Under the theme "Messages of Hope and Peace," the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders organized a series of programs and events aimed at promoting the spirit of fraternity and peaceful coexistence among various segments of Indonesian society which marked the International Day of Human Fraternity, observed on February 4th each year, and the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019.
The events included a Friday sermon held at the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, attended by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. The sermon addressed the Human Fraternity Document, emphasizing its principles and values in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence worldwide. It highlighted Indonesia's model as a prominent example of diversity and acceptance of others, with a society encompassing various races, cultures, and religions.
Additionally, the Indonesian branch of the Muslim Council of Elders organized a sermon-writing competition on the theme of human fraternity. The competition garnered significant interest and participation from a broad spectrum of Indonesians across different provinces, including women. This reflects a strong commitment to the values of human fraternity, with various segments of Indonesian society ready to contribute to spreading the message of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
As part of the celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Council's Indonesian branch also coordinated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to disseminate the values and principles of the Human Fraternity Document. The ministry issued directives to preachers in approximately 800,000 mosques across Indonesia to dedicate Friday sermons to this vital and central topic. The branch also collaborated with local Indonesian media to provide media coverage of the Friday sermons throughout the country.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Indonesian Committee for Persons with Disabilities, the Council's branch also organized special events addressing the comprehensive concept of fraternity and equality with one hundred and fifty people of determination participated, being honored and engaged in discussions and workshops. The Human Fraternity Document was translated into Braille and distributed to the visually impaired, underscoring the Muslim Council of Elders' commitment to conveying the messages and values of human fraternity to all facets in society.
These activities are part of the Muslim Council of Elders' efforts to solidify the values of human fraternity as the foundation for coexistence and global peace. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, for organizing these seminars and events contributing to the dissemination of the spirit of fraternity and understanding among all.