Peaceful Coexistence Urged As Muslim Council Of Elders Calls For Dialogue And Rejection Of Hatred

The Muslim Council of Elders states that peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions, cultures, and ethnicities is essential for security and stability. This message comes in a statement for the first International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, marked on 28 January, at a time of growing global tensions and complex international challenges.

The Council notes that current conflicts, rising tensions, and new global crises increase the need for stronger cooperation. According to the statement, these difficult conditions demand wider international efforts to support dialogue, reduce divisions, and encourage communities to reject hatred and extremism in all forms.

The statement explains that, at their core, religions and divine laws seek to protect mercy, justice, and peace. Their messages call for understanding and cooperation among all people. The Council stresses that these shared principles can help reduce conflict and support more stable relations between societies and nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders adds that real coexistence depends on mutual respect and equal human dignity. It highlights the need to reject hate speech, violence, exclusion, and Islamophobia. The Council believes that these negative trends damage social peace and weaken the sense of shared citizenship within diverse communities.

The Council urges religious and intellectual figures, decision-makers, and education and media bodies to accept clear responsibilities. The statement calls on them to promote peaceful coexistence, support full citizenship for all, and cooperate in building a fairer and more peaceful world, where human dignity shapes public policies and development programmes.

The Muslim Council of Elders explains that it treats peaceful coexistence as a central priority, backed by many initiatives. These include East–West Dialogue, Intra–Islamic Dialogue, and the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, along with varied programmes and publications. The Council states that peaceful coexistence is the most reliable route to protect human dignity and achieve security, stability, and sustainable development.

With inputs from WAM