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As part of its participation in the inaugural America International Arabic Book Fair (AIABF) in Dearborn, Michigan, the Muslim Council of Elders hosted a seminar titled “Countering Islamophobia: Building Bridges Through Dialogue and Understanding.” The panel featured Prof. Muqtedar Khan, Professor of Political Science at the University of Delaware and author of ‘Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy on Ihsan;’ Prof. Mohammad Hassan Khalil, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies Program at Michigan State University; and Prof. Morgan Shipley, Foglio Endowed Chair of Spirituality and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at Michigan State University.

Prof. Muqtedar Khan opened the discussion with a thoughtful analysis of how dialogue and cultural exchange can help address Islamophobia. He cited research showing that people with personal relationships with Muslims are far less likely to hold Islamophobic views, thanks to positive, real-life interactions. “As Muslims, we also have to recognize our own stereotypes and work to improve them. If we want equality, respect, and dignity, we should extend it to others the best way we can,” he urged. 

Prof. Mohammad Hassan Khalil, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies Program at Michigan State University, offered a comprehensive overview of Islamophobia and its societal impact, highlighting the importance of initiatives led by the Muslim Council of Elders in addressing it. “Much of Islamophobia stems from misinformation,” he said. “This is why workshops that explain core concepts and deconstruct misconceptions are so essential.”

Prof. Morgan Shipley, Foglio Endowed Chair of Spirituality and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at Michigan State University, focused on the influential role of media and cinema in shaping perceptions of Muslims. “Islamophobia may be irrational, but it is deeply embedded in dominant Western narratives,” he noted. “Muslims and Arabs are too often portrayed as antagonists, with only a handful—roughly 12 out of 900 mainstream films—offering accurate or non-negative representations.” He emphasized the urgent need to amplify positive portrayals and foster dialogue across religious and cultural lines to promote mutual understanding.

The Muslim Council of Elders has participated in the America International Arabic Book Fair (AIABF), held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of His Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House: Islam is a religion of reason and dialogue that acknowledges diversity

Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Legal Counsellor at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Professor of Law at Cairo University: The UAE has been a pioneer in legislating against hate speech, intolerance, and discrimination

Professor Zikrur Rahman, Founder and Director of the Indian Arab Cultural Centre: Religious diversity in India fosters dialogue and peaceful coexistence

Dr. Mohand Mechenene, Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities: Dialogue is rooted in human dignity and must be strengthened in the face of hate speech and discrimination

As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled “Dialogue and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Firm Foundations and Lasting Values.” The seminar featured Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Legal Counsellor at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Professor of Law at Cairo University; Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of His Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House; Professor Zikrur Rahman, Founder and Director of the Indian Arab Cultural Centre; and Dr. Mohand Mechenene, Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.

Opening the seminar, Dr. Mahmoud Najah affirmed that Islam, as the religion divinely chosen for His servants, speaks to reason and acknowledges diversity—both of which are core principles of the Islamic faith. He pointed out that terms such as understanding, contemplation, and reasoning appear over 120 times in the Quran, underscoring Islam’s nature as a faith grounded in dialogue and persuasion. He referenced historical examples such as the Constitution of Medina and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah to illustrate how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practiced dialogue throughout his mission. Dr. Najah expressed concern over certain platforms that unintentionally misrepresent Islam by promoting distorted messages that contradict its essence.

For his part, Professor Zikrur Rahman highlighted India’s remarkable religious and linguistic diversity as a divine sign encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding. He noted that India is home to a wide array of religions—including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam—whose followers live together in harmony. He added that India has witnessed growing momentum in promoting peaceful coexistence based on security, well-being, and justice. Professor Zikrur Rahman also commended the Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the New Delhi International Book Fair, where the Council’s publications attracted significant attention from India’s diverse communities, who are eager to engage with works that reflect Islam’s message of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher praised the UAE’s issuance of a pioneering law to combat discrimination and hate speech, stating: “The UAE is the only Arab country that has criminalized takfir (excommunication), making it a punishable offense to label others as disbelievers.” He revealed that a new legislative proposal is currently being developed, aiming to uphold the principles of human fraternity—namely, equality among all people, respect for religious pluralism, righteousness and justice, the principle that one’s faith is a personal responsibility, respect for other religions, and the rejection of mockery or insult.

