Muslim Council Of Elders Promotes Global Peace At Indonesia Book Fair

The Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair hosted a cultural seminar titled "The role of religious institutions in supporting global peace through the experiences of the Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah Associations." This event was organised by the Muslim Council of Elders. Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a member of the Council and former Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, along with Dr. Abdul Mu'ti, Secretary-General of the Muhammadiyah Association, and Dr. Uli al-Absar Abdullah from Nahdlatul Ulama, were key speakers.

The seminar highlighted the significant contributions of various religious and international institutions in promoting peace. The Muslim Council of Elders, an independent body established in 2014 under Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb's leadership, was prominently featured. The Council includes notable scholars and dignitaries known for their wisdom and moderation. It aims to foster peace and enhance values like dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.

The seminar also focused on the achievements of Muhammadiyah Association and Nahdlatul Ulama, two major Islamic organisations in Indonesia. These organisations received the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity on 4th February 2024 for their efforts in promoting peace both locally and internationally.

Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab emphasised that the Muslim Council of Elders is dedicated to spreading peace, tolerance, and human coexistence through various initiatives. He mentioned that the Council had organised seven rounds of dialogue between East and West, leading to the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

For the third consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 22nd edition of the Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair 2024 from 14-18 August in Jakarta. The Council's booth at JCC Hall A&B features over 220 publications in multiple languages addressing intellectual and cultural issues to correct misconceptions and promote moderate thought.

Muhammad Arifin from Al-Azhar Centre for Arabic Language Teaching moderated the seminar held at the main theatre of the exhibition. A large audience attended this event which discussed pioneering experiences by various religious institutions in fostering peace.

The Muslim Council's participation aligns with its mission to promote peace, reinforce dialogue values, and build cooperation among people from different backgrounds. The pavilion aims to enlighten visitors with moderate thoughts through its diverse publications.

The seminar underscored how religious institutions like Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah Associations play a crucial role in global peace efforts. Their recognition with prestigious awards highlights their impact beyond Indonesia.

By participating in such events, the Muslim Council continues its mission to spread peace globally while correcting misconceptions about Islam through education and dialogue initiatives.

The event concluded with a strong emphasis on continuing efforts to promote global peace through collaboration among religious institutions worldwide.

With inputs from WAM