خبریں

Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns the burning of Holy Quran by extremists in Denmark

Under the Chairmanship of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Muslim Council of Elders expresses its utmost condemnation of the heinous and despicable burning of the Holy Quran by an extremist group in Denmark.

The Council reiterates unequivocally rejects such heinous acts that aim to provoke Muslims around the world while also emphasizing that the recurrence of such racist actions reflects a vile extremism, blind fanaticism, and abhorrent hatred, that contradict basic human principles, and norms. Furthermore, these abhorrent acts only serve to undermine global efforts to promote peace and coexistence.

The Council calls for the implementation of definitive measures and legislations to stop such vile practices to criminalize attacks against religions and religious sanctities. These repeated despicable actions, the Council stresses, cannot be justified under the guise of freedom of speech or expression.

In an open dialogue with participants of the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Our goal is to empower youth to contribute to building a better future for themselves and humanity

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has affirmed that the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, one of the initiatives of the Muslim Council of Elders, aims to empower youth for a better future for themselves, their communities, and humanity. He urged them to have confidence in themselves and their ability to shape the future.

During a dialogue session with participants of the forum, the Secretary-General stated that the Muslim Council of Elders has a great interest in youth through a range of initiatives and efforts aimed at harnessing their potential to become positive influencers in their communities. He called upon youth to build upon what they have learned in this edition of the forum and to be a source of inspiration for others, following the example of graduates from the first edition who have become leading and influential role models among their peers and in their communities.

Judge Abdelsalam also emphasized the importance of education in building generations capable of promoting peace and adhering to values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and confronting the rhetoric of hate, bigotry, and discrimination. He highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders seeks, in collaboration with global academic institutions, to incorporate values of dialogue, respect, acceptance, and human fraternity into educational programs. He also reiterated the Council’s relentless efforts to highlight the importance of educating girls and empowering women.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed his gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their support of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, reflecting the nation’s wise leadership’s belief in the significance of the youth’s role in peacebuilding, stability, and the promotion and enhancement of values of tolerance.

For their part, participants expressed their appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for their focus on youth issues and for trusting them, providing opportunities, believing in their capabilities, and supporting their purposeful ideas and initiatives.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa praises the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum and affirms: The Muslim Council of Elders leads constructive efforts to enhance the role of youth in shaping a better future for humanity

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain has praised the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, which is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 to 14 July.

In a statement, His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa highlighted the global participation of 50 young men and women from 24 countries, emphasizing the significance of the forum’s mission to equip a generation of youth capable of actively contributing to peacebuilding and promoting values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

The Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain expressed his gratitude to the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirming that the council’s focus on youth stems from a strong conviction in the crucial role that young people can play in advancing nations and societies.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in harnessing the potential of youth to shape a global movement capable of confronting contemporary challenges and building a better future for humanity.

During a lecture in the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum

Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi to Participants: You are the ones shaping the future

His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the World Muslim Communities Council, emphasized that young people are the ones who shape the future. He urged the young participants of the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum to arm themselves with knowledge and work towards promoting the values of peace, coexistence, dialogue, and accepting and respecting others.

In his lecture on the sixth day of the forum organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in partnership with the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation, Dr. Al Nuaimi stated that the United Arab Emirates represents a pioneering model of diversity, coexistence, tolerance, and acceptance of others with the country being home to over 200 nationalities from diverse religions, cultures, and backgrounds, living together in integration and societal harmony.

Dr. Al Nuaimi also commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar expressing his gratitude to His Eminence for his belief in young people and his commitment to encouraging and providing them with opportunities to achieve creativity and shaping their own future, as well as leading communities towards a better future.

The Chairman of the World Muslim Communities Council also delivered a message to the young participants of the forum, urging them to work diligently to spread the values of peace, coexistence, and tolerance, and to believe in themselves and their ability to shape the future.

The second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, which is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in partnership with the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation, commenced in Geneva, Switzerland. The forum takes place from 6 to 14 July and includes the participation of 50 young men and women from various parts of the world.

In Collaboration between the Muslim Council of Elders, World Council of Churches, and Rose Castle Foundation

Second Edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum Commences Tomorrow

The Emerging Peacemakers Forum is set to begin its second edition tomorrow in Geneva, Switzerland with participation of 50 young men and women from around the world. The forum is organized in partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders, the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation and will take place from July 6th to 14th.