In his remarks, Dr. Mohand Mechenene expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting dialogue, coexistence, and peace. He emphasized that dialogue must be grounded in the principle of human dignity, which is a shared value across all religions and philosophies. He also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance—especially in light of the growing prevalence of hate speech, extremism, and Islamophobia in today’s world.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity. The Council’s pavilion is located in Hall 10, booth 10C35.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency: Words carry responsibility, and the media is a key partner in promoting a culture of tolerance

Abdel Latif El Menawy, Journalist and Writer: We need to amplify positive discourse to counter hatred and support initiatives like the Document on Human Fraternity across all communities

As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled “Media and the Promotion of a Culture of Understanding and Dialogue.” The seminar featured Mr. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), and Mr. Abdel Latif El Menawy, journalist and writer. The speakers emphasized the importance of upholding media ethics and cultivating responsible discourse rooted in the values of tolerance and coexistence—particularly in light of the growing challenges posed by the dissemination of hate speech across both traditional and digital media platforms.

Opening the seminar, Mr. Mohamed Al Hammadi stated, “Today, we are fully aware of the importance of media and its unprecedented influence in shaping public opinion, especially in this era of rapid technological advancement.” He added, “Words are not merely means of expression—they are a responsibility. A single word can incite conflict or build awareness and peace. Therefore, those who choose to work in the media must recognize that they bear a growing human and national responsibility.”

Al Hammadi noted that the greatest challenge in countering hate speech does not lie solely within traditional media institutions such as television and newspapers, but rather in the vast online space, which remains open to millions of users without clear professional or ethical guidelines. He stressed that the media professional’s duty is to stand against waves of misinformation and negativity by promoting truth and reinforcing a sense of responsibility.

He further affirmed that “UAE media presents a unique model, characterized by its commitment to spreading a positive discourse that reflects the spirit of tolerance upheld by the wise leadership, and that fosters dialogue and unity without discrimination between members of society, regardless of their nationality or religion.” He added that media is a vital tool for building bridges of communication among people and cultivating a culture of moderation, and that the public’s engagement with media content is the true measure of a writer or journalist’s success in delivering their message.

For his part, journalist Abdel Latif El Menawy explained that with the evolution of communication tools, every individual today has become a content creator and influencer. The power of words has multiplied, and the public sphere is now accessible to all. “In this context,” he said, “we must work to ensure that words become a common ground for understanding—not a tool for incitement and division.”

El Menawy commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its efforts in advancing a culture of understanding and dialogue, citing the Document on Human Fraternity signed by the late Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He remarked, “This historic document could not have been created without the profound human and spiritual qualities of both signatories. It is one of the most important documents of modern times and deserves effective mechanisms to ensure its global implementation and sustainability.”

He concluded by stating that media is not a magical instrument but rather a reflection of societal awareness. It has a direct influence on shaping beliefs, and we urgently need to spread positive narratives, institutionalize models of dialogue, and support initiatives like the Document on Human Fraternity across all environments—even those that appear resistant or closed to the other.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity. The Council’s pavilion is located in Hall 10, Booth 10C35.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Meets with Chairperson of the Uzbek Senate to Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Collaboration

In the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with Her Excellency Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, to discuss avenues for strengthening mutual cooperation.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam expressed his appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan and its President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for their commitment to Islamic heritage and the establishment of the Center for Islamic Civilization, which he described as a future beacon of Islamic knowledge in Central Asia. He noted that Uzbekistan, with its rich historical legacy, has significantly contributed to Islamic civilization, producing many distinguished Muslim scholars and thinkers who have advanced science, the arts, and Islamic thought over the centuries. He also affirmed the Council’s support for efforts to empower Muslim women and congratulated the Chairwoman on the successful hosting of the Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, expressing pride in the accomplishments of a Muslim woman leading Uzbekistan’s legislative body.

