On the International Day of Living Together in Peace

Muslim Council of Elders: Our World Desperately Needs the Voice of Peace Instead of the Language of War and Conflicts Today

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that the values of peace and coexistence are fundamental pillars for achieving progress and prosperity in different nations and societies and that Islam urges the spread of peace among people, prohibits killing, bigotry, and discrimination, and commands equality in rights and duties, as well as preserving the dignity of every human being regardless of their color, race, or religion.

In a statement on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, observed on May 16 of each year, the Council emphasizes the urgent need for the voice of peace instead of the language of wars and conflicts witnessed in many regions around the world today. They firmly believe that tolerance and goodwill are inherent core values rooted in human nature, and that peace is the optimal and sole choice for building a promising future for coming generations, characterized by dignified living and stability without any religious, racial, or cultural divisions.

The statement highlighted that since its inception, the Muslim Council of Elders has been committed to fostering and promoting a culture of peace, acceptance, and respect for others, as well as confronting extremist ideologies and all forms of hatred, bigotry, and discrimination. It has also worked on implementing and launching various pioneering initiatives and projects, including the East-West dialogues culminating in the signing of the Human Fraternity Document by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Additionally, the Council initiated International Peace Convoys that traversed continents, holding numerous religious seminars, intellectual meetings, and scientific lectures aimed at correcting misconceptions and urging Muslims to positively integrate into their societies and immunize them against falling into the traps of extremist and terrorist groups. Moreover, the Council launched the Emerging Peacemakers Forum and the Human Fraternity Fellowship Program to equip a new generation of young people to become leaders in peacebuilding and enhancing peaceful coexistence in the future. It also organized and hosted more than 10 international conferences discussing issues related to the dissemination and consolidation of a culture of peace and coexistence.