Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the new Al-Azhar Library and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center have organized a unique international symposium titled ‘Islam and the West: Diversity and Integration’. Some of the symposium’s main goals focused on contemporary issues related to nationalism and populism as well as the role of religion in various debates which involved a number of distinguished participants from around the world. His Eminence Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders played a prominent role in the success of symposium which managed to reach all those interested in peace regardless of their race, nationality, religion or beliefs. The symposium also emphasized His Eminence’s strong willingness to continue his efforts in this field with other lovers of peace such as the World Council of Churches, the Church of England and the Community of Sant'Egidio. Reasonable people from around the world have come to the conclusion that dialogue must continue to achieve further success and find further common values in order to eventually achieve global peace. What mustn’t be overlooked is that East and Wet must strive towards further dialogue to avoid the catastrophes of extremism and violence. As Muslims, we will not be able to prove to the world that our religion is one of peace without first showing them our overall vision and narrative.

Abdallah Fadaaq