For her part, the Chairperson of the Uzbek Parliament expressed her appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to promote and uphold the values of moderation, dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. She noted that she had postponed her travel to ensure this meeting could take place. She further affirmed her country’s pride in the global stature of the Muslim Council of Elders and in the inclusion of His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Board of Muslims of Uzbekistan, as a member of the Council. She added that the coming period will witness greater cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Muslim Council of Elders in areas such as empowering Muslim women and strengthening the role of youth in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

Dr. Khalifa Al-Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities: The Muslim Council of Elders is leading pioneering efforts in promoting dialogue—both among religions and within Islamic schools of thought.

Dr. Tarek Shawki, Former Minister of Education of Egypt: We must strengthen Arab and Islamic initiatives to preserve identity and language for current and future generations.

As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled “The Role of Educational Institutions in Raising Awareness of the Importance of Intra-Islamic Dialogue,” featuring Dr. Khalifa Al-Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, and Dr. Tarek Shawki, former Minister of Education and Technical Education of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Al-Dhaheri emphasized that the humanities represent the intellectual foundation upon which nations and civilizations are built, as they encompass values, ethics, and profound meanings. He noted that contemporary humanities encompass fields such as sociology, psychology, and philosophy, and are essential to civilizational development, underscoring the need for their active presence in today’s cultural and intellectual discourse.

Dr. Al-Dhaheri underscored that intra-Islamic dialogue constitutes a vital pillar for fostering understanding among various Islamic schools of thought. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond historical conflicts that have claimed innocent lives in favor of a unifying discourse rooted in shared values. “Values such as mercy and justice are common to all religions and schools of thought,” he said, “and these values must be instilled in younger generations. The voice of peace must rise above all others, and we must continue the journey of values and dialogue without being swayed by voices of discord.”

The Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the endeavors of its Secretary-General, H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, in promoting a culture of dialogue and human coexistence. He stated that the Council has emerged as a global leader in dialogue, both between religions and within Islamic schools of thought. “The Council played a pivotal role supporting the Document on Human Fraternity—one of the most important documents in the history of inter-religious dialogue—signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, marking a major milestone in strengthening Christian–Muslim relations,” he said.

Dr. Al-Dhaheri further noted that His Eminence the Grand Imam is committed to advancing intra-Islamic dialogue through pioneering initiatives, foremost among them the “Call for the People of Qiblah” declaration, which aims to foster dialogue and unity among Islamic schools of thought.

For his part, Dr. Tarek Shawki emphasized that developing educational curricula must begin with the early inculcation of values in childhood. He pointed to the rapid changes of the modern era and the widening generational gap as one of the most significant challenges of our time. “We cannot apply the curricula of the past to Generation Alpha,” he explained, “and it is essential that teachers and parents embrace new educational approaches before expecting students to do so.”

Dr. Shawki called for a comprehensive review of the materials presented to children and for expanding initiatives that reinforce identity and language. “Investing in human capital is the most important form of investment,” he stated, “and we need a conscious and responsible media to support these efforts.”

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity. The Council’s pavilion is located in Hall 10, booth 10C35.

Abdulrrahim Youssef Mendi, Professor at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities: Intellectual security is a fundamental pillar in protecting societies from ideological deviation and extremist currents.

Adama Dieng, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders: Intellectual security is the foundation of peaceful societies.

As part of its cultural and intellectual program during the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled “Intellectual Security: Confronting Hate Speech and Islamophobia.” The session featured Professor Abdulrrahim Youssef Mendi from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities and Mr. Adama Dieng, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders.

