Calls for a coordinated global campaign to counter extremism, hate speech and religious discrimination have intensified after a leading international Islamic body warned that such trends threaten social stability and peaceful coexistence across societies.
The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued a statement urging governments, religious institutions and civil society organisations to launch a comprehensive worldwide effort aimed at confronting extremist rhetoric and combating discrimination based on religion or belief. The initiative coincided with the observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March, a date recognised by the United Nations to highlight rising hostility toward Muslim communities and to encourage dialogue between cultures and faiths.
The council emphasised its rejection of all forms of extremism, hatred and incitement to violence, warning that Islamophobia and religious intolerance have developed into broader challenges affecting global security and social cohesion. Leaders of the organisation argued that such hostility often stems from misinformation, entrenched stereotypes and political exploitation by groups seeking to advance narrow agendas.
Dr Al-Tayeb and fellow scholars called for policies that strengthen respect for diversity and safeguard religious freedom while encouraging societies to counter discrimination through education and responsible public discourse. According to the council, efforts to confront hate speech must involve a coordinated response across sectors, including governments, media organisations and educational institutions, to promote a culture of coexistence and mutual respect.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the Muslim Council of Elders was established in 2014 as an independent international organisation dedicated to promoting dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among cultures and religions. The body brings together prominent scholars and public figures from across the Muslim world and aims to address ideological extremism by promoting moderate religious scholarship and interfaith engagement.
Officials associated with the council have repeatedly stressed that violent extremism and hate speech are not confined to any single religion or culture. They argue that countering such ideologies requires long-term investment in education, youth engagement and intercultural dialogue. Initiatives launched by the organisation include international peace convoys, youth forums for emerging peacemakers and dialogue programmes designed to strengthen understanding between different faith communities.
Advocates of the new campaign maintain that religious institutions can play a vital role in countering narratives of division by emphasising the shared ethical foundations present across faith traditions. They point to global religious initiatives that have sought to highlight these common values, including the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Dr Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis, which promotes solidarity, freedom of belief and respect for cultural diversity.
The council’s statement framed extremism and hate speech as interconnected challenges amplified by digital platforms and political polarisation in several regions. Analysts studying religious and cultural conflicts note that inflammatory rhetoric can spread rapidly through online networks, intensifying mistrust between communities and complicating diplomatic efforts to address sectarian tensions.
Policy experts emphasise that countering such narratives requires coordinated communication strategies and clear legal frameworks addressing discrimination and incitement to violence. They argue that governments must balance the protection of free expression with measures aimed at preventing the spread of harmful propaganda that incites hostility against religious or ethnic groups.
The Muslim Council of Elders highlighted education as a central component of any global strategy. Scholars affiliated with the organisation argue that teaching young people about cultural diversity and ethical responsibility can help inoculate communities against extremist ideologies. Programmes organised by the council have sought to encourage students and community leaders to engage in dialogue with counterparts from different regions and faith traditions.
Faith-based organisations have increasingly positioned themselves as partners in global peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in areas affected by sectarian conflict or political instability. Religious scholars participating in these initiatives argue that theological clarity and responsible religious leadership are essential in challenging extremist interpretations that distort sacred texts.
Debates about religious tolerance have also expanded into broader discussions about cultural pluralism and citizenship rights. Advocates for interfaith dialogue emphasise that modern societies must recognise the legitimacy of diverse identities while reinforcing shared civic principles that uphold equality before the law.
Within the Muslim world, initiatives aimed at promoting moderation have emerged through conferences, educational programmes and scholarly declarations intended to clarify the ethical foundations of Islam. These efforts often highlight the religion’s teachings on compassion, justice and coexistence as a counterweight to militant ideologies.
Statements issued by religious leaders underline that the misuse of faith to justify violence or discrimination undermines both religious traditions and social harmony. Scholars affiliated with the Muslim Council of Elders argue that confronting extremist rhetoric requires consistent engagement from community leaders, educators and policymakers.
The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued a statement urging governments, religious institutions and civil society organisations to launch a comprehensive worldwide effort aimed at confronting extremist rhetoric and combating discrimination based on religion or belief. The initiative coincided with the observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March, a date recognised by the United Nations to highlight rising hostility toward Muslim communities and to encourage dialogue between cultures and faiths.
The council emphasised its rejection of all forms of extremism, hatred and incitement to violence, warning that Islamophobia and religious intolerance have developed into broader challenges affecting global security and social cohesion. Leaders of the organisation argued that such hostility often stems from misinformation, entrenched stereotypes and political exploitation by groups seeking to advance narrow agendas.
Dr Al-Tayeb and fellow scholars called for policies that strengthen respect for diversity and safeguard religious freedom while encouraging societies to counter discrimination through education and responsible public discourse. According to the council, efforts to confront hate speech must involve a coordinated response across sectors, including governments, media organisations and educational institutions, to promote a culture of coexistence and mutual respect.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the Muslim Council of Elders was established in 2014 as an independent international organisation dedicated to promoting dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among cultures and religions. The body brings together prominent scholars and public figures from across the Muslim world and aims to address ideological extremism by promoting moderate religious scholarship and interfaith engagement.
Officials associated with the council have repeatedly stressed that violent extremism and hate speech are not confined to any single religion or culture. They argue that countering such ideologies requires long-term investment in education, youth engagement and intercultural dialogue. Initiatives launched by the organisation include international peace convoys, youth forums for emerging peacemakers and dialogue programmes designed to strengthen understanding between different faith communities.
Advocates of the new campaign maintain that religious institutions can play a vital role in countering narratives of division by emphasising the shared ethical foundations present across faith traditions. They point to global religious initiatives that have sought to highlight these common values, including the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Dr Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis, which promotes solidarity, freedom of belief and respect for cultural diversity.
The council’s statement framed extremism and hate speech as interconnected challenges amplified by digital platforms and political polarisation in several regions. Analysts studying religious and cultural conflicts note that inflammatory rhetoric can spread rapidly through online networks, intensifying mistrust between communities and complicating diplomatic efforts to address sectarian tensions.
Policy experts emphasise that countering such narratives requires coordinated communication strategies and clear legal frameworks addressing discrimination and incitement to violence. They argue that governments must balance the protection of free expression with measures aimed at preventing the spread of harmful propaganda that incites hostility against religious or ethnic groups.
The Muslim Council of Elders highlighted education as a central component of any global strategy. Scholars affiliated with the organisation argue that teaching young people about cultural diversity and ethical responsibility can help inoculate communities against extremist ideologies. Programmes organised by the council have sought to encourage students and community leaders to engage in dialogue with counterparts from different regions and faith traditions.
Faith-based organisations have increasingly positioned themselves as partners in global peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in areas affected by sectarian conflict or political instability. Religious scholars participating in these initiatives argue that theological clarity and responsible religious leadership are essential in challenging extremist interpretations that distort sacred texts.
Debates about religious tolerance have also expanded into broader discussions about cultural pluralism and citizenship rights. Advocates for interfaith dialogue emphasise that modern societies must recognise the legitimacy of diverse identities while reinforcing shared civic principles that uphold equality before the law.
Within the Muslim world, initiatives aimed at promoting moderation have emerged through conferences, educational programmes and scholarly declarations intended to clarify the ethical foundations of Islam. These efforts often highlight the religion’s teachings on compassion, justice and coexistence as a counterweight to militant ideologies.
Statements issued by religious leaders underline that the misuse of faith to justify violence or discrimination undermines both religious traditions and social harmony. Scholars affiliated with the Muslim Council of Elders argue that confronting extremist rhetoric requires consistent engagement from community leaders, educators and policymakers.
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