Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders to WAM: “The UAE is a unique model in advancing values of coexistence and tolerance among all faith communities
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) marking the tenth anniversary of the Muslim Council of Elders’ founding, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, stated that the United Arab Emirates stands as a unique model in promoting and disseminating the values of coexistence and tolerance among followers of diverse religions and cultures.
The Secretary-General depicted the Council as a global platform for wisdom, moderation, and equilibrium in combating extremism, hatred, and discrimination. He emphasized the pivotal moment of the Council's establishment, a time when the world and the Muslim nation were grappling with escalating violence, wars, and conflicts.
He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders has made significant strides in interfaith dialogue, notably culminating in the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. The Council spearheads major efforts to unite the Muslim nation through inclusive dialogue that encompasses all segments of the society.
Reflecting on the founding of the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi ten years ago, on the 21st of Ramadan in the year 1435 Hijri, in the presence of prominent Muslim scholars as the first independent international body dedicated to fostering peace and disseminating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, the secretary-general said:
“The Muslim nation has endured immense suffering over the past decades due to unrest and conflicts in certain Muslim communities, an increase in violence, extremism, terrorism, and the global challenges and conflicts that have led to millions of refugees, displaced individuals, and the impoverished. The Muslim world has not been spared from global challenges like water and food security issues, climate change, environmental challenges, and the rise of hatred, racism, discrimination, Islamophobia, religiophobia, and other religious, social, and human concerns.”
The Secretary-General further added, “There was an urgent and necessary call for immediate action to cease conflicts and save human lives, reclaim the Muslim nation’s leadership and unity, shield it from division and fragmentation, and counter extremist ideologies by correcting misconceptions. Reinstating the revered status of wise and imminent scholars and their dignified impact on the Muslim nation’s past, present, and future was critical, as well as rejuvenating the religious and moral conscience within the nation at all levels.”
The Secretary-General affirmed that the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders in Abu Dhabi on the 21st of Ramadan, 1435 Hijri – which corresponds to July 19, 2014 – as an independent international body, was under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. The Council consists of a selected group of the Muslim nation’s wise scholars, and dignitaries renowned for their wisdom, justice, and moderation. Its mission is to unite the nation, quell the turmoil within it, address threats to human values, combat the rise of sectarianism and violence, promote the tolerate teachings of Islam, correct misunderstandings, unify efforts against global challenges, and foster peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
The Secretary-General stated, “Announcing the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders was a truly historic moment and a significant challenge, given the world’s substantial challenges. Over the past decade, the Muslim nation’s scholars and sages have effectively epitomized wisdom, moderation, and balance. They have countered violence, extremism, and terrorism, highlighting the importance of unity and solidarity within the Muslim nation. They have worked to restore its global status and leadership, promote dialogue, and respect diversity, pluralism, and differences. They have emphasized the crucial role of youth in peace-making and supported their ideas and initiatives. The Council has also worked to enhance the status of women, protect their dignity, and ensure their rights under the Sharia laws. It has focused on teaching the youth about tolerance and coexistence. Furthermore, it has boosted the influence of religious leaders and figures in tackling global challenges, at a time when the world needs upliftment more than ever.”
In terms of the Council’s accomplishments in interfaith dialogue over the past ten years, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders highlighted numerous efforts, achievements, and initiatives. These efforts aimed to reinforce the values of dialogue, tolerance, acceptance of the other, full citizenship, positive integration, coexistence, and human fraternity. He explained that the Council has generated significant momentum in interfaith dialogue through rounds of dialogue between the East and West in cities such as Florence, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Geneva, Cairo, Manama, among others. This effort peaked with the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by the world's two most distinguished religious leaders, 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. This document, one of the most consequential in modern human history, was under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God safeguard him. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously designated the day of its signing as the International Day of Human Fraternity. It also gained acceptance from global and traditional religious leaders as a benchmark for interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Furthermore, it was incorporated into the educational programs of esteemed institutions such as Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Vatican, and in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Italy, the United States, among others, with East Timor adopting it as a national document.”
