G20 podium
NEW DELHI: The visit of Muslim World League Secretary General Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has helped clear many doubts and misgivings about India. The visit came at a time when a lot of negativity and disinformation is being circulated within and outside the country.
In his addresses, Dr Issa spoke about the greatness of Indian democracy and hailed the country’s Constitution. Despite being a Hindumajority nation, its Constitution is secular and accommodates diversity, he said.
He also talked about how moderate values and better understanding between people could help avoid the clash of civilisations, which primarily emanates either from religious or cultural conflicts.
Inclusive growth
Soon after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 11, Dr Issa hailed his “passionate perspective” towards inclusive growth. He said they agreed on the importance of working together to confront all aspects of extremism and hatred.
He also led Friday prayers at Jama Masjid and delivered a sermon which was widely acclaimed. That day, he visited Akshardham Temple too.
His address at an event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi struck a chord across all sections. The statements of India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, a cospeaker, struck resonance with Dr Al-Issa’s observations. His interaction with various faith leaders and intellectuals at the headquarters of the Vivekananda International Foundation generated a lot of goodwill.
Equality, harmony
Dr Issa’s visit concluded on July 16. While the trip helped the world learn about the truth equality and harmony in the country, it will also go a long way in strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
A former Saudi Minister of Justice, the prominent global face for moderate Islam now heads the Intellectual Warfare Center, a body affiliated with Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry that is dedicated to combating extremist and terrorist ideology. In August 2016, he was appointed the Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), an international NGO headquartered in Mecca, with members from all Islamic countries and sects.
Tolerant principles
The MWL aims to present Islam and its tolerant principles, provide humanitarian aid, extend bridges of dialogue and cooperation with all, engage in positive openness to all cultures and civilisations, follow the path of centrism and moderation, and ward off movements calling for extremism, violence, and exclusion.
Dr Al-Issa earned his reputation as a moderate reformer in his capacity as Saudi Arabia’s Justice Minister where he carried out the new-age reform agenda of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. He is particularly known for his work elevating the rights of women in the conservative Arab nation.
