MCE: International Day of Human Fraternity Celebrates Shared Human Values to Uphold Goodness, Justice

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, emphasized that the International Day of Human Fraternity is a celebration of shared human values, reaffirming that all people belong to one global family united by common principles. 

The Council underscored the importance of strengthening collective efforts to promote dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, peace, and human fraternity among people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

In a statement marking the occasion, the Council noted that February 4 commemorates the sixth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity—the most significant document in modern history.

 This historic document was signed in Abu Dhabi by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The document represents one of the most significant acts of human solidarity in contemporary times.

The statement further highlighted that, over the past years, the Document on Human Fraternity has sparked an unprecedented global movement aimed at spreading and reinforcing the values of love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Recognizing the significance of this historic event, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted February 4—the anniversary of the document’s signing—as the International Day of Human Fraternity on December 22, 2020.

 The statement emphasized that this global recognition reflects the profound humanitarian principles outlined in the document. Many countries, universities, and academic institutions worldwide have incorporated its teachings into their educational programs, while some nations have even adopted it as a national charter.

Marking the International Day of Human Fraternity, the Muslim Council of Elders underscored the importance of upholding the values of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. It emphasized that all people—regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion—are descendants of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and share a common destiny. This shared fate calls for collective efforts to foster goodness, compassion, coexistence, and peace.