تمام

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has received a delegation of ministers of religious affairs, muftis, heads of supreme Islamic councils, and representatives of Islamic institutions from 30 countries participating in the conference titled “Developing the Prudent Mufti in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” organized by the Egyptian Fatwa Authority. The meeting was attended by His Eminence Dr. Nazir Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, and His Eminence Dr. Mohammed Al-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar.

During the meeting, His Eminence prayed that Almighty Allah guide scholars in addressing this significant topic and contributing to the use of artificial intelligence applications to serve muftis and facilitate their work. He stressed the need for an ethical charter to regulate these technologies, ensuring the preservation of human dignity and privacy.

His Eminence underscored the necessity of countering systematic campaigns aimed at distorting the image of Islam and falsely associating it with violence, which have fueled rising waves of Islamophobia and hatred toward Muslims due to widespread ignorance of Islam’s tolerant teachings and its message of peace. He noted that many Western scholars who have studied Islam objectively have highlighted its true essence in their works. This places a heightened responsibility on Islamic institutions in the West to refute false narratives about this noble religion. He also affirmed that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders are ready to provide all forms of support to Islamic centers in the West, guided by their global mission and commitment to Muslim unity.

His Eminence further emphasized that religious and educational institutions in the Arab and Islamic worlds bear a religious and moral duty to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause and the history of Jerusalem, particularly in light of the ongoing brutal aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for nearly two years. He deplored the lack of knowledge among many in the Islamic world about basic historical facts related to Palestine, calling for the development of an educational strategy across Islamic countries to enhance awareness among youth about their history, especially Palestine, and to reinforce pride in their Arab and Islamic identity. He also stressed the need to counter attempts to falsify history promoted by others, affirming Al-Azhar’s full readiness to collaborate with all nations to develop this strategy and serve the Ummah’s awareness, thought, and causes.

For their part, the delegation of ministers of religious affairs, muftis, and heads of Islamic councils conveyed their deep appreciation for the Grand Imam’s significant efforts in defending Islamic causes and Muslims worldwide, promoting Islamic unity, and combating extremist ideologies. They also affirmed that Al-Azhar is the conscience of the Ummah and a refuge for Muslims of all denominations, with its positions consistently receiving widespread acclaim and support due to the immense respect and trust it commands among Muslims globally.

The Muslim Council of Elders is co-organizing the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, from August 10 to 14, 2025, under the theme “Ubuntu in Action: Focusing on Marginalized Communities.” The Forum unites a coalition of global voices dedicated to shaping inclusive and ethical policies, bringing together religious leaders, civil society organizations, government officials, multilateral institutions, and scholars to explore collaborative solutions to urgent global challenges.

In its address during the Forum’s opening session, the Muslim Council of Elders underscored the vital role religious leaders can play in addressing today’s global challenges, including conflicts, wars, and disputes. It advocated for a nuanced, multi-level understanding of relationship dynamics, encompassing both violence and peace.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, in a speech delivered by Adama Dieng, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and advisor to the Council, emphasized that the time has come to demand justice for our planet, particularly in light of the suffering endured by the Palestinian people and the proliferation of wars and conflicts that have left tens of thousands dead, wounded, or displaced. This crisis, he noted, represents a profound test of our shared humanity.

He further highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is spearheading concerted efforts to promote peace, social cohesion, and ethical leadership. These initiatives are grounded in a value-driven and practical approach, emphasizing the role of faith in tackling pressing global challenges, fostering interfaith dialogue, empowering youth, and promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity.

Judge Abdelsalam also pointed to the Council’s efforts to strengthen its presence and impact across Africa through innovative initiatives focused on peacebuilding, empowering local religious actors, and expanding partnerships with regional institutions. These efforts align with the G20 Interfaith Forum’s (IF20) focus on addressing the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. The Council also expressed its support for the G20 Interfaith Forum’s call to “leave no one behind,” particularly in areas such as food security, migration, and the economic and spiritual dimensions of justice. It urged religious leaders to issue a collective call for a return to values of justice and peace and to work toward halting all wars and conflicts for a brighter future for humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the fourth consecutive year in the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, held from August 9 to 17, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote a culture of dialogue and advance values of coexistence and peace worldwide.

This year, the Council’s pavilion showcases over 250 publications, including a selection of the latest 2025 releases from Al Hokama Publishing. These works explore themes of peace, coexistence, and diverse identities and are authored by distinguished researchers from the Hokama Center for Peace Research.

The pavilion also features more than 30 works by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, which highlight the tolerance of Islam and the depth of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Notable titles include ‘Al Qawl Al Tayeb’, ‘From My Old Notebooks’, ‘Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah’, ‘Reflections on Imam al-Ash’ari’s Thought’, and ‘A Discourse on Peace’. 

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion also displays significant works by Council members and leading thinkers, including ‘Love in the Holy Qur’an’ by His Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, ‘The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path’ by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, ‘Rules of Understanding and Mutual Comprehension in Thought and Language’ by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, and ‘Muslims at a Crossroads’ by Dr. Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzouq.

