In a world currently facing “unprecedented polarization,” deepening divides and escalating conflicts, religions emerge as a “vital source of unifying values” and a safeguard of moral balance, said a judge on the Muslim Council of Elders.
“When their true principles are upheld,” the judge said, “religions can be a force for unity — calling for mercy instead of violence, justice instead of exclusion and solidarity instead of selfishness.”
Serving as secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Elders based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam works with the council’s other representatives to promote peace and human fraternity through interfaith dialogue and other initiatives.
On Sept. 21, Abdelsalam traveled to Utah to meet with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and strengthen interfaith relations with them. During an interview with the Deseret News on Sept. 23, Abdelsalam shared his perspectives on the vital roles that religions, believers, the media and youth can play in building societies founded on peace, tolerance and coexistence.
“Believers of all faiths are called upon to shoulder a moral responsibility in countering this polarization through practical initiatives that promote closeness and by building platforms for dialogue and collaboration,” he said.
“What is needed is the restoration of spiritual values to the heart of public life.”
On the role of media: Can it be trusted?
The media is one of the “most powerful tools” in influencing public opinion and guiding societies, Abdelsalam told the Deseret News.
“If it amplifies hatred and division, it fuels polarization,” he said. “But if it adopts a responsible narrative that emphasizes shared values and highlights success stories of coexistence, it becomes a positive force that propels societies toward openness and cooperation.”
Thus the Muslim Council of Elders, he said, focuses much of its work on “strengthening the role of the media,” striving to provide media professionals with the tools and training necessary to facilitate dialogue and become sincere “conveyor(s) of truth.”
Abdelsalam listed examples of the council’s work, including the Arab Media Forum for Human Fraternity it hosted in 2019 and the media code of ethics it announced at the 2019 forum.
He also talked about the “Document on Human Fraternity,” which the council also presented in 2019 and was signed and created by the late Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who also serves as president of the Muslim Council of Elders.
“The document was not simply a joint declaration,” Abdelsalam explained, “but a comprehensive human vision designed to establish a global ethical framework that affirms the dignity of every person regardless of faith, gender or culture.”
Having been both a witness and participant in the document’s creation, Abdelsalam said the process confirmed to him that “honest dialogue grounded in mutual respect, can generate realistic and inspiring solutions to the challenges of our time.”
Where faith and media intersect
The “Document on Human Fraternity” stands as a key outcome of interfaith dialogue, said Abdelsalam.
He said interfaith dialogue is “the key for solving many problems,” and thus religions should work with media professionals and institutions to help promote societal peace and understanding.
“Responsible media,” he said, “can act as a bridge connecting peoples, and (as) a window to show the world that religions and cultures are not only capable of coexistence, but can also complement one another in building a better future.
“Strong partnerships between religious leaders and media institutions,” he added, “(can help media professionals) produce content that elevates human values, challenges harmful stereotypes and promotes a global discourse rooted in peace.”
How the youth fit in
Young people are the “backbone of the future,” said Abdelsalam, and empowering them “is not optional.”
Empowering youth “is an urgent necessity if our world is to follow a sustainable path toward harmony and coexistence,” he fraternity. “nurturing their potential and developing their skills” is the “best investment” society can make.
“Youth bring boundless energy, openness to others and a thirst for learning and innovation.” All of these attributes, Abdelsalam continued, make youth “especially suited” to lead interfaith dialogue when provided with the right tools.
Thus, youth should have access to “specialized educational and training programs” designed to equip them with the tools necessary to lead initiatives for understanding and peace, Abdelsalam explained. “They must also be included in international platforms and global conferences so that they can play an active role in shaping policies and initiatives.”
The Muslim Council of Elders, through the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, is striving to help youth in this regard through various initiatives designed to “prepare a new generation of peacebuilders,” Abdelsalam said.
These include the Emerging Peacemakers Forum held in partnership with the World Council of Churches and the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as the Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity organized in collaboration with Georgetown University.
How believers — and nonbelievers — can promote peace
Abdelsalam advised believers and other individuals wanting to build peace in society to first “hold close” to their faith and values, and “deepen” them.
He then advised individuals to recognize and accept that “differences are a cosmic law.”
Differences “will continue to exist,” he said, “and that’s one of the reasons for the stability and prosperity of nations, countries and peoples worldwide.
“Being different is a gift and a divine blessing,” he continued. “So we have to appreciate it and to rethink how we envisage … our differences.”
Upon acknowledging the perpetual nature of differences, Abdelsalam said individuals should then try to coexist by striving to show love and respect to others around them regardless of their background and beliefs.
“When we do this,” he said, “we will have a trusted pathway to sustained stability, growth (and) advancement at the family level and at the community level.
Abdelsalam’s thoughts on Islam and the Church of Jesus Christ
Reflecting on his visit, Abdelsalam said he’s been impressed by the state of Utah and its community.
“What makes Utah truly remarkable,” he said, “is its unique balance between the spiritual values deeply rooted in its society and the practical spirit that motivates its people to serve their community and contribute to its development.”
Abdelsalam also said that during his visit, he found “many similarities” between Islam and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The most prominent, he said, is the “completely integrated system of values” that both Muslims and Latter-day Saints choose to live by.
For them, he said, “morality is not merely a slogan but a way of life.”
Both faiths urge their followers to “embrace honesty, integrity, kindness, generosity and other noble virtues,” he continued.
Abdelsalam also noted both faiths’ believe the “family occupies a central role” and that both faiths value prayer, the care of children and service to the community.
The family “is considered a sacred institution,” he said, “the basic unit of the community and the place where ethical and spiritual values are passed from one generation to another.”
