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With a wide-ranging library of publications as well as a seminar and lecture program

The Muslim Council of Elders is set to participate in the 28th  edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair, scheduled to be held in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, from June 1st to 11th, 2023. The upcoming participation aligns with the Council’s mission to deepen awareness and promote values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Council’s stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair will allow visitors to explore a collection of important publications, books, and manuscripts. Additionally, a diverse and comprehensive seminar and lecture program will address various important topics related to Islamic thought. These events will feature the participation of a number of scholars, thinkers, writers, intellectuals, and university professors.

The Council’s stand will begin with a seminar titled ‘Orientalism and the Efforts of Orientalists in Preserving Heritage’ presented by Dr. Ahmed Shoukry Binbayn, Director of the Royal Library in Rabat, on Friday, June 2nd. On Saturday, June 3rd, Dr. Elias Belka, Professor at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, will deliver a seminar titled ‘Conflict and Strife in the Muslim World and Prospects for Islamic Dialogue’.

Furthermore, the Council’s stand will host a seminar featuring Dr. Yahya Ramadan, Professor of Higher Education at the Regional Center for Education and Training in Meknes, in collaboration with Dr. Fouad Bouali, Director of the ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World’ initiative at the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research,. The seminar is titled ‘Identity Harmony Management in the Muslim World: Concepts and Mechanisms’ and will take place on Sunday, June 4th.

On Tuesday, June 5th, the Council’s stand will organize a seminar titled ‘A Reading of the Book ‘Dawn of Andalusia’ presented by Dr. Hassan Oureid, Professor of Political Science at Mohammed V University in Rabat. Another seminar titled ‘The Role of the Muslim Council of Elders in Serving and Disseminating Islamic Heritage’ will be held on Wednesday, June 6th, presented by Dr. Mohammed Jamal, Researcher at the Heritage Revival Office of Al-Azhar.

Dr. Adel Mousawi, Professor of International Relations at Mohammed V University in Rabat, will discuss the topic of ‘Efforts of Conflict Resolution Groups in Africa’ on Thursday, June 8th while Dr. Said Kafaiti, Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, along with Dr. Norah Al-Issaoui, Professor of the History of Religions and Dialogue of Civilizations at the Faculty of Theology at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tetouan, will present a seminar titled ‘A Reading of the Book: ‘Religious Pluralism, Identities, and the Paths to Peace’. All seminars at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand will take place at 5.30PM.

The main sessions will also include a seminar moderated by Dr. Youssef Al-Kalam, Professor of Higher Education at Al-Qarawiyyin University in the Dar Al-Hadith Al-Hassania Institution, and Dr. Samir Boudinar, Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, titled ‘Religion and the Challenges of the Era’. The seminar will be held on Monday, June 5th, at 12.30PM in the Rabat Al-Fath Hall.

The final seminar will be titled ‘Principles of Understanding and Comprehension from Thought and Language’ presented by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, President of the Ulema Council of Oujda, and President of the Regional Scientific Council in the Oriental Region. The seminar includes a book signing of various publications by Dr. Benhamza and will be held at 3PM in Hall 2 on Saturday, June 10th.

With the presence of a large number of distinguished scholars and researchers, the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat represents an exceptional opportunity for the public to discover and expand their knowledge of Islamic heritage and contribute to fruitful intellectual dialogues.

The Council continues to have a clear and positive impact on the global cultural field through its high-quality and distinguished participation in international book fairs, as well as various scientific and intellectual events. This falls in line with the vision of His Eminence the Grand Imam of promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds.

The Council recently concluded its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which took place from May 22nd to 28th 2023. During the event, the Council’s stand received a large number of visitors who acquainted themselves with the council’s achievements and contributions in various fields, as well as its efforts to enhance awareness of Islamic heritage.

Commending the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in raising awareness and educating people about environmental issues and climate change

Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi: Protecting the Earth and preserving the environment is a religious, moral, social, and humanitarian duty.

Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders has placed a great concern for environmental issues and confronting the negative impacts of climate change since it is one of the major global challenges threatening life on this planet. With respect to that, the Council’s stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair organized a seminar titled ‘Humans and Environmental Protection’ by Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, also known as ‘The Green Sheikh’, Environmental Advisor to the government of Ajman and Vice Chairman of Al Ihsan Charity Association.

