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On the opening day of the Lahore International Book Fair 2025, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion saw an impressive influx of visitors right from the start, establishing itself as a key attraction for reading enthusiasts from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds eager to learn about the Council’s pivotal role in fostering dialogue and tolerance among different faiths.

The Council’s participation was enthusiastically welcomed by distinguished leaders from the executive, academic, diplomatic, and media sectors. Prominent individuals, including Dr. Muhammad Saleem Baig, Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA); Mr. Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs; and renowned Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi, all praised the Council’s vigorous efforts to promote peace and coexistence. They lauded the Council’s endeavors and its high-quality publications, underscoring the importance of its mission to cultivate a culture of tolerance within diverse communities.

The pavilion experienced significant interaction with the Council’s scholarly and research-focused publications that explore issues of peace and tolerance. It featured approximately 250 works in eight languages, including 12 Urdu publications dedicated to interfaith dialogue, human fraternity, and the challenges encountered by multicultural societies.

The opening seminar drew a large audience and initiated deep discussions on methods to enhance mutual understanding and the pivotal role that religious and cultural institutions play in advancing the values of peace and dialogue.

The first day wrapped up in a positive atmosphere with substantial attendance, signaling a clear interest in the Council’s role and intellectual offerings.
The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will maintain its presence at the book fair, offering a series of intellectual seminars, panel discussions, and opportunities for direct engagement with visitors at Hall No. 1, Pavilion R1-6 in the Lahore Expo Center, until February 9, 2025.

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled “Document on Human Fraternity – A Basis of Tolerance and Coexistence” at its pavilion during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025. Held in commemoration of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the seminar marked the 6th anniversary of the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi. 

The seminar featured Goswami Sushil Maharaj Ji, National Convenor of the Indian Parliament of Religions alongside the Spiritual Researcher and Peace Activist, Giani Jaskirat Singh and Dr. Henna Praveen, Educator and Prominent Social Activist. 

Giani Jaskirat Singh emphasized that peace is a state of mind that should not be disturbed by external circumstances. He urged individuals to overcome fear, ego, and divisions, stating, “True wisdom lies in inner purity, not external differences. Humanity suffers when we focus on what divides us rather than the common values that unite us.” He further highlighted that misunderstanding, not reality, fuels fear and conflict and stressed the need for dispelling ignorance through knowledge and education.

Dr. Henna Praveen spoke about the necessity of fraternity in building a harmonious society, explaining that “Fraternity means standing together, supporting one another, and ensuring that living in society is a blessing, not a burden.” She emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving differences and noted that ego is a significant barrier to peace, as many conflicts arise from a lack of communication and understanding. She also shared insights on how educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping future generations, fostering inclusivity, and instilling values of coexistence.

Goswami Sushil Maharaj Ji underlined the importance of preserving history and cultural heritage as a means of fostering unity. He stated, “Violence in the name of religion is a universal sin. Every faith condemns it, and we must unite in rejecting it.” He further stressed that India’s diverse heritage has always embraced integration, and that elders must guide younger generations toward ethical living and mutual respect. He called for greater efforts in interfaith dialogue and collaboration, recognizing shared human values as the foundation of a peaceful society.

The event drew a large and engaged audience, including scholars, students, and professionals, all eager to participate in discussions on the principles of unity, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. It also sparked deep engagement from the audience, with attendees actively participating in discussions on human fraternity, tolerance, and coexistence.

This is set to be the Muslim Council of Elders’ third consecutive participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 which underscores its commitment to intellectual and cultural exchange, fostering dialogue, and promoting values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence. Through its diverse publications, translated works, and engaging discussions, the Council continues to bridge cultures and reinforce the importance of shared human values on the global stage. The Council’s pavilion (I-04) at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is located in Hall 4 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Dr. Mohammed Abdel Malik, Vice President of Al-Azhar University, Praises Muslim Council of Elders’ Efforts in Promoting Moderation, Human Fraternity, and Peaceful Coexistence

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair held its eighteenth cultural seminar, titled “Towards Sound Social Ethics.” The event featured Professor Dr. Mohammed Abdel Malik, Vice President of Al-Azhar University and a professor of Tafsir and Quranic Sciences, with Dr. Mohammed Jamal, a researcher at the Office for the Revival of Islamic Heritage at Al-Azhar Headquarters, serving as the moderator.

