In 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders witnessed exceptional participation in several international book fairs, including Cairo, New Delhi, Alexandria, Abu Dhabi, Rabat, Indonesia, and Istanbul. The Council presented more than 200 publications that promote the values of tolerance, human fraternity, and coexistence. The Council's participation in these exhibitions aligns with its mission to promote peace, foster dialogue and tolerance, and build bridges of communication among people of diverse backgrounds.
The Council initiated its participation in international book fairs in 2023 with the Cairo International Book Fair held from January 25 to February 6. During this event, the Council introduced ten new publications aimed at correcting misconceptions, combating hate speech, racism, and prejudice, and offering possible solutions to address them. Additionally, it focused on enhancing dialogue between the East and the West, establishing common living among all humans, and organizing informative seminars on topics such as the Muslim woman, contemporary challenges, the pursuit of knowledge, human fraternity, Islamic heritage reading methods, the call for secularism, and its danger on humanity, as well as the integration of sciences in Islamic civilization, renewal in Islamic thought, and the legitimacy of Sunnah in Islamic legislation.
For the first time, the Muslim Council of Elders participated in the New Delhi Book Fair, the largest in Asia, from February 25 to March 5, 2023. The Council's pavilion received significant attention and praise from various segments of Indian society throughout the exhibition. Visitors commended the intellectual and cultural publications, especially the Arabic releases characterized by diverse and rich topics aimed at promoting peace, common coexistence, human fraternity, and rejecting violent, extremist, and hateful rhetoric. The Council also hosted seminars during the fair.
In Abu Dhabi, the Council organized an exceptional pavilion during the 32nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, held from May 22 to 28. The Council presented over 165 diverse publications addressing significant intellectual issues. It also offered a distinctive cultural program, including activities and events discussing dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, youth, peace industry, humanity, and environmental benevolence.
With a distinctive participation in the 28th International Book Fair in Rabat from June 1 to 11, the Council provided visitors with a unique and exceptional experience. This included exploring significant scientific and intellectual publications in addition to organizing a diverse program of seminars, lectures, and intellectual and scientific councils. The topics covered various important and diverse issues in Islamic thought.
Throughout the past year, the Muslim Council of Elders continued to have a clear and positive impact on cultural and intellectual fields. The Council participated in a special pavilion at the Alexandria International Book Fair from July 12 to 26, offering diverse publications aimed at promoting peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies, spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
In September, the Council participated in the 21st edition of the Islamic Book Fair 2023 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Council's pavilion received the award for the best pavilion, distinguishing it as the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia for Islamic books. Visitors praised the events and activities organized by the pavilion, notably cultural seminars discussing various vital topics.
The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation in international book fairs with the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, its eighth edition. The Council's pavilion, comprising over 190 diverse publications in thought, culture, and Islamic heritage, received significant attention from various segments of society, visitors, and participants from around the world. It also attracted prominent researchers in various fields.
Among the prominent releases of the Muslim Council of Elders participating in international book fairs for the year 2023 are "Love in the Quran" by Prince Ghazi Al Hashimi, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, and "The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by the Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. Additionally, "Fatwa and its Regulations, the Responsibilities of the Mufti and the Inquirer" by Dr. Ahmed Maabed Abdel Karim, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar. Other contributions include "Methods of Thinking in Creed" by Emad Khafaji, "Freedom of Thought in Islam" by Sadiq Arjoun, and "Islam, the West, and Tolerance: Embracing Coexistence" by Aaron Tyler.
The Council also presented 11 works by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These works highlight the tolerance of Islam and the richness of its intellectual and philosophical heritage. Titles include "Elements of Islam," "In the Al-Azhar Method," "In Terminology, Theological and Sufi," "Insights into the Thought of Imam Al-Ash'ari," "Heritage and Renewal: Discussions and Responses," "Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jama’ah," "Discussion on Illnesses and Purposes," "The Good Saying," "Indeed, Religion is Easy," "Etiquette and Values," and "From My Old Notebooks."
Continuing its mission, the Muslim Council of Elders presented several new releases for 2023. Notable titles include "Basis of Understanding from Thought and Language” by His Eminence Dr. Mustapha Benhamza, member of the Higher Scientific Council of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders and President of the Ulema Council of Oujda in Morocco. Additionally, "The Sunnah and its Role in Establishing Sharia Judgments" by Muhammad Saad Jalal, senior scholar at Al-Azhar.
Recognizing the importance of translation as a bridge between civilizations for constructive communication, the Council continued its efforts in translating purposeful books to promote peace. Among the translated works are "Religious Tolerance in World Religions" by Jacob Neusner and Bruce Chilton, and "Confronting Islamophobia in Europe" by several researchers.
The Council is scheduled to participate at the Cairo International Book Fair at the end of this month where it will present a collection of new publications dedicated to tolerance, respect, acceptance of others, and the promotion of values of human fraternity and coexistence.