At the beginning of the seminar, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi emphasized that there are seven fundamental elements governing the relationship between humans and the Earth. The first is monotheism, which holds the highest status and is the essence of existence. He explained that the second element is that humans are successors on Earth, entrusted with its development and preservation to ensure its continuity for future generations. He referred to the statement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, that “our approach, heritage, and legacy are about sustaining resources for future generations.”

The Green Sheikh further added that the third element is sincerity in work, which creates a sense of satisfaction that serves the Earth and further preserves it. The fourth element is the verses of the Holy Qur’an, all of which were revealed for contemplation and reflection on the signs indicating the greatness of the Creator in the Earth and the heavens. The fifth element is justice, moderation, and balance in everything, which serves as the true measure of ethics. The sixth element is equilibrium, and the seventh is goodness, which he noted as the highest level of justice itself.

Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi pointed out that many people overlook that we are not living on this planet alone and that there are billions of other humans and an even greater number of other creatures that share our ecosystems. He affirmed that it is our duty as humans to preserve the Earth and sustain its resources, in order to protect everyone who lives on it.

The Green Sheikh expressed his gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Almighty Allah which is one of the most important factors for the sustainability of these blessings. He emphasized that the first and most important factor for sustainability is gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Almighty Allah, whether as individuals or communities. Security and tranquility are a blessing that must also be preserved, along with kindness among other things.

The Green Sheikh also presented a video highlighting the story of goodness towards the environment, drawing inspiration from the efforts of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who showed great concern for the Earth for the benefit of future generations, who in turn have carried the banner of protecting the Earth and followed his approach in caring for and preserving it.

Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi concluded by addressing the relationship between religions and laws of the environment, affirming that there is a close relationship between religions and the preservation of the environment. He praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in raising awareness and educating people about environmental issues and climate change, emphasizing the need to unite all efforts to protect and preserve our planet as a religious, moral, social, and humanitarian duty.

As part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ seminar program at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri delivered a seminar titled ‘Muslim Council of Elders and Promoting Coexistence.’

Senator Al-Bakri emphasized that the message of the Muslim Council of Elders revolves around promoting moderation and opening doors for dialogue with others, with the aim of enhancing peace in societies and mitigating conflicts. He added that the Human Fraternity Document, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, serves as evidence and proof of the Council’s diligent efforts in working towards unity and preventing global conflicts and divisions. Dr. Al-Bakri also called for the universal implementation and adherence to the principles outlined in the document.

As a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Al-Bakri highlighted that the Council strives to promote dialogue with others through various purposeful initiatives that target all segments of society. He commended the efforts of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who set a practical example by promoting the values of dialogue, peace, coexistence, while countering bigotry, racism, discrimination, and hatred.

Malaysia’s former Minister of Islamic Affairs added that the Malaysian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders constantly organizes cultural events and activities for the youth, aimed at enhancing their positive role in their communities and spreading the values of goodness, tolerance, and shared coexistence. Additionally, the Council’s Malaysian branch actively engages with religious leaders in Malaysia to strengthen bonds of human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023 is set to host several seminars and activities aimed at rectifying misconceptions, promoting dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of communication and coexistence. These efforts align with the Council’s message under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to enhance peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders: The Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity is a model for interreligious dialogue for all humanity

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders: The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is a civilized model that preserves the distinctiveness of each religion and promotes understanding

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders expresses its gratitude to the King of Bahrain for supporting constructive dialogue efforts among people of different religions and hosting the inaugural meeting of the committee and supporting its findings

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes the role of dialogue among people of different religions in addressing the negative impacts of climate change and supports the efforts of the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations in organizing COP28

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Muslim Council of Elders held its first meeting in the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss ways of unifying joint efforts based on the role of religious leaders in facing contemporary global challenges and promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue and cooperation.

The statement affirmed that the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi represents a civilized model that preserves the uniqueness of each religion and promotes human acquaintance based on the Quranic principle “To you, your religion; to me, mine.” It also emphasized that the Abrahamic Family House embodies a practical application of the 2019 Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The Abrahamic Family House serves as a foundation for humanitarian dialogue among people of different religions and a humanitarian basis for coexistence and human fraternity.

