Al-Azhar and Muslim Council of Elders to Organize Global Conference on Coexistence in Thailand
In a bid to promote peaceful coexistence and human fraternity, Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam’s oldest and most prestigious seat of learning, along with the Muslim Council of Elders, is planning to organize a global conference in Thailand. The conference aims to bring together religious leaders and figures from around the world to emphasize the importance of fostering dialogue, peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
During a recent visit to Bangkok, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar and chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at the Grand Palace. The king expressed his delight at the grand imam’s visit and commended the efforts of Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting values that are essential for building harmonious societies.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn praised Al-Azhar for being a beacon of progressive and moderate thinking, highly respected by the Thai people who live in unity and peace. He also expressed his country’s eagerness to enhance cooperation with Al-Azhar by increasing student exchanges, accrediting more religious institutes teaching the Al-Azhar curriculum, and strengthening ties between Al-Azhar and Islamic centers in Thailand.
The king highlighted the strong desire of Muslim families in Thailand to send their children to study at Al-Azhar, noting that graduates from the institution play significant roles in Thai society. He expressed confidence that the grand imam’s visit would pave the way for inspiring initiatives and projects in Thailand, benefiting the local Muslim community.
Al-Tayeb reciprocated the warm welcome he received in Thailand and praised Thai students studying at Al-Azhar for their exemplary conduct and contributions to society. He reiterated Al-Azhar’s commitment to nurturing its alumni as ambassadors of peace, tolerance, and coexistence worldwide.
Furthermore, Al-Tayeb announced plans to establish centers for teaching the Arabic language in Thailand, enabling Muslims to learn the language of the Qur’an. He also mentioned initiatives such as intensifying training courses for Thai imams at Al-Azhar Academy and increasing scholarships for Thai Muslims to pursue further studies at Al-Azhar.
The grand imam’s visit is expected to facilitate public meetings and discussions organized by Al-Azhar institutions in Thailand, providing an opportunity for dialogue and exchange of ideas among participants. This engagement is crucial for promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse communities, fostering a culture of coexistence and harmony.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to organize a global conference on coexistence in Thailand reflects a shared commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and human fraternity. By bringing together religious leaders and figures from different backgrounds, the conference aims to highlight the universal values that unite humanity and inspire positive change in societies worldwide.