The forum aims to provide a platform for dialogue for young people aged 18 to 30 who are working on developing innovative and sustainable solutions for achieving peace in their respective communities. It seeks to empower young men and women to launch national and regional initiatives and projects related to peacebuilding, as well as promote the values and principles of tolerance and human fraternity.

The forum is also designed to enhance and refine the skills of participants in the fields of peacebuilding whilst aligning with their basic knowledge and experiences. It is hoped that this will be accomplished through the guidance of specialized international experts and practitioners, with a focus on issues such as religion, youth, diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohammed Abdelsalam emphasized that the Emerging Peacemakers Forum aims to shape a global youth movement capable of actively contributing to positive change and finding innovative solutions to contemporary global challenges. Participants are encouraged to serve as shining examples in order to inspire other young people worldwide while also directing their efforts towards peacebuilding, nation-building, and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and solidarity through a range of inspiring initiatives.

In turn, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed his delight at his organization being one of the three chief partners organizing the forum. He stated, “We firmly believe young people have the potential to be powerful agents of peace and social transformation. With their energy, creativity, and passion, they can inspire positive change in their communities and beyond. Their unique perspectives and innovative ideas can help to tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time, paving the way for a brighter future.”

The Emerging Peacemakers Forum is considered one of the most significant initiatives by the Muslim Council of Elders, which is an international NGO based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the council places a great emphasis and interest in youth and believes in their important role in promoting and spreading the values of peace and coexistence.

The first edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum was held in the United Kingdom in 2017 and contributed to creating a generation of young people from the East and the West who uphold the values of dialogue, citizenship and acceptance in the face of all forms of extremism, racism, hatred, and discrimination.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends heartfelt congratulations to the Arab and Islamic worlds, including kings, princes, leaders, and people, on the occasion of the blessed Eid ul-Adha. May Allah bless the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as the entire world, with goodness, blessings, love, security, peace, prosperity, and stability.

During this blessed period, which manifests the feelings of unity and solidarity among people through the rituals of Hajj, the Muslim Council of Elders also calls upon Muslims around the world to renounce division and discord while distancing themselves from differences and disputes, and establishing the values of love, fraternity and coming together for the greater good. This period is also an opportunity to come closer to the Almighty Allah, by fulfilling the needs of people, exerting efforts to bring joy and happiness to those in need, extending a helping hand to them, and meeting their needs.

The Muslim Council of Elders also expresses its sincere wishes for peace, goodness, and love to prevail over the Arab and Islamic worlds as well as for all humanity. May this blessed occasion relieve our worlds of all crises and disturbances and may the world as a whole be spared from the evils of wars and conflicts in order for humanity to enjoy greater security and stability.

On World Refugee Day – Muslim Council of Elders calls for an end to wars and conflicts and to instill hope in the hearts of refugees

Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders calls upon the international community to work towards alleviating the immense suffering faced by refugees, internally displaced persons, and homeless individuals as a result of wars and conflicts in the face of extremely difficult humanitarian conditions.

On World Refugee Day, celebrated by the United Nations under the theme ‘Hope Away from Home’ for 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasizes the necessity of instilling hope in the hearts of refugees while striving to end their suffering and ensuring their safety to resume their normal lives. This includes providing refugees and their families with adequate housing, food, and water.

Likewise, the Muslim Council of Elders is exerting efforts to raise awareness about the plight of refugee whilst advocating for their assistance. The 2019 Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of alleviating the plight of refugees, the marginalized, poor and needy as well as those who have lost their homes without any form of exclusion or discrimination, based on our shared humanity.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with Dr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, with the two sides discussing potential cooperation in promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Kazakhstan’s efforts in promoting dialogue and coexistence and commended the Central Asian state’s significant interest in enhancing the efforts of religious leaders in spreading the values of tolerance, peace, and human fraternity. He noted that the World and Traditional Religious Leaders Conference, organized by Kazakhstan every three years, has become a global platform for dialogue among leaders and followers of various religions and cultures. He also congratulated Kazakhstan on the upcoming celebration of the 20th anniversary of this international summit of religious leaders, which will be held in October.

The Secretary-General noted that the intention of the Muslim Council of Elders is to open a Central Asian branch of the Council in Kazakhstan, with the aim of serving as an effective communication bridge between the Council and the Central Asia nations as well as promoting dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

For his part, the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for its pioneering role in promoting peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities and spreading a culture of dialogue and shared coexistence. He emphasized the importance of opening an office for the Muslim Council of Elders in Kazakhstan, as it aligns with the Council’s mission of disseminating values such as tolerance, peace, and harmony, which are in turn in line with the goals of the World and Traditional Religious Leaders Conference.

The Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan also briefed the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders on the outcomes of meetings with religious leaders in Egypt and other future plans for his nation’s Senate. He expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for his efforts in promoting a culture of coexistence and peace, as well as his active participation in the Astana International Forum. He also praised the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, which serves as a platform for dialogue as well as being a practical application of the noble principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: Participation in the Rabat International Book Fair is in line with the Council’s Message to Promote Peace and Spread Values of Dialogue and Coexistence

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation in the International Publishing and Book Fair in the Moroccan capital, Rabat with remarkable success and exceptional interaction and attendance from the fair’s visitors, who were keen to explore the latest releases of the Council and participate in the cultural program events, which aimed to promote the values of dialogue and coexistence.

Over the course of eleven days, from June 1st to 11th, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion attracted various segments of Moroccan society, which included prominent academics, professors, and researchers, especially those interested in religious studies, heritage preservation, and issues of civil peace and coexistence.

The activities organized by the Council’s pavilion, included seminars, meetings, and discussions, stood out for their ability to inspire fruitful dialogue and deepen mutual understanding of cotemporary important issues. These activities also drew the attention of intellectual institutions, institutes, and universities, which throughout the fair, made sure to participate with their their students and researchers who took part in the daily discussions organized by the Council.

Visitors to the Council’s stand also expressed their great admiration for the publications presented by the Muslim Council of Elders which featured a diverse collection of books and writings that focused on promoting values of tolerance, peace, and mutual coexistence which resonates with the aspirations of the public.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated that the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat represents one of the most important intellectual and cultural platforms in which the Council is keen to participate. This participation is achieved through a distinguished collection of publications issued by ‘Dar Al-Hokama Publishing’, in addition to several events and seminars aimed at spreading and enhancing peace, coexistence, and fraternity.

The Secretary-General further explained that the participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in book fairs around the world stems from the message of the Council under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which aims to promote peace in Muslim and non-Muslim communities and spread the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders organized a seminar titled ‘Principles of Understanding and Comprehension from Thought and Language’ in the Al-Oudaya Hall at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat. The seminar was presented by Dr. Nazir Ayad, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy at Al-Azhar.

Dr. Samir Boudinar, the Executive Director of the Al-Hokama Center for Peace and Research, opened the seminar by referring to the book “Understanding and Comprehension from Thought and Language” 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.

For his part, Dr. Nazir Ayad addressed important issues related to the reality of Muslims and the proper understanding of Islam, as well as attempts to achieve communication and understanding in the Muslim world. He explained that there are many challenges of the modern era that affect the proper understanding of Islam, such as rapid changes in society, multiple ideologies, and conflicting theories. He emphasized that in light of these challenges, the search for understanding and comprehension becomes an inevitable necessity and a religious duty.

Dr. Ayad highlighted the importance of language in achieving proper understanding, pointing that the misuse of language can hinder communication and lead to misunderstandings. He called for the preservation of the Arabic language, which is the language of the Quran, and its development to align with modern advancements. He emphasized the issue of ijtihad (independent reasoning) in Islam, stating that it is the essence of religion, and proper interpretation of Sharia requires familiarity with the Arabic language and its arts. He called for the necessity of flexibility that interacts with the nature of Sharia and the changes of the era.

The Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy emphasized that Almighty Allah has bestowed in religion what enables Muslims to achieve righteousness in this world and the hereafter. He pointed out that selective readings have led to a misunderstanding of religious texts and that language goes beyond the role of expression to become a complex structure of analyses, words, and expressions, necessitating familiarity with all these aspects to overcome their misuse, while avoiding the dominance of emotion and readings based on personal inclinations, which do not align with the nature of understanding.

In conclusion, Dr. Nazir Ayad praised the scientific and research efforts of His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, stating that proper understanding can only be achieved by adhering to the principles, with the necessity of distinguishing between the absolute and the limited in this regard. He explained that diversity is a universal reality that allows for exploration, development, and adaptation of life.

The seminar witnessed a significant attendance by visitors of the International Publishing and Book Fair who were eager to listen to the seminar and participate through various questions and diverse interventions. The event concluded with a book signing ceremony.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat 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.