Muslim Council of Elders Hosts Seminar on Dialogue and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage at ADIBF

Abu Dhabi: As part of its cultural and intellectual programme at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled 'Dialogue and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Firm Foundations and Lasting Values.' According to Emirates News Agency, the seminar featured several distinguished speakers including Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Legal Counsellor at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Professor of Law at Cairo University; Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi; Professor Zikrur Rahman, Founder and Director of the Indian Arab Cultural Centre; and Dr. Mohand Mechenene, Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. Dr. Mahmoud Najah opened the seminar by affirming that Islam is a religion divinely chosen for His servants, emphasizing principles such as reason and diversity. He highlighted that terms like understanding, contemplation, and reasoning appear ove r 120 times in the Quran, demonstrating Islam's foundation in dialogue and persuasion. Dr. Najah referenced historical examples like the Constitution of Medina and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah to illustrate the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) practice of dialogue, while expressing concern over platforms that misrepresent Islam with distorted messages. Professor Zikrur Rahman focused on India's religious and linguistic diversity as a divine sign that encourages dialogue and mutual understanding. He noted the harmonious coexistence of religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam in India. He also commended the Muslim Council of Elders' participation in the New Delhi International Book Fair, highlighting the significant attention their publications received from India's communities interested in works reflecting Islam's message of dialogue and tolerance. Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher praised the UAE's pioneering law to combat discrimination and hate speech, highlighting that it criminalizes takfir (excommunication). He revealed the development of a new legislative proposal aiming to uphold human fraternity, equality, respect for religious pluralism, and justice, while rejecting mockery or insult. Dr. Mohand Mechenene expressed appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders' efforts in promoting dialogue, coexistence, and peace. He emphasized that dialogue must be grounded in the principle of human dignity, a shared value across all religions and philosophies. He stressed the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance and mutual respect, especially in light of the growing prevalence of hate speech, extremism, and Islamophobia today.