He highlighted that in 2022, the Bahrain Dialogue Forum took place with participation from His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, reiterating their joint call to promote human fraternity. In addition, an unprecedented historic session was held by the Muslim Council of Elders and senior Catholic Church officials, featuring His Eminence the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, where they tackled major global challenges. This session underscored the moral responsibility toward the collective challenges our human family faces. Furthermore, the Muslim Council of Elders established a permanent dialogue committee in collaboration with the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See. This initiative aims to engage all partners in the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Church of Canterbury, and others to join forces in spreading and bolstering the values of dialogue and mutual understanding.
Regarding His Eminence the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb’s call for Islamic-Islamic dialogue during the Bahrain Dialogue Forum, and the Muslim Council of Elders’ response to this invitation and its efforts to foster dialogue among the Muslim nation’s components, he affirmed that His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, advocated for a sincere Intra-Islamic dialogue. This dialogue seeks to affirm unity, closeness, and familiarity to foster both religious and human fraternity, originating from a firm belief in the significance of the Muslim nation’s unity, mending its divisions, rejecting all forms of division, sedition, and sectarian conflict. It further aims to counter hate speech, advancing the cause of the Muslim nation and the unity of Islamic positions. These positions are marked by practicality, aligning with the objectives of Islam and its Sharia law, and discouraging Muslims from succumbing to calls of division and strife. They further caution against the dangers of destabilizing countries, misusing religion to provoke national and sectarian sentiments, meddling in the affairs of states, compromising their sovereignty, or encroaching on their territories.
He detailed that the Council has actively pursued this direction, including sending a delegation from its General Secretariat to the Republic of Iraq. This visit aimed to foster a new stage of understanding among all Islamic sects, with stops in Najaf, Baghdad, Erbil, and Karbala. The delegation met numerous Iraqi political and religious leaders, representing the diverse components of the Iraqi populace, in preparation for an eagerly awaited visit by His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb. The outcomes of this visit were highly promising, revealing the Iraqi people’s appreciation for His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar’s wisdom and their willingness to collaborate with the Council on unity and reconciliation efforts. The Council is now developing several projects and initiatives to bolster Islamic-Islamic dialogue across the Muslim nation.
Regarding his perspective on the UAE’s role in fostering coexistence and tolerance among followers of different religions and cultures, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders highlighted the United Arab Emirates as an exemplary model of promoting coexistence and tolerance, both domestically and globally. Nationally, the UAE stands as a beacon of human coexistence, home to individuals from 200 nationalities living together in harmony, security, and peace. These values of tolerance and coexistence are firmly rooted in the authentic Emirati society, stemming from the Islamic faith’s moderation, noble Arab customs and traditions, and the wisdom and legacy of late Sheikh Zayed, an epitome of humanitarianism, under enlightened leadership dedicated to humanitarian development. The UAE serves as a sanctuary for values of tolerance, peace, security, cultural diversity, and mutual respect. These values are deeply embedded in Emirati culture and codified in UAE laws that advocate for justice, respect, equality, and criminalize hatred, bigotry, and divisive or contentious causes.
The Secretary-General pointed out the fact that the Muslim Council of Elders was established on the blessed land of the UAE is a continuation of such legacy. His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, together with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, chose Abu Dhabi, the capital of tolerance, to launch the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity. This was done under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State.
Judge Abdelsalam stated, “Here, I wish to acknowledge the relentless efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, a leader in the fields of tolerance and human coexistence. The strategic partnership between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence is crucial. It encompasses a wide range of programs, events, and activities, both locally and internationally. This partnership aims to unify efforts in promoting the culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity more effectively and broadly, maximizing benefits and helping to achieve our mutual objectives. At the Muslim Council of Elders, we highly value this partnership and cooperation.”