The pavilion will also host a series of cultural events, including intellectual discussions aimed at fostering dialogue on challenges facing human societies and exploring pathways to a future built on mutual respect and understanding. It also features activities and events designed for children.

This participation underscores the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to engaging in major cultural and intellectual forums and furthering its mission to promote moderation and tolerance. The Council seeks to advance peace, foster dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, and empower scholars and thinkers to build more aware and cohesive societies.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion (B9) can be found at the Dr. Architect Kadir Topbaş Performance and Art Centre in Istanbul.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, participated in the World Council meeting of Religions for Peace, held in Istanbul, Turkey. The gathering convened prominent religious leaders and institutions worldwide to address urgent global challenges, including conflict, inequality, environmental degradation, health crises, pandemics, and injustice, through dialogue, cooperation, and coordinated efforts rooted in shared spiritual, ethical, and humanitarian principles.

In his address, the Muslim Council of Elders expressed deep appreciation for Religions for Peace’s role in drawing inspiration from religious teachings to foster peace and coexistence. Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that this meeting occurs at a pivotal moment in human history, as the world grapples with interconnected crises, such as crippling debt, severe environmental imbalances, prolonged conflicts, and the multifaceted challenge of artificial intelligence. This technology offers significant opportunities but also poses risks to human consciousness and dignity, prompting religious leaders to revisit a fundamental question: What does it mean to be human in today’s world, and what responsibilities does this entail?

Judge Abdelsalam, who also serves as Co-President of Religions for Peace, noted that for over five decades, the organization has been a resonant voice for the human conscience, a platform for dialogue, a bridge for mutual understanding, and a space for collective action. Today, it is called to transition from issuing moral warnings to proposing practical solutions—not only advocating for values but translating them into actionable frameworks for public policy, education, economic governance, technology, and beyond.

He highlighted the “Shared Sacred Prosperity” initiative as a transformative approach, redefining well-being and development beyond mere economic metrics. This vision prioritizes human dignity, harmony with others, environmental balance for sustainability, and spiritual integration. The Muslim Council of Elders believes this initiative should be implemented through clear, actionable mechanisms.

Judge Abdelsalam proposed establishing national multi-religious councils for shared prosperity, supporting joint educational programs that integrate religious philosophy with technological ethics, and developing a global charter for AI ethics with contributions from religious communities. This charter would serve as a binding ethical framework for international organizations and major corporations. The Muslim Council of Elders, in collaboration with Al-Azhar and the Catholic Church, is working to launch a joint document on AI ethics.

Judge Abdelsalam also called for a global interfaith alliance to restructure debt, particularly for the world’s poorest nations, grounded in principles of justice and compassion. This alliance would influence international financial institutions to reassess debt programs that unjustly burden entire populations. He emphasized that the debt crisis strangling nations is not solely an economic issue but a moral and humanitarian one, requiring collective action.

In closing, the Council’s statement underscored that religious leaders are not only spiritual voices but also active partners in shaping the future. They bear a dual responsibility: to uphold values and contribute to constructive solutions. Therefore, they must collaborate to create a world defined by dignity, governed by justice, thriving through cooperation, and reflecting God’s will for goodness and peace.

The meeting’s final statement urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the cessation of wars and conflicts, the promotion of peace and development, and the empowerment of women and youth to address global challenges. It reaffirmed the vital role of religious leaders in fostering peace and coexistence. The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation aligns with its mission to promote peace, dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Invites Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to Visit Pakistan

Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff: The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Is a Symbol of Islamic Moderation, Inspiring Hope Among Muslims Worldwide with His Courageous Stances

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, welcomed General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

During the meeting, His Eminence highlighted the deep ties with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, noting that Pakistan exemplifies the progress and strength of Islamic intellectual thought. He expressed a commitment to strengthening academic and cultural cooperation with Pakistan through initiatives such as establishing centers to teach the Arabic language, enabling Pakistan people to learn the language of the Holy Qur’an, increasing scholarship opportunities, and training Pakistani imams.

His Eminence emphasized that the time has come for the Islamic world to unite and rally around the Palestinian cause, which has become a global concern. He stated, “There can be no stability in the Middle East, or indeed the world, without a just resolution to the Palestinian issue that ensures the Palestinian people’s full rights to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza expressed his delight at meeting His Eminence, conveying the appreciation of Pakistan’s leadership and people for the Grand Imam. He remarked, “Meeting you is a great honor, as you are a symbol of Islamic moderation, inspiring hope among Muslims worldwide with your courageous stances.” He added that the people of Pakistan trust Al-Azhar’s approach, closely follow its positions with deep respect, and support its vision on issues affecting the Islamic world.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff extended an official invitation to His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb to visit Pakistan, emphasizing the people of Pakistan’s eager anticipation of this visit. His Eminence warmly welcomed the invitation, expressing his intent to accept it at the earliest opportunity.