Jakarta: The Muslim Council of Elders hosted a cultural seminar at the Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair titled “The Role of Religious Institutions in Supporting Global Peace through the Experiences of the Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah Associations.”
The seminar featured Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders and former Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia; Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, Secretary-General of the Muhammadiyah Association; and Dr. Uli al-Absar Abdullah, representing the Nahdlatul Ulama. The discussion, moderated by Muhammad Arifin, Director of the Al-Azhar Centre for Arabic Language Teaching in Jakarta, drew a large audience.
The speakers emphasized the contributions of religious institutions in promoting peace. The Muslim Council of Elders, an independent international body founded in 2014 under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, plays a key role in this effort. The Council, comprising prominent scholars and dignitaries from the Muslim world, focuses on fostering dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.
The seminar also highlighted the achievements of the Muhammadiyah Association and Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations. Both were honored with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity on 4th February 2024 for their contributions to peace in Indonesia and beyond.
Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab spoke about the Council’s initiatives to promote peace, including seven rounds of dialogue between East and West, which led to the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019.
The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the 22nd edition of the Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair, held from 14-18 August in Jakarta, for the third consecutive year.
Their pavilion features over 220 publications in various languages, addressing key intellectual and cultural issues to promote moderate thought and correct misconceptions. The Council’s participation aligns with its mission to promote peace and build bridges of cooperation among people of different races and beliefs.
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