On International Literacy Day - Muslim Council of Elders Affirms that Education is a Right for Every Individual and is Crucial for Building More Peaceful, Just, and Sustainable Societies

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that education is a right for every individual and is crucial for building more peaceful, just, and sustainable societies. The Council also emphasizes Almighty Allah created humans and endowed them with knowledge and understanding as well as hearing, sight, and intellect - which should all be employed in service of humanity.

In a statement on International Literacy Day, observed by the United Nations on September 8th every year, the Council asserts that Islam is the religion of knowledge with the first verse revealed in the Holy Quran commanding reading, {Read in the name of your Lord who created}. Islam also regards the pursuit of knowledge as a path to paradise, as stated in the noble Hadith, "Whoever takes a path to seek knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for them" (Narrated by Muslim).

On this occasion, the Council also emphasizes the necessity of highlighting the importance of literacy, considering it a fundamental human right and a significant means for the advancement, progress, and prosperity of all societies. The Council also commends all those dedicated to spreading knowledge and eliminating ignorance and illiteracy by providing suitable educational opportunities for all people, regardless of their background.

Under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders is dedicated to combating illiteracy as well as rectifying misconceptions, and confronting extremist ideologies through over 165 publications by the Dar Al Hokama Publishing. These publications aim is to disseminate authentic Islamic teachings and promote the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence