The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand concluded its participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair, held from February 10th to 18th, with notable success and a large turnout from various segments of Indian society who praised the stand’s cultural events and diverse intellectual publications.
During the fair, the Muslim Council of Elders presented an impressive array of over 220 publications in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), Prophetic biography, Islamic sciences, and literature, available in five languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam. The works of His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, were particularly well-received, with his publications being available in these five languages. They attracted considerable interest from students of Islamic studies at New Delhi universities, as well as from professors and researchers. Noteworthy titles included "For Peace," "The Concept of Jihad in Islam," "A Message to the Youth," "Al-Azhar and the Unity of Muslims," "A Conversation on Peace," and "A Perspective on the Dialogue between East and West."
Among the most popular publications at the stand were "Islam and Good Governance" in its English edition by Professor Muqtedar Khan from the University of Delaware, USA, and "The Grand Imam and the Pope: A Thorny Path: A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document" by His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. The latter was showcased this year at the Council's stand at the New Delhi World Book Fair in five languages. Additionally, books on the interpretation (Tafsir) of the Holy Quran, as well as "Love in the Holy Quran" by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Al-Hashemi, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, were highly sought after.
The seminars held by the Council were well-attended, featuring distinguished speakers representing major Indian religions and denominations, and experts in peaceful coexistence and human fraternity. Discussions covered various topics, including the teachings of religions and their role in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence, ways to achieve respect among religions and acceptance of others, the significance of the Document on Human Fraternity in nation-building and ensuring a better future for current and future generations, and the challenges of promoting human fraternity and peaceful coexistence across different communities and nations.
The Muslim Council of Elders' participation marked its second consecutive year with a special stand at the New Delhi World Book Fair. The Council's debut in 2023 was met with great enthusiasm from the Indian community, who actively engaged with the Council's publications and the array of cultural and intellectual events and activities, all aimed at promoting dialogue, tolerance, and mutual coexistence.