Dr. Abdel Malik opened the seminar by stressing that ethics are fundamental in Islam, underscoring the critical need to intertwine good conduct with devout worship in today’s society. He emphasized that a complete religion involves both adherence to God’s commands and the fulfillment of obligations towards fellow humans. Additionally, he highlighted that cultivating good character and managing behavior are central goals of Islamic worship.

Dr. Abdel Malik, Vice President of Al-Azhar University, emphasized that teaching children ethical behavior requires a collaborative effort, not limited to families alone but involving educational institutions and the media as well. He highlighted three effective upbringing strategies: observational learning, leading by example, and moral guidance, while cautioning against giving children unrestricted access to the digital world without supervision.

Dr. Abdel Malik also commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its role in promoting moderation, tolerance, Human fraternity, and coexistence through its seminars and publications at book fairs worldwide. He stressed how these efforts help forge a global community where people coexist as brothers in harmony rather than as adversaries. He specifically appreciated the Document on Human Fraternity, celebrated each year on February 4th.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair offers visitors a selection of the latest publications from Al-Hokama Publishing for the year 2025. Among the highlights is the book ‘On Public Culture’ by Dr. Ali Al-Anani, a professor of philosophy at the Faculties of Dar Al-Uloom and Usuluddin (Islamic Studies), who passed away in 1940.

In this book, Dr. Al-Anani considers the scope of public culture as defined by the esteemed leadership of the Faculty of Usuluddin. The book includes an introduction that discusses general intellectual life and the subject of culture, followed by a main text that delves into three issues: religious thinking, philosophical inquiry, and literature.

The author underscores that the concept of culture encompasses the entirety of human intellectual output from its earliest instances to modern times. This output is categorized into four major domains: religious thought, philosophical inquiry, literary efforts, and the sciences. He notes that religion represents the oldest form of human thinking, which subsequently gave rise to both philosophy and literature. From these two areas, the field of science developed. The domains of philosophy, literature, and science are all encompassed within the broad and overarching realm of religion, which is the earliest to emerge and remains the most inclusive to this day.

The author further advises that research into human intellectual production should start with religion, progress to philosophy, move on to literature, and end with science and its various branches. He points out that philosophical thought originally stemmed from religion during the ages of Tadween (compilation of knowledge), thus placing literature before philosophy in terms of historical emergence. Therefore, it is necessary to rank literature second after religion, followed by philosophy, and lastly science, in their historical order of development.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The stand of the Muslim Council of Elders at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its 17th cultural seminar, titled “The Ethics of Dialogue in the Quran.” The event featured Prof. Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi, Head of the Development Centre for International Students, and Prof. Dr. Abdel Fattah Khidr, Former Dean of the Faculty of Quranic Sciences at Al-Azhar University. The seminar was moderated by journalist Mr. Mohamed Gomaa, a presenter on the Quran Radio Network.

Opening the discussion, Dr. Nahla Al-Saeedi highlighted that the essence of dialogue is to foster peace, spread goodwill, and encourage mutual understanding and persuasion. She emphasized that the Quran teaches the most effective approach to dialogue—engaging with wisdom and in the best manner possible—which serves as the ideal path for shaping human behavior and nurturing intellectual convictions. She further noted that for dialogue to be meaningful, it must be built on strong foundations, adding that the real challenge is not in the values themselves but in our inability to put them into practice.

She added that the Quran serves as a timeless constitution for humanity, offering guidance for all eras and circumstances. It teaches essential forms of dialogue that uphold harmony in life—between leaders and their people, children and their parents, and even with those who hold opposing views. She highlighted the dialogues of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) with his father and his son, which exemplify respect and humility.

Dr. Abdel Fattah Khidr emphasized that dialogue is the cornerstone of human interaction; without it, everything else is lost. It has been the foundation of understanding among people since the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). He noted that the Quran’s diverse examples of dialogue form the backbone of family and societal cohesion. Encouraging open communication within families, he warned that households begin to break down when silence replaces conversation. He also pointed out that a major reason for failed dialogue is the inability to truly listen, stressing that when communication within a family stops, its stability is at risk.

The former Dean of the Faculty of Quranic Studies urged those engaging in dialogue to adopt a gradual approach when addressing those with differing views, using appropriate evidence tailored to the audience and the nature of the discussion. He emphasized that the right kind of proof—particularly rational arguments—helps the mind accept dialogue and ensures that the conversation achieves its intended purpose.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair hosted its 16th cultural seminar, titled “The Shores of Arabic Poetry.” The event featured Prof. Dr. Saber Abdel Dayem, former Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language in Zagazig and Chairman of the Universal League of Islamic Literature in Cairo. The seminar was moderated by Yasmin Obeid, a participant in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum. 

The seminar explored the richness of the Arabic language, its deep connection to the Quran, and Al-Azhar’s role in promoting Arabic and advancing the Arabization of sciences. It also emphasized that Islamic literature complements, rather than contradicts, Arabic literature, and highlighted the resilience of Arabic in the digital age, despite the increasing influence of foreign languages.

Opening the discussion, Prof. Dr. Saber Abdel Dayem described Arabic as a language of knowledge and life, firmly rooted among both Arabs and non-Arabs alike. While not exclusive to Arab speakers, he noted that Arabic needs greater global recognition and a stronger digital presence. He further stressed that Arabizing scientific disciplines requires significant translation efforts to keep pace with rapid advancements in various fields.

Prof. Dr. Abdel Dayem highlighted that the Arabic language remains vibrant in daily life, reflected in books, newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts, and school textbooks. He praised the role of book fairs across the Arab and Islamic world, noting how they foster competition in Arabic-language publishing and disseminate knowledge across various fields, including literature, religion, and social sciences.

As part of the seminar, the former Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language recited several of his poems at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand. Among the highlights were Al-Jabal (“The Mountain”), which explores themes related to Mecca, and Al-Mosafir fi Sonbolat Al-Zamn (“The Traveler in the Stalks of Time”), a piece from the travel literature genre.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand features a wide array of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of kindness, love, peace, and communal coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair is located next to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand, in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, stands as a pioneering model in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity while rejecting hate speech, extremism, fanaticism, and discrimination.  

In a statement marking the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Secretary-General emphasized that the ‘Document on Human Fraternity’, which is being celebrated today on the sixth anniversary of its signing in the UAE—in Abu Dhabi, the capital of tolerance—represents the most significant milestone in the history of interfaith dialogue in the modern era. He called for intensified efforts to spread the values of goodwill, love, and coexistence.

He added that as the world commemorates the International Day of Human Fraternity, there is a renewed determination to continue advancing the noble human values enshrined in this historic document. He also highlighted the profound efforts of two of the world’s most prominent religious leaders—His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-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—who presented humanity with this remarkable document at a time when the world urgently needs the voice of religion to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Secretary-General also extended his deepest appreciation and respect to all those who believed in the vision of the Document on Human Fraternity as well as those who supported and introduced it to the world as a beacon illuminating humanity’s path toward a better future—one where all people can live in security and peace under the umbrella of human fraternity.

Muslim Council of Elders: International Day of Human Fraternity is a Genuine Opportunity to Promote Tolerance and Coexistence Amid Global Challenges

Muslim Council of Elders: The Document on Human Fraternity Has Sparked a Global Movement, Advancing Dialogue, Tolerance, and Peaceful Coexistence

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, emphasized that the International Day of Human Fraternity is a celebration of shared human values, reaffirming that all people belong to one global family united by common principles. The Council underscored the importance of strengthening collective efforts to promote dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, peace, and human fraternity among people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

In a statement marking the occasion, the Council noted that February 4 commemorates the sixth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity—the most significant document in modern history. This historic document was signed in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The document represents one of the most significant acts of human solidarity in contemporary times.

The statement further highlighted that, over the past years, the Document on Human Fraternity has sparked an unprecedented global movement aimed at spreading and reinforcing the values of love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Recognizing the significance of this historic event, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted February 4—the anniversary of the document’s signing—as the International Day of Human Fraternity on December 22, 2020. The statement emphasized that this global recognition reflects the profound humanitarian principles outlined in the document. Many countries, universities, and academic institutions worldwide have incorporated its teachings into their educational programs, while some nations have even adopted it as a national charter.

Marking the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Muslim Council of Elders underscored the importance of upholding the values of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. It emphasized that all people—regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion—are descendants of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and share a common destiny. This shared fate calls for collective efforts to foster goodness, compassion, coexistence, and peace.

