi shortly before his departure to Cairo, with the presence of His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

During the meeting, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized the importance of adhering to the rich heritage of the Muslim nation, filled with sciences and knowledge that once formed a great Islamic civilization that continues to contribute to global advancements in various fields. He highlighted the importance of harnessing the treasures of Islamic heritage, promoting its understanding, and exploring diverse intellectual schools of thought and following the approach that does not contradict the principles of our religion. He affirmed that Islamic civilization was built on openness to others, away from extremism and insularity. His Eminence further called for coordinated efforts between the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the Muslim Council of Elders to reinforce shared human values, establish a culture of coexistence, civilizational dialogue, and human fraternity, and protect the youth against extremist ideologies while instilling in them the values of ethics and allegiance to their homelands.

Both H.E. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei and H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri expressed their deep admiration and respect for His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, appreciating his profound knowledge and efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and fostering values of peace, dialogue, and human coexistence. They affirmed their eagerness to advance scientific, knowledge-based, and Islamic teaching cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Muslim Council of Elders to promote the benevolence of Islam and counteract extremist ideologies, fostering values of justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.