In response to a question about the role of youth in advancing human fraternity and how they can become ambassadors of peace for world civil communities, as well as the Muslim Council of Elders’ initiatives in this area, Judge Abdelsalam characterized the youth as the foundation and future of the Muslim nation, its beating heart, and the ones we heavily rely on to spread the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. He pointed out, “The Muslim Council of Elders places significant importance on youth as the leaders of the future, through a series of targeted programs, notably the ‘Emerging Peacemakers Form,’ launched in its inaugural edition in 2018. Initiated by the Muslim Council of Elders, in partnership with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Rose Castle Foundation, the objective is to educate a generation of youth on coexistence and peace-building. This initiative is rooted in a shared vision of a world where people of diverse nationalities, religions, ethnicities, and backgrounds work together to foster the ties of peace and human fraternity, aiming to replace conflict, violence, and war. This shared aspiration seeks to bridge young people, who are today and tomorrow’s leaders, to foster productive, long-lasting relationships, propelling the world towards peace through their skills, potential, virtues, and networks. The program’s second edition, held in Geneva in July 2023, aimed to establish this forum as the foundation of a global youth movement that targets youth everywhere, sharpening their skills and boosting their abilities in promoting world peace. Participating youth brought forth innovative ideas, working with dedication and commitment to spread the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, positioning them as a key and active partner in all our endeavors. We have faith in their capability to foster peace, justice, and rights for all humanity. Additionally, we offer the Human Fraternity Fellows program in partnership with Georgetown University, designed to acquaint university students with the principles of human fraternity, creating an international network and platform for students globally to exchange innovative ideas to promote interfaith and intercultural solidarity in their communities. This initiative builds upon the outcomes of the program’s first edition, conducted at Georgetown University in September 2022, in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Elders. The second edition was hosted in Abu Dhabi last February, attracting students from some of the most renowned universities in the world.”
The Secretary-General added, “We firmly believe in the youth's potential to drive positive change worldwide, and view them as key partners in all our endeavours. Therefore, we have diligently worked to increase their involvement in numerous important events and initiatives. Among these is the Faith Pavilion at the COP28 conference, an unprecedented initiative in the history of the Conference of the Parties. The youth engaged in discussions about globally relevant environmental and climate issues. They have also participated in a variety of international book fairs, initiatives, and major conferences and forums, including the first-ever Human Fraternity Majlis held earlier this year, which saw active youth contributions to developing new perspectives on tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Responding to a question about the Council’s significant accomplishments in the climate arena and its future plans, given its efforts to engage faith leaders in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change, Judge Abdelsalam confirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders is committed to strengthening the involvement of faith leaders and religious figures in tackling global issues. These leaders and figures wield influential voices among millions of followers across the globe. In this vein, the Council has rallied religious leaders and figures to join forces against global challenges, with a special focus on climate change. The Muslim Council of Elders convened a conference for religious leaders and figures in Southeast Asia, which was followed by the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, hosted in Abu Dhabi last November. The summit saw the unveiling of the “Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate,” signed 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, along with 38 other religious leaders and figures. This document calls upon policymakers and decision-makers around the world to take decisive action against climate change and its detrimental effects, which have resulted in substantial material and human losses. These initiatives led to the establishment of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, marking a first-ever initiative in the history of the Conference of the Parties, through collaboration with the COP28 presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. This groundbreaking initiative served as a conduit for dialogue between religious figures and leaders and all stakeholders concerned with climate change, underscoring the critical need for unity and collective effort in combating climate change. With over 700 religious leaders participating from around the globe, we hope this initiative will persist in future Conference of the Parties sessions, introducing new measures to amplify the role of religions in environmental conservation.
The Secretary-General further expanded, “Driven by the Muslim Council of Elders’ vision to spread enlightened, moderate thinking and correct misconceptions, we are dedicated to making significant and unique contributions at various international book fairs. These fairs act as conduits for intellectual and cultural exchange between diverse cultures, serving as effective tools to elevate global awareness of humanitarian principles and values. Thus, the Council’s participation in these fairs goes beyond merely showcasing its publications; it also provides an opportunity to share an enlightened intellectual perspective on crucial Islamic and humanitarian issues. This commitment led to the creation of ‘Al-Hokama Publishing,’ which now boasts a large collection of varied intellectual and cultural works. Since 2018, the Muslim Council of Elders has participated in over 40 international book fairs and is set to partake in approximately 16 fairs this year. These fairs are among the most important global platforms, showcasing a select array of publications that includes more than 220 books in over seven languages.”