At the outset of the seminar, Professor Abdulrrahim Mendi underscored the importance of intellectual security as a cornerstone for safeguarding societies against ideological deviation and extremist currents. He explained that intellectual security is not merely about combating extremism and hate, but rather about fostering a resilient mindset capable of resisting manipulation and the lure of deviant ideologies. He warned that hate speech and Islamophobia pose a direct threat to social peace, noting that ignorance, fanaticism, and misunderstanding are among the key drivers of such phenomena.

Professor Mendi stressed that hatred should not be met with hatred, but with dialogue, education, and the cultivation of mutual respect. He affirmed that human dignity is only complete when paired with the recognition of others’ dignity. He further noted that the United Arab Emirates has set an inspiring example in promoting a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, Mr. Adama Dieng commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for their work in countering hate speech, radicalization, discrimination, and Islamophobia. He emphasized that “intellectual security forms the bedrock of peaceful societies and is essential in countering the rising tide of hate speech in today’s world.” He noted that international law still lacks a precise definition of hate speech, even though the concept of discrimination is well-established. He called for the enrichment of cultural awareness and the protection of cultural heritage in an age marked by rapid technological advances and the risks posed by online content and social media.

Mr. Dieng called upon followers of all faiths to study the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), particularly the Constitution of Medina, which serves as a historic model for safeguarding minority rights and upholding the principles of pluralism and justice. He affirmed that “diversity is a foundational element of human existence, as stated in the Glorious Qur’an,” and reiterated that the Document on Human Fraternity, launched from Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, stands as a universal charter for fostering dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council’s mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity. The Council’s pavilion is located in Hall 10, booth 10C35.

Secretary-General and First Assistant to the President Discuss Uzbekistan’s Hosting of the Upcoming Edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, with Her Excellency Saida Shavkat Mirziyoyeva, First Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in reviving the intellectual heritage of the Muslim Ummah’s scholars and highlighting their contributions across various fields of knowledge, as well as reintroducing their legacy and scientific and humanitarian contributions to present and future generations.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General expressed the Council’s appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in preserving Islamic heritage—particularly in historically significant Islamic cities such as Bukhara and Samarkand. He also affirmed the Council’s support, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for the Center for Islamic Civilization, which is scheduled to be inaugurated in Uzbekistan later this year and is expected to serve as a beacon of Islamic civilization in Central Asia.

The Secretary-General also praised the vital role played by Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva and her efforts in supporting youth initiatives, empowering Uzbek women, and presenting an inspiring model of Muslim women’s success across all fields.

For her part, the First Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan welcomed the participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in the international conference titled “Maturidism: A Doctrine of Tolerance, Moderation, and Knowledge” held in Samarkand. She expressed her appreciation for the Council’s continued interest in Uzbekistan, which was recently reinforced by the appointment of His Eminence Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, as a member of the Muslim Council of Elders. She commended the strong and deep-rooted relations between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates, noting that the coming period will witness increased cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Muslim Council of Elders through various initiatives and events that promote dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides discussed Uzbekistan’s potential hosting of the upcoming edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, one of the Muslim Council of Elders’ most impactful initiatives, in conjunction with preparations for the inauguration of the Center for Islamic Civilization.

The Muslim Council of Elders is set to take part in the inaugural edition of the America International Arabic Book Fair in Dearborn, Michigan, from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. The Council’s participation aims to strengthen engagement with Arab and Muslim communities, as well as with the broader American public, by promoting the values of moderation, tolerance, and coexistence, and fostering constructive dialogue around key issues facing local communities.

Throughout the fair, the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion will showcase over 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including several of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing for 2025. The pavilion will also feature more than 20 works by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works aim to highlight the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Titles include “Al-Qawl al-Tayyib,” “From My Old Notebooks,” “A Perspective on East-West Dialogue,” “Tradition and Renewal,” “For the Sake of Peace,” “Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash‘ari,” “Etiquette and Values,” and “Toward a Contemporary Jurisprudential Renewal,” among others.

