TWMCC Holds “Imam Ahmed El Tayeb's Vision: Jurisprudential Renewal and Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence” Symposium at ADIBF 2025
- 2025-May-01
The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) held on Thursday its 2nd symposium at the 34th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, titled “Imam Ahmed El Tayeb's Vision: Jurisprudential Renewal and Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence.”
The symposium shed light on the intellectual contributions of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar as a leading global voice advocating for moderation and tolerance. It focused on his efforts to modernise Islamic jurisprudence, align its objectives with contemporary developments, and promote ethical values, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith harmony.
During the event, Professor Dr Radwan El Sayed, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Collage at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, addressed, during the panel moderated by HE Dr Mohamed Bechari, TWMCC’s Secretary-General, the ethical values in the Grand Imam’s vision: from theory to practice, emphasising the central role of morality in the Grand Imam’s thinking and its practical applications in tackling modern challenges such as domestic violence and extremism.
El Sayed also shared insights behind the signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity” by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, revealing a rare alignment between the two religious leaders. While the Pope suggested calling it the “Document of Love,” the Grand Imam preferred “Fraternity,” reflecting his deep belief in peaceful coexistence.
Still, the Grand Imam mentioned “love” twice in his speech to stress the harmony between universal human values.
Additionally, Professor Dr Abdullah Al-Najjar, Member of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah, praised the Grand Imam as a pioneering figure in modern Islamic jurisprudence.
He explained that the Grand Imam has deeply studied centuries of renewal efforts and now stands as a contemporary authority revitalising Islamic legal thought to address current human challenges; demonstrating Islamic laws’ adaptability to all times and places.
Al-Najjar added that the Grand Imam’s renewal vision encompasses many of today’s societal developments, addressing modern transformations in Islamic behavior and thought.
The symposium aimed to deepen understanding of the Grand Imam’s perspectives on reform and moderation, showcasing his intellectual and practical contributions to global peace and the well-being of the Muslim world.
It also emphasised the Grand Imam’s vision for peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue, through discussions on the “Document on Human Fraternity,” Al-Azhar's initiatives, and the impact of the Grand Imam’s moderate discourse in building bridges between cultures.