Regarding the opening of two regional offices in Indonesia and Kazakhstan last year, and the Council’s vision and strategies for promoting tolerance in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, the Secretary-General said, “The Council’s strategy for establishing its regional branches stems from a deep conviction of the need to strengthen connections with Muslims globally. This involves collaborating with governmental, religious, and civil society organizations in Muslim nations to launch a variety of joint initiatives and projects aimed at spreading and enhancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, human fraternity. Choosing countries recognized as exemplary in fostering tolerance, peaceful coexistence, acceptance of diversity, and openness to others aims to bolster these leading examples in the field of human fraternity and the dialogue between different cultures and religions. Consequently, the Muslim Council of Elders inaugurated its regional branches in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. On the ground, these branches have successfully orchestrated numerous inspiring initiatives, activities, and events. Looking ahead, the Council plans to extend its network of branches and offices worldwide, aiming to promote and strengthen the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, further efforts to advocate moderation and balance, and counter all forms of discrimination, bigotry, racism, and Islamophobia.”
He added, “Since its establishment a decade ago under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders has actively addressed the challenges and issues confronting the Muslim nation and the world, including wars, conflicts, poverty, and extremism. These issues pose severe threats to livelihoods, peace, and stability. The Council has defended the Muslim nation’s causes, prioritizing the Palestinian issue. In so doing, it organized the International Conference on Supporting Jerusalem in partnership with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. During the recent events in the Gaza Strip, the Council strongly condemned the attacks on the strip and other Palestinian territories, underscoring the urgent need for a ceasefire and immediate humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. Furthermore, the Council has been a pioneer in addressing the Rohingya Muslim crisis, which resulted in thousands of Muslim fatalities and forced many to flee to Bangladesh. At the crisis’s peak in 2017, the Muslim Council of Elders took decisive action to support the Rohingya Muslims by holding a conference that included representatives from Myanmar’s Muslim and Christian communities and the Burmese government to explore possible resolutions. Additionally, a delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, coinciding with the initiation of the first relief and shelter caravans to aid and support the refugees, who numbered in the hundreds of thousands and endured severe humanitarian and living conditions.
In response to campaigns of burning the Holy Quran, the rise of Islamophobia, and offenses against the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, the Muslim Council of Elders condemned these provocative acts as violations of international norms and treaties, which call for respect, acceptance of others, and the sanctity of religious symbols. Such criminal behaviour exhibits a reprehensible racism that is beneath all human civilizations. The Council has called for an end to hate speech, incitement, and a greater respect for the beliefs of others. He pointed out that In 2021, the Council released a special report detailing the legal stance against hate speech targeting Islam and litigation procedures in Europe, specifically in France, Germany, England, and Wales, as well as in the United States. In 2023, the Council welcomed a significant decision by the Danish Parliament effectively banning the “improper treatment” of religious texts significant to recognized religious communities, thereby practically prohibiting the burning of the Quran. The Council views the enactment of this law as a crucial step toward promoting tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect for religious sanctities and symbols, urging countries experiencing similar attacks on freedoms and religious sanctities to adopt similar legislation to combat bigotry, hate speech, and Islamophobia.”
He mentioned that during the coronavirus pandemic, one of the gravest global challenges that affected the entire world, including the Muslim world, and disrupted economic, social, and religious life, the Muslim Council of Elders exerted considerable efforts to educate all segments of society about the pandemic. It organized the “Prayer for Humanity” initiative, a day when people worldwide united under the banner of human fraternity to pray to God, each in their place, according to their religion, belief, and sect, united by an absolute faith in God’s power, kindness, and mercy to protect humanity and lift the scourge of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Regarding the Muslim Council of Elders’ perspective on global challenges and the role of scholars and wise leaders in addressing them, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam confirmed that the Council, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is deeply committed to fostering the voice of wisdom and reason in confronting global challenges. The Council advocates a return to the teachings of compassionate religions as a remedy for the various challenges our world currently faces. The Muslim Council of Elders is dedicated to diligently, and selflessly working to foster peace and advance the values of dialogue, tolerance, compassion, fraternity, and harmonious coexistence among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity. He further noted that the Council is determined to spread this noble Islamic and human message for a brighter future in which everyone enjoys well-being, security, and prosperity. Judge Abdeslam concluded, “We are confident that, through cooperation and unity, we are capable, with God's grace, of facing global challenges and turning them into inspiring opportunities that contribute to a better future for humanity.