The committee also emphasized the importance of enhancing citizenship and abandoning the exclusionary use of the terms “minority” and “majority”. It also commended the Al-Azhar Declaration on Citizenship issued during the ‘Freedom and Citizenship: Diversity and Integration’ conference held in Egypt between Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders, as well as the principles stated in the Document on Human Fraternity and the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration for Peacful Coexistence.

The statement also emphasized the importance of efforts by religious leaders in addressing the negative impacts of climate change and the dangers it poses to the future of humanity. It highlighted the role that interreligious and intercultural dialogue can play in enhancing the involvement of religious leaders and institutions in confronting climate change during the upcoming COP28 conference. It also expressed its support for the United Nations and the United Arab Emirates in organizing the COP28 conference to achieve effective solutions to address the negative climate impacts that threaten the future and well-being of humanity.

The statement pointed to the need to prepare a future project that includes various initiatives to enhance dialogue among people of different religions, with a special focus on Islamic-Christian dialogue. Such peace initiatives can be discussed and agreed upon at a later stage.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue expressed its utmost gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain for hosting the committee’s inaugural meeting and supporting its findings of strengthening bridges of communication, promoting values of tolerance, mutual respect, and coexistence. The committee also acknowledged the Kingdom of Bahrain’s role in promoting dialogue, human fraternity, and coexistence

The meeting was attended by His Eminence Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso, President of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Eminence Professor Dr. Abbas Shouman, former Deputy of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Al Sayyid Ali Al-Amine, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, member of the Malaysian Senate and Malaysia’s former Minister of Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Dr. Shaykh Abdulrahman Derar Al Shaer, member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain representing His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain and member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Mohammad Al-Sammak, Secretary-General of the National Committee for Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon, Monsignor Khaled Akasheh, Secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and Monsignor Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue was established under a joint memorandum of understanding between the Abu Dhabi-based Muslim Council of Elders and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders has participated in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023, which is set to take place from 22 to 28 May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. On the fair’s first day the Council welcomed a number of distinguished guests who were introduced to the initiatives, goals, events, and latest publications of the Council.

The Council’s stand, located in Hall 10, showcases a number of its recent publications released this year, along with newly revised editions. It also displays several books and publications that have received significant attention from book fair attendees during previous participations.

In terms of renewing partnerships and collaborations with relevant cultural entities, the Council’s stand received various guests on the first day of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. In addition to visitors interested in acquiring the latest publications from the Council’s Publishing House, Dr. Ali bin Tamim, President of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, visited the Council’s stand and welcomed its continued participation in the book fair. Meanwhile, Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities in Abu Dhabi also visited the council’s stand and expressed an interest in following the publications released by the Council’s Publishing House.

Among international partners, the stand was visited by Andy Ventris, Director of the London Book Fair, who discussed ways to enhance the Council’s participation in next year’s London Book Fair as well as the benefits of doing so. The stand also welcomed Ms. Nathalie Choblet, Cultural Attaché at the French Embassy in Abu Dhabi, to discuss avenues for joint cooperation.

The Council’s stand will also organize a number of seminars across the fair’s duration. On Tuesday May 23 at 5.30 PM the council will host Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO and Founder of TRENDS Research and Advisory who will present the seminar ‘Human Fraternity – A Global Call for Dialogue and Solidarity Among Humanity’. The next day, the seminar, ‘Muslim Council of Elders and Promoting Coexistence’ by Datuk Senator Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Malaysia’s former Minister of Islamic Affairs will take place. This will be followed by a seminar titled ‘Youth Aspiration and Empowering Leaders – Peacemakers as an Example’ by Islam Badr & Dr. Aisha Khan from the Emerging Peacemakers Forum.

On Thursday, May 25, the Council will host the seminar ‘Identity and Citizenship as a Human Vision’ by His Eminence Al Sayyid Ali Al-Amine followed by a seminar titled ‘The Role of Educational Institutions in Building Bridges of Tolerance and Coexistence’ by Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities in Abu Dhabi.

On May 26, Abdulraheem Mandi Al Tameemi, a faculty member at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities will present a seminar titled ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ starting at 5.30 PM. The program will then be concluded on the following day, May 27, with a seminar titled ‘Humans and Environmental Protection’ by Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (The Green Sheikh).