In the same context, the Council’s pavilion offers several important publications, including “Love in the Holy Quran” by HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders; “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path – A Testimony to the Birth of the Document on Human Fraternity” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; “Rules of Understanding and Mutual Understanding in Thought and Language” by Dr. Mustafa Benhamza, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders; “Muslims at a Crossroads” by the late Dr. Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq; “Confronting Islamophobia in Europe” by various researchers; and “Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Conceiving Coexistence” by Aaron Tyler, among others.

As part of its seminar program, the Council will host a seminar titled “Countering Islamophobia: Building Bridges Through Dialogue and Understanding,” on Friday, May 2, 2025. The seminar will feature Dr. Muqtedar Khan, Professor of Political Science at the University of Delaware and author of “Islam and Good Governance: A Political Philosophy on Ihsan”; Dr. Mohammad Hassan Khalil, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies Program at Michigan State University; and Dr. Morgan Shipley, Foglio Endowed Chair of Spirituality at Michigan State University. The seminar will tackle the pressing issue of Islamophobia, a significant concern for Arab and Muslim-Americans, while also shedding light on the Council’s efforts in combatting this issue. Furthermore, it aims to explore how dialogue and cultural exchange can reshape perceptions, as well as the crucial role of the media and cinema in propagating and countering this phenomenon.

The second seminar will take place on Saturday, May 3, and will be titled “Intra-Islamic Dialogue: A Reading of the Ahlul Qiblah Call,” and will feature Imam Mohamad Mardini, esteemed leader of the American Muslim Center in Dearborn, as well as Imam Ahmad Sobhy Mustafa from Kansas City, a member of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism. The seminar will discuss the “Ahlul Qiblah Call,” a charter for unity among Islamic traditions which was launched by the Council at the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference which took place in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2025.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the America International Arabic Book Fair can be found at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, from May 1 until May 4, 2025.

Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: Upholding the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah and the legacy of its great scholars throughout the ages is the key to countering extremist and takfiri discourse

Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: The legacy of our distinguished scholars requires ongoing, insightful reflection and comprehensive research that draws on both inherited knowledge and the tools of our time to serve Muslims and the wider world

Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General: The scholarly institutions of Al-Azhar have embraced the Islamic heritage worldwide, serving it with sincerity, honoring its sciences, and preserving the legacy of its noble scholars

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, took part in the international conference titled “Maturidism – A Doctrine of Tolerance, Moderation, and Enlightenment,” held in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from April 29–30. The event brought together a distinguished group of scholars and religious leaders from around the world. It aimed to explore the intellectual legacy of Imam Al-Maturidi and his followers, while highlighting the contemporary relevance of Maturidi principles.

Speaking during the opening session, His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam emphasized that adherence to the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah—which represents the mainstream of the Muslim Ummah, including Ash‘aris, Maturidis, and scholars of hadith from the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools, along with the imams of spiritual refinement and discipline, and the enduring legacy of their great scholars throughout the ages—is the key to confronting extremist and takfiri rhetoric. This school of thought does not excommunicate anyone among the People of Qiblah, nor does it expel Muslims from the fold of Islam on the basis of sin, error, or doubt. Rather, it establishes the principles of moderation, balance, and coexistence—both within the Muslim community and with all of humanity.

The Secretary-General noted that in a world facing growing challenges, it is essential to recognize the noble attributes of the Maturidi tradition and the broader heritage of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah. These enduring schools prevailed not because they favored reason over revelation, or vice versa, but because they upheld the balanced path of the Prophet’s Companions—one rooted in sound belief, intellectual clarity, and harmony between scripture and reasoned reflection. This rich legacy must be continually revisited with insight, and studied comprehensively using both inherited knowledge and modern methodologies to serve Muslims—and indeed all people.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam also highlighted Imam Al-Maturidi’s distinguished status in the history of Islamic theology (‘ilm al-tawḥīd) and scholastic theology (‘ilm al-kalām), not only in his birthplace and homeland but throughout the regions of Transoxiana and the wider Muslim world. He quoted His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who described Imam Al-Maturidi as “Imam al-Huda (the Imam of Guidance), may Allah be pleased with him,” a title recognized by scholars past and present. He further emphasized that the centers of Al-Azhar have long embraced Islamic scholarship from every corner of the Muslim world, serving it with sincerity, preserving its sciences, and honoring the memory of its righteous imams. In this spirit, the Muslim Council of Elders has published several works on the School of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, encompassing its diverse traditions and contributions to theology and foundational Islamic thought.

