Muslim Council of Elders, Spiritual Department of Muslims of Kazakhstan discuss boosting cooperation

ASTANA, 9th October, 2024 (WAM) -- The Muslim Council of Elders, represented by Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with the Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan, Nurizbay Taganuli Utbenov, to discuss mutual cooperation at the 22nd session of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held on October 7th and 8th in Astana, Kazakhstan. The discussions centred on strategies to bolster collaboration in countering challenges faced by Muslim communities, with a particular focus on safeguarding youth from extremist ideologies.

Judge Abdelsalam stressed that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, is dedicated to promoting peace and encouraging youth to embrace tolerance and human fraternity. He highlighted initiatives such as the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the Student Dialogues for Human Fraternity, and the Ethical Education Program, which foster intercultural dialogue and practical steps toward peaceful coexistence. These initiatives provide platforms for young people from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and work towards global solidarity.

Grand Mufti Utbenov highlighted the pivotal role of religious leaders in guiding youth away from extremism and praised the Council’s efforts under Dr. Al-Tayeb's leadership to advocate peace and moderation. He noted that the Council’s Central Asia branch, located in Astana, serves as a key platform for promoting dialogue, supporting regional Muslim communities, and reviving the intellectual heritage of Islamic scholars for the benefit of younger generations.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and agreed to launch joint initiatives, including a series of publications promoting moderate thought and efforts to advance dialogue and coexistence across communities.