On the International Day of Education: The Muslim Council of Elders Highlights Education’s Role in National Progress and Empowering Generations to Embrace Dialogue, Coexistence, and Peace
The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, emphasizes the critical importance of advancing education and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. These efforts are essential for building and empowering generations capable of upholding the values of coexistence, tolerance, and human fraternity.
In a statement marking the International Day of Education, observed annually on January 24th, the Council underscored that access to an inclusive educational environment offering equal opportunities is a fundamental right for every individual, particularly in regions affected by conflicts, wars, and rising poverty rates. The Council stressed that investing in and developing education is vital for equipping generations with knowledge, enabling them to keep pace with technological advancements, foster dialogue, and achieve sustainable development.
The statement further emphasized that Islam elevates the status of knowledge and learning, recognizing them as the foundation for building civilizations and ensuring their advancement and prosperity. Allah Almighty says: “Allah will exalt those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge, in high degrees” [The Quran, 58:11], and “Say, are those who know and those who do not know alike? Only those of understanding are mindful” [The Quran, 39:9]. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise” [Reported in Sahih Muslim]. These verses and teachings highlight the indispensable role of education in the progress of nations and societies.
The Muslim Council of Elders is deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of education, eradicating intellectual illiteracy, correcting misconceptions, countering extremist ideologies, and promoting the values of tolerance and cultural and human coexistence. Notably, Al-Hokama Publishing offers a diverse range of publications addressing key intellectual and cultural issues, emphasizing the importance of reading, learning, and promoting enlightened, moderate thought.
The Council also organizes specialized programs to empower children and youth to champion the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace. Among these is the Ethics Education Fellowship Program for children, conducted in collaboration with international institutions and organizations, which aims to instill human values within educational systems. This program has benefited over 8,000 children across six countries worldwide. Similarly, the Azadi Fellowship in Pakistan has trained 25 young men and women from various sects to foster religious and cultural dialogue and counter extremism. Additionally, the Council has launched the Global Student Dialogues Program in partnership with Georgetown University to educate university students about the values of human fraternity and strengthen interfaith and intercultural solidarity.