Muslim Council of Elders to convene in Bahrain

Manama, Sep. 27 (BNA): Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al-Khalifa received Al-Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed al-Tayeb, who arrived in Bahrain to chair the meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders. The minister welcomed the Grand Imam, commending the dedicated efforts of Muslim Council of Elders to disseminate moderate Islamic thought and build constructive dialogue stemming from the values of Islam with other civilizations. He expressed Bahrain’s delight at hosting the meeting, under the chairmanship of the Al-Azhar Grand Imam Dr. al-Tayeb, backing all efforts to cultivate moderation, tolerance and the renunciation of violence and extremism. “Bahrain has always advocated moderate Islamic thought, sought to consolidate tolerance and the renunciation of violence and hatred”, the minister said, adding that the meeting in Bahrain sends a strong message affirming these values. The Muslim World, he said, is in a dire need for the propagation of such a moderate thought. Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Farid bin Yacoub Al-Meftah stressed the importance of the meeting which addresses the issues of co-existence, respect of others’ opinion, and the renunciation of violence and terrorism. He stressed the crucial role of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting Islam as a civilized and tolerant religion, which is open to communication with other religions.