The Secretary-General concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Republic of Uzbekistan and its President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for their continued commitment to reviving the legacy of Islamic scholars. He expressed his hope that this conference would serve as a blessed step toward restoring the Muslim Ummah to its rightful place—as a just and balanced nation, a witness over humanity, and a bearer of goodness to the world.

Dr. Maria Mohammed Al Hatali, Secretary-General of the UAE Council for Fatwa: We must work to renew religious discourse in a modern and balanced way to reach youth through the platforms they use.
 
Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque in Abu Dhabi: The values of monotheism and human dignity are a shared foundation among religions.
 
Rev. Bishoy Fakhri, Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Anthony in Abu Dhabi: Peace is the essence of faith, not a secondary option.
 
S.P. Singh, Chief Sikh Priest and Director General of the Sikh Temple in the UAE: The unity of humanity lies at the heart of the message of religions.
 
As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders hosted a seminar titled “The Message of Religions for Coexistence and Peace.” The seminar featured a distinguished panel including Dr. Maria Mohammed Al Hatali, Secretary-General of the UAE Council for Fatwa; Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam and preacher of Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi; Rev. Bishoy Fakhri, Pastor of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Anthony in Abu Dhabi; and Mr. S.P. Singh, Chief Sikh Priest and Director General of the Sikh Temple in the UAE.
 
Opening the seminar, Dr. Maria Al Hatali expressed her appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to amplify the voice of religions in addressing global challenges and countering hate speech and violence. She emphasized the importance of shared religious values—such as belief in human dignity, freedom of belief, citizenship, and justice—noting that these values are common to Islam and other divine traditions.
 
She further explained that extremist groups have distorted religious texts to manipulate and recruit youth, pointing out that 80% of recruitment and radicalization takes place through social media platforms. Dr. Al Hatali stressed the urgent need to renew religious discourse so that it is balanced, relevant, and capable of engaging young people through the digital platforms they use.
 
Dr. Mahmoud Najah expressed thanks to the United Arab Emirates for its pioneering efforts in promoting human fraternity and fostering a culture of coexistence and mutual respect. He praised the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for its commitment to peacebuilding and the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.
 
He affirmed that the core values shared across all heavenly religions are rooted in the belief in the oneness of God, pointing out that the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran all converge on this central principle. He added that all divine laws have consistently emphasized the dignity of the human being, equality among people, and the idea of mutual understanding as a basis for peaceful relations rather than conflict.
 
Rev. Bishoy Fakhri underscored that peace is the essence of faith, not a secondary option. He stated: “We live in a world overwhelmed by the noise of division, yet as followers of divine religions, we carry the light of peace and love.” He expressed his regret that religion is at times misused as a tool for violence and hatred, and he called for the dissemination of religious messages through modern digital platforms to reach younger generations in a language they understand.
 
Mr. S.P. Singh, Chief Sikh Priest and Director General of the Sikh Temple in the UAE, praised the Muslim Council of Elders for its message of human fraternity, interfaith dialogue, and global peace. He affirmed that the teachings of religions emphasize the unity of humanity, despite cultural and linguistic differences.
 
The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair presents more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a number of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing in 2025. These publications address the most prominent intellectual and cultural issues, stemming from the Council’s mission aimed at promoting peace and instilling the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The Council’s pavilion is located at Booth 10C35, Hall 10.