Muslim Council Of Elders Marks A Decade Of Promoting Tolerance And Coexistence Worldwide
Since its inception in 2014, the Muslim Council of Elders has been at the forefront of fostering humanitarian values, dispelling misconceptions, and combating extremist ideologies. Chaired by His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the council is a distinguished assembly of scholars and dignitaries from the Muslim community, committed to promoting wisdom, moderation, and independence. Their influence spans across the Muslim world, with a mission dedicated to the betterment of humanity.
Over the years, the Council has made significant strides in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. A highlight of their efforts includes the East-West dialogues, a series of discussions aimed at fostering peace and understanding between different cultures and religions. These dialogues have been held in various cities around the world, including Florence, Paris, Geneva, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Manama. They represent a collaborative effort between Al-Azhar, the Catholic Church, the World Council of Churches, and the Church of Canterbury in the United Kingdom.

The culmination of these dialogues was the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis. This document is a testament to the Council's commitment to dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. It has garnered global recognition and led to the United Nations General Assembly designating its signing day as the International Day of Human Fraternity.
The document's principles have been incorporated into educational curricula worldwide and have been adopted by several countries as part of their national constitution or educational programs. This widespread adoption underscores its significance in promoting peace and coexistence among diverse communities.
In addition to international dialogues, the Council has also focused on fostering dialogue within Islamic communities. A notable initiative was a visit by the Council's Secretariat General delegation to Iraq, aimed at initiating dialogue among different Islamic denominations and addressing contemporary challenges facing the Muslim nation.
Most recently, the 17th meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders took place in Abu Dhabi. This meeting brought together religious leaders and intellectuals from around the globe to discuss strategies for unifying the Muslim nation and tackling current challenges. The council's ongoing efforts underscore its commitment to fostering a culture of peace and understanding both within the Muslim community and beyond.
The work of the Muslim Council of Elders underlines a continuous journey towards achieving global peace through dialogue and understanding. Their initiatives serve as a beacon for promoting tolerance and coexistence in an increasingly divided world.
With inputs from WAM