The Council continues to play a pivotal role in promoting and strengthening the noble humanitarian principles enshrined in the Document on Human Fraternity, striving to translate them into a tangible reality. Through innovative initiatives and programs, it aims to instill these values in younger generations, nurturing a conscientious and responsible youth equipped to champion the message of peace, coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Emerging Peacemakers Forum (EPF), one of the leading initiatives of the Muslim Council of Elders, organized a training workshop titled “Use Your Voice for Effective Communication”. The workshop was presented by Yasmin Obaid, a participant in the EPF, and took place at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair.

The workshop focused on introducing the skills of effective communication, highlighting its importance in engaging and influencing others, and successfully delivering content. It also shed light on the stages of communication: the source, the message, the channel, the receiver, and the feedback.

The workshop also delved into different communication styles, including formal and informal, verbal and non-verbal, as well as direct and indirect methods, emphasizing the influence of indirect communication on impacting others. The session covered effective speaking techniques, such as varying speech speed, adjusting volume and tone, emphasizing key words, and adding emotion to animate the text.

Yasmin Obaid, the trainer, conducted practical exercises with attendees, demonstrating how varying the delivery of a single sentence can alter its impact and objective. This part of the session witnessed significant engagement from a diverse audience at the Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the fair.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 56th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, held from January 23 to February 5, 2025, with a dedicated stand showcasing a wide range of the Council’s featured publications. Additionally, the stand is hosting a series of seminars, activities, and events aimed at promoting the values of goodness, love, peace, and mutual coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located next to Al-Azhar’s stand, in Heritage Hall No. (4) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the Cairo International Book Fair showcases several of its latest 2025 publications. Among these is “Naseeb al-Mu’tazilah fi Tatwir ‘Ilm al-Kalam” (“The Contribution of the Mu’tazilites to the Development of Islamic Theology”), authored by Mohammed al-Sayed Naeem, a scholar from Al-Azhar.

The publication delves into the role of the Mu’tazilites in advancing Islamic theology, particularly focusing on their intellectual contributions. Dr. Mohammed Naeem elucidates their varied contributions to the discourse of Islamic theology, their interactions with philosophical thought, and how they utilized debates with various Islamic sects to enrich their theological positions.

The book is organized into an introduction, two main parts, and a conclusion. The introduction provides a summary and references the sources consulted during the research. It also presents a prelude on the Islamic creed prior to its engagement with other cultures, exploring the differences in opinion among the esteemed companions of the Prophet, may God be pleased with them, the causes of these divisions, and debates over specific doctrinal matters, such as the implications of committing major sins.

The first part, titled “The Interaction of Muslims with Other Nations and Its Effects,” examines how non-Islamic beliefs seeped into Muslim doctrine due to their interactions with other cultures. It details how the Islamic creed became encircled by threats, necessitating staunch defenders to protect it and counter the arguments of adversaries who were armed with logic and philosophy and engaged in intense debate and discourse. The Mu’tazilites emerged as these defenders, adeptly engaging their doctrinal opponents using comparable intellectual arms. This analysis is expanded over four chapters.

The second part, titled “The Principles and Approach of the Mu’tazilites,” delves into the contributions of the Mu’tazilites to theological research and their methodological approach. It discusses their examinations of God’s essence, attributes, relationship with creation, and the moral actions of His subjects, including the predetermined rewards or punishments. This part highlights the five core principles that were central to the Mu’tazilite school, which shaped their discourse and formed the basis of both agreement and debate with other scholars.

The conclusion, as drawn by the author, emphasizes that Islamic theology underwent significant development through the Mu’tazilites in two main aspects. From an objective standpoint, the Mu’tazilites addressed numerous theological issues arising from their core and derived theological principles about God’s nature, His attributes, His interactions with creation, and human actions, along with their divine repercussions. From a methodological perspective, they prioritized rational thinking, constructed arguments based on logic, incorporated philosophical insights, and supported their views with scriptural evidence, sometimes interpreting these texts in ways that aligned with rational conclusions even when they diverged from traditional interpretations.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating with a special stand at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, running from January 23 to February 5, 2025. The stand hosts a large number of the Council’s distinguished publications, in addition to organizing a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting values of kindness, love, peace, and coexistence among all people.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand is located at the Cairo International Book Fair next to the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s stand , in Heritage Hall (Hall No. 4), at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement.