خبریں

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.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a dedicated pavilion at the 20th edition of the Alexandria International Book Fair, which officially opened today, Monday. The event is jointly organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Egyptian General Book Organization, the Egyptian Publishers Association, and the Arab Publishers Association, with wide participation from cultural institutions and publishing houses from across the Arab world and beyond.

The fair was inaugurated by Prof. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in the presence of several prominent academic and diplomatic figures, including Dr. Mohamed Abdel Daim El-Gendy, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy. Both visited the pavilion of the Muslim Council of Elders and reviewed the Council’s latest publications in the fields of interfaith dialogue, Islamic thought renewal, promotion of societal peace, and awareness-raising around the values of Islamic moderation.

Prof. Ahmed Zayed praised the Council’s publications, describing them as a valuable addition to contemporary cultural and religious discourse. Dr. El-Gendy likewise commended the important role the Council plays in countering extremism and protecting young people from insular ideologies, applauding its commitment to enlightened thinking and the reinforcement of human fraternity values.

The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders reflects its ongoing efforts to promote a culture of dialogue and tolerance, and to contribute intellectually and morally to major cultural forums. This presence aligns with the Council’s mission to advance shared human values and to empower scholars and thinkers in building more informed and cohesive societies.

It is worth noting that the Alexandria International Book Fair will run until 21 July and features more than 78 Egyptian and Arab publishing houses, alongside over 215 cultural and artistic events, with the participation of nearly 800 intellectuals, writers, and artists.

The Muslim Council of Elders – Central Asia, in cooperation with the International Center for Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue and the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture “Nur-Mubarak,” organized an international roundtable titled “Spiritual Diplomacy and the Preservation of the Sacred Heritage of World and Traditional Religions” on June 25–26 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The event saw distinguished participation from prominent scholars, religious leaders, experts, and intellectuals in order to explore the vital role of ancient manuscripts and religious-cultural heritage in the modern era. Discussions focused on developing effective strategies for restoring rare manuscripts and promoting spiritual diplomacy as a bridge for interfaith understanding. A central theme was a bold initiative to restore a rare 12th-century manuscript of the Holy Qur’an.

Among the notable participants were Dr. Darhan Kydyrali, Chief Coordinator of the Muslim Council of Elders – Central Asia; Bauyrzhan Bakirov, Deputy Chairman of the International Center for Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue; Dr. Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Ibrahim, Rector of Nur-Mubarak University; Dr. Eleonore Cellard, Associate Researcher at INALCO in France; Dr. Ashirbek Muminov, Central Asia Advisor to IRCICA; and Dr. Rustam Jabborov, Scientific Consultant at the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU).

The first day featured presentations under the theme *“Spiritual Diplomacy and the Role of Religions in Building Mutual Trust,”* moderated by Dr. Ykhtiyar Paltore, Director of the Department of Science and Innovation at Nur-Mubarak University. Restoration experts held specialized workshops and seminars, while a scholar from Al-Azhar University led a guided tour of the Islamic manuscript collection, showcasing the rare 12th-century Qur’an.

The second day focused on mechanisms for preserving rare Islamic manuscripts and the latest academic approaches to studying Islamic heritage. The roundtable concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration affirming the steadfast commitment of participating institutions to protect sacred heritage and promote spiritual diplomacy as a foundation for understanding and coexistence among cultures and religions.

This initiative is part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ broader efforts to promote spiritual diplomacy, foster dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures, and contribute to spreading values of peace, understanding, and stability.

The Muslim Council of Elders has been awarded the “Best International Pavilion” prize at the 2025 Islamic Book Fair in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, marking its third consecutive year receiving this honor. The award comes in recognition of the Council’s continued efforts to advance the values of dialogue and human coexistence through its distinguished cultural participation.

The recognition reflects the pavilion’s strong appeal to visitors and participants from all walks of life, thanks to its interactive activities, cultural programs, and intellectual seminars that helped foster a shared human discourse. The pavilion also showcased a wide range of scholarly and cultural publications that embody the Council’s mission to support global peace and dialogue.

This year, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the Jakarta Islamic Book Fair featured more than 250 diverse publications addressing issues of peace, coexistence, identity, and citizenship. The collection focused particularly on themes of human fraternity, Islamic unity, and the role of youth in peacebuilding, along with titles aimed at promoting a moderate and enlightened understanding of Islam, correcting misconceptions, and countering extremist rhetoric, hate speech, intolerance, and Islamophobia.

This award reflects the ongoing international recognition of the crucial role played by the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders held a thought-provoking seminar titled “The Call for the People of Qiblah and Efforts to Strengthen Intra-Islamic Dialogue” as part of its participation in the 2025 Islamic Book Fair in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event drew significant interest and active engagement from both visitors and participants.

The seminar featured distinguished speakers including Prof. Dr. Syafiq Mughni, Vice President of Muhammadiyah; Dr. Muhammad Zain Al-Majid, Member of the Executive Office of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Ms. Alissa Qotrunnada Wahid, Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network Indonesia (GNI). 

Opening the seminar, Prof. Dr. Syafiq Mughni stressed the critical importance of intra-Islamic dialogue in light of the growing challenges facing the Muslim world, both internally and externally. He noted that these challenges are a true test for the Ummah, which the Qur’an describes as “You are the best community ever raised for humanity” [3:110]. Achieving this status, he explained, requires both knowledge and moral values, emphasizing that scientific advancement is incomplete without a strong ethical foundation. 

He remarked, “The key to the revival of the Ummah lies in blending modern science with noble character. Morality is the backbone of any nation—when it collapses, the nation follows.” He also called for greater commitment to moderation and balance in addressing differences, stating that the advancement of knowledge and ethics together is what protects the Ummah from falling into extremism and takfir (excommunication).

Dr. Muhammad Zain Al-Majid, in turn, reflected on the significance of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference held in February 2025. Jointly organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, Al-Azhar, and Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the conference culminated in “The Call for the People of Qiblah”. He described the declaration as a sincere appeal to revive the spirit of Islamic unity, rooted in a religious imperative affirmed by Qur’anic teachings and a civilizational necessity that urges the Ummah to build its future through dialogue and shared values, rather than division.

In her remarks, Ms. Alissa Wahid affirmed that Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity has made its practice of Islam a model of openness and compassion. She noted that Indonesian society is inherently multiethnic and called for the reinforcement of fraternal values as a means to counter hate speech and insularity.

As part of its active participation in the 2025 Islamic Book Fair (IBF) in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the Muslim Council of Elders organized an intellectual seminar titled “Promoting Digital Awareness and the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence” during the fair’s opening day. The seminar witnessed notable attendance, particularly from youth and individuals interested in the intersection of modern technology with human and religious values.

The seminar began with a keynote address by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a renowned exegete of the Quran, former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, and member of the Muslim Council of Elders. In his remarks, Prof. Shihab emphasized that Islam does not separate knowledge from ethics, noting that the first revealed verse—“Read in the name of your Lord”—establishes a foundational link between science and moral responsibility. He warned that without a grounding in spiritual and human values, science and technology, including artificial intelligence, could become tools of misguidance rather than enlightenment. He further cautioned against relying on AI for issuing legal or religious verdicts, as the data it relies on may stem from cultural and religious contexts that do not align with Islamic traditions. Prof. Shihab identified three core ethical principles that must govern the use of modern technology: human dignity, public benefit, and moral accountability.

Dr. Rezzy Eko Caraka, a leading researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, presented on the practical dimensions of artificial intelligence applications. He stressed that modern technologies should remain tools that serve humanity, not replacements for human decision-making or thought. Dr. Caraka highlighted several ethical challenges associated with AI, including violations of privacy, excessive cognitive reliance on technology, and the environmental impact of server operations. He called for fostering a culture of responsible and mindful technology use and advocated for the development of ethical and intellectual frameworks grounded in religious values.

In a remarkable intervention, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Pratikno, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, underlined the need for comprehensive digital sovereignty to confront the challenges of artificial intelligence—starting with the development of localized content. He warned that the absence of local content in AI datasets could distort religious concepts and erode cultural identity. Prof. Dr. Pratikno urged institutions like the Muslim Council of Elders to lead efforts in developing AI models that reflect the particularity of Islamic values and cultural authenticity.

Concluding the seminar, participants agreed that while AI represents an unprecedented technological revolution, its adoption must remain within a robust ethical framework—one that respects religious and cultural specificities, preserves human dignity, and serves the greater good.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has met with Dr. Đuro Macut, Prime Minister of Serbia, to discuss ways to enhance academic and religious cooperation in support of Serbia’s Muslim community.

His Eminence affirmed Al-Azhar’s commitment to addressing the needs of Serbian Muslims by training imams and preachers, equipping them to tackle contemporary intellectual and religious challenges. These efforts focus on promoting human fraternity, fostering positive coexistence, facilitating the integration of Muslims into Western societies, clarifying women’s rights in Islam, countering extremist ideologies with reason and logic, and establishing an Arabic language center in Serbia to serve the Muslim community and teach the language of the Holy Qur’an.

His Eminence also emphasized that peace and mutual understanding should serve as the foundation for coexistence among all people. He further urged for efforts to instill patriotism in youth and to embrace diversity and differences, which he described as a divinely ordained universal principle essential for humanity’s continuity.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Serbia expressed his pleasure at meeting His Eminence, highlighting Serbia’s dedication to strengthening ties with Islamic countries and institutions. He also commended the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders for his efforts in promoting dialogue, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.