Muslim Council of Elders calls for promoting culture of dialogue and human coexistence

On the International Day of Peace the Council reiterates Islam’s message of peace and highlights its global initiatives — including the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi.

Council reiterates peace as a core Islamic value

The Muslim Council of Elders has urged renewed international efforts to cultivate a culture of dialogue and human coexistence, calling for measures that will help build a safer, more stable and peaceful world. The appeal was made in a statement marking the International Day of Peace, observed on 21st September each year.

The Council emphasised that peace lies at the heart of Islam’s message and represents one of its principal objectives. It said the faith’s tolerant teachings demand the safeguarding of human life, the preservation of dignity, and the upholding of compassion and mutual understanding. The statement rejected violence, hatred and intolerance and underlined that genuine peace is founded on justice and respect for human dignity.

Programmes to build bridges of understanding

Promoting a culture of peace has been a central pillar of the Council’s work since its establishment. The statement highlighted several of its global initiatives and programmes that aim to foster dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures, including the East-West Dialogue, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, and the Student Dialogues for Human Fraternity Programme.

These efforts, the Council said, are targeted at advancing mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence by equipping religious and civic leaders with the tools to engage constructively across communities. The Council has also launched international initiatives designed to strengthen the role of religious leaders in peacebuilding and to counter hate speech and extremism.

Reference to the Abu Dhabi declaration

The statement recalled the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former Head of the Catholic Church. The Council described the Document as a milestone in interfaith engagement that continues to inform its outreach and programming.

By marking the International Day of Peace, the Muslim Council of Elders called on governments, faith leaders and civil society to intensify collaboration in fostering a culture of dialogue, to protect human dignity, and to advance the principles of justice and fraternity that underpin lasting peace.

Source: WAM