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair represents a leading global cultural and intellectual destination that reflects the message of the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which also supports and nurtures thought, literature, and culture to promote the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Secretary-General commended the efforts of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center for organizing this grand international event that brings together more than 85 countries and attracts various prominent writers, thinkers, and publishers from around the world to showcase the distinctive literary and cultural heritage while strengthening the connections between Arab and international societies in the field of publishing.

The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023 stems from the Council’s message, led by its Chairman His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to promote peace and establish values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Kingdom of Bahrain will tomorrow host the first meeting of the Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Catholic Church.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue was established under a joint memorandum of understanding between the Abu Dhabi-based Muslim Council of Elders and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue as a direct result of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum: East and West for Human Coexistence, which took place in the Kingdom of Bahrain last November. The forum coincided with the historic official visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to the Kingdom of Bahrain, in response to a gracious invitation from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain.

The inaugural meeting also aims to coordinate joint efforts and initiatives to enhance dialogue and coexistence among people of different religious and cultural backgrounds and to support the Islamic-Christian dialogue, which has a long history of common coexistence. It is also part of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum’s calls to support joint projects between Islam and Christianity and to promote dialogue and coexistence on a global level.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is represented in the Muslim Council of Elders by His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Council seeks to implement various important initiatives and projects in the field of promoting peace and dialogue among followers of different religions in general, and between Islam and Christianity in particular.

In 2019, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, joined hands with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church to co-sign the landmark Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. Widely regarded as the most important charter of interreligious dialogue in the modern era, the document’s signing was held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has affirmed that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair represents a pioneering global event that embodies the message of the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership under the presidency of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in supporting and nurturing thought, literature, and culture to enhance the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Secretary-General stated that focusing the 32nd edition of the fair on the issue of sustainability as well as as climate and food security aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability.” It also comes at a time of global interest in finding effective solutions to climate change and in line with the significant efforts led by the UAE in this field, including hosting the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28).

Judge Abdelsalam explained that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, also serves as a platform to celebrate and honor leading cultural and literary figures as well as the most influential figures in the history of thought and culture. He commended the choice of the 14th-century Arab philosopher Ibn Khaldun as the “principal figure” of this edition and shedding light on his efforts through historical, philosophical, and literary discussions focusing on his works and achievements.

The Secretary-General also emphasized that the Muslim Council of Elders’ participation, for the fifth consecutive time, participation will include over 165 publications in 5 different languages which address various important intellectual issues, in addition to a number of activities and events that discuss dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, youth, peacebuilding, humanity, and environmental protection. This comes in line with the Council’s message, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which is aimed at promoting dialogue and spreading tolerance and peace globally as well as building bridges of cooperation with people of all backgrounds.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar expresses its utmost solidarity with Rohingya Muslims affected by Cyclone Mocha, which has resulted in the death and displacement of hundreds of people and the destruction of dozens of homes in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

The Council urges the international community to take urgent action to provide relief to those affected by the cyclone which has destroyed buildings, flooded streets, and disrupted communications in a significant part of Rakhine State, where thousands of Rohingya Muslims reside in refugee camps in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Cultural diversity among people is the pathway to the integration and prosperity of humanity, as culture and knowledge acquisition cultivate wisdom and understanding, shaping the character of individuals. Additionally, it establishes an objective framework for engaging with others, leading individuals to contribute to the well-being of their nations along with promoting global peace and prosperity.

It is important to recognize that cultural diversity is fundamental in bolstering intellectual resilience and fostering dialogue with others since it serves as a cornerstone for nation-building and the development of civilizations. The Muslim Council of Elders endeavors to spread and encourage diversity through its publishing arm, ‘Dar Al Hokama Publishing’ through multi-lingual publications that aim to rectify misconceptions, combat all forms of extremism, hatred, discrimination, and Islamophobia, while promoting values of dialogue and tolerance.

Embracing diversity and acknowledging the significance of dialogue, the Muslim Council of Elders has spearheaded seven rounds of dialogue between the East and the West in collaboration with Al-Azhar, the Catholic Church, the World Council of Churches, and the Church of England. The most recent event was the Bahrain Dialogue Forum which took place in 2022.

On the occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the Muslim Council of Elders urges all intellectuals, publishers, and decision-makers to intensify their efforts in promoting all cultures and celebrating their diversity, as well as fostering dialogue. By doing so, we can collectively seek effective solutions to the various challenges facing our world today.