Wikipedia

Muhammad al-Isa

Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa (Arabic: محمد بن عبد الكريم العيسى; born 9 June 1965) is a Saudi Arabian religious leader, Secretary General of the Muslim World League,[1] President of the International Islamic Halal Organization, and former Saudi Minister of Justice.

Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa
Secretary General of the Muslim World League
Incumbent
Assumed office
12 August 2016
Preceded byAbdallah Ben Abdel Mohsen At-Turki
Minister of Justice
In office
14 February 2009 – 29 January 2015
Prime MinisterKing Abdullah
King Salman
Preceded byAbdullah bin Muhammad Al Sheikh
Succeeded byWaleed Al-Samani
Personal details
Born (1965-06-10) 10 June 1965 (age 59)
Riyadh
NationalitySaudi Arabian
Alma materImam Muhammad bin Saud University

He also serves as the chairman of the Centre for Responsible Leadership, a body of globally influential government, faith, media, business, and community leaders working together to solve the challenges facing humanity and the world today.

Al-Issa is considered a leading global voice on moderate Islam as well as a key figure in the fight against extremist ideology.[2] Religious leaders and government officials alike have commended Al-Issa for his efforts to promote moderation, and cooperation and coexistence among all people.[3][4][5]

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York and an influential member of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, referred to Al-Issa as the "most eloquent spokesperson in the Islamic world for reconciliation and friendship among the religions of the world."[6] In a historic meeting with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell Nelson stated to Al-Issa, "You are a peacemaker. You are a bridge builder. And we need more leaders like you."[7] The American Jewish Committee has called Al-Issa "the most powerful voice in the Muslim world promoting moderate Islam."[8] Elan Carr, former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, said Al-Issa "has chosen a future of tolerance and affection, where Jews and Christians can be embraced by their Muslim brethren.”[9]

Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Noble laureate Nelson Mandela and head of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, has praised Dr Al-Issa as a "remarkable voice for Muslim tolerance and moderation".

Early life and education

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Al-Issa was born in Riyadh on June 10, 1965.[10][11] He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University.[12] Later, he received a master's degree and then a PhD degree in Comparative Judicial Studies as well as in Studies in General Law and Constitutional Law from the university's higher institute of the judiciary.

Career

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After graduation, Al-Issa began to work at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University as a faculty member.[12] He became vice president to the board of grievances (a legal body for arbitration) in 2007, and he served there until 2009.[12][13]

On February 14, 2009, he was appointed the Minister of Justice in the Saudi cabinet, replacing Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Sheikh[14][15] who had been in office since 1992.[16] The appointment of Al-Issa as the minister of justice was part of King Abdullah's reforms' initiatives.[17][18]

As the justice minister, Al-Issa oversaw key reforms in several areas, including legislative reforms in family matters, humanitarian cases, and for the rights of women.

Following Al-Issa's departure from the Board of Grievance, executions in the kingdom grew from 69 in 2010 to 158 in 2015.[19] Saudi courts are affiliated with the Board of Grievances (An independent body affiliated with the King) and do not belong to the Ministry of Justice [111].

Al-Issa was appointed Secretary General of the Muslim World League on August 4, 2016.[20]

Views

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Issa argued in a lecture at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh in 2012 that Salafism was only an approach and that it should not be viewed as Islam. He further emphasized that the Salafi approach was moderate and meant following and obeying the ancestors' belief and values in regard to the understanding of Islam.[21]

Issa acknowledges the horror of the Holocaust and denounced the efforts of Holocaust denial. He advocates for Muslim immigrants to Western countries to integrate socially, in contrast to Wahhabi ideology.[22]

In January 2020, he led a delegation to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, to mark the 75th anniversary of the camp's liberation from Nazis.[23] In a speech on how Muslims and Jews can work together, Al-Issa stated that the Muslim World League is proud to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the Jewish community to build better understanding, respect and harmony.[24]

In February 2020, Al-Issa led a delegation of Islamic scholars to visit Srebrenica in Bosnia to pay respect at the Srebrenica-Potocari Genocide Memorial Centre.[25]

Issa is opposed to political Islam, saying that it does not reflect the true values of Islam and that Muslims in non-Muslim countries should respect the values of their nation of residence.[26]

Honors

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Hajj sermon, 2022

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In July 2022, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud appointed Dr Al-Issa the Khateeb of Hajj 1443 Hijri to deliver the hajj sermon from the pulpit of Masjid Nimra. The Hajj is the largest gathering of Muslims in the world and Dr Al-Issa used the opportunity to advocate a moderate message of Islam promoting harmony and compassion.

He called on Muslims to avoid all that leads to "dissent, animosity, or division" and stressed that "our interactions are dominated by harmony and compassion”.[27] His address further asked Muslims "not to give any mind to those who are insolent, have ulterior motives, or seek to obstruct him" in a bid to promote tolerance and understanding. Dr Al-Issa underscored that Islam had an encompassing spirit whose goodness extended to all of humanity

Initiatives

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Auschwitz visit

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Dr Issa leads a delegation of Muslim leaders to Auschwitz Memorial in January 2020.

As the head of the MWL and a key Muslim voice for interfaith peace and coexistence, Dr Al-Issa collaborated with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) to lead an historic delegation of senior Muslim scholars and leaders to the Auschwitz concentration camp in January 2020.[28] The delegation consisted of 62 Muslims, including 25 prominent religious leaders, from 28 countries.

The visit aimed at condemning the atrocities carried out against the Jews during the World War II and expressing solidarity in standing against oppressors. AJC CEO David Harris said Dr Al-Issa's visit was the “most senior Islamic leadership delegation to ever visit Auschwitz or any Nazi German death camp”. Harris called the visit a "direct rebuttal to the extremists who threaten us all".

Dr Al-Issa led a similar delegation to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum again in January 2022.

Forum on Common Values among Religious Followers

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Dr Al-Issa at the Forum on Common Values among Religious Followers

Under Al-Issa's guidance, MWL arranged a discussion and debate forum in Riyadh in May 2022 titled "Forum on Common Values among Religious Followers" that brought together senior Muslim scholars and leaders as well as leadership and scholars of other religions from across the world.[29]

The forum was a key initiative in bringing leadership and followers of various religions together to discuss, appreciate and promote values that bind all religions. Combining common religious principles and international conventions, the forum issued a declaration of “Common Human Values” wherein participants agreed to affirm the centrality of religion in every civilization due to its influence in “shaping the ideas of human societies”.

The participants shunned denounced the idea of an 'inevitable clash of civilizations' due to religious issues. The forum underscored that attempts to gain religious, cultural, political and economic advantages without respect for rights or ethics, and through forms of extremism, arrogance and racism, must be opposed. One of the key successes of the forum was religious leaders agreeing that it was uncalled for to link religion and malpractices of some of its followers, and that religion must not be employed for worldly purposes.

The event was hailed as a landmark gathering of religious leadership from around the world and crucial to scaling efforts for peacebuilding and interfaith harmony. It was also cited as an effective initiative for engaging conflict parties, addressing grievances, and promote understanding on both sides of the political and religious divides.

Forum of Iraqi References

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Al-Issa was also instrumental in arranging an historic gathering of Iraqi religious leadership in the holy city of Makkah that aimed at promoting greater understanding and initiating comprehensive dialogue between the differing adherents of Islam.[30] Named "Forum of Iraqi References", the August 2021 event focused on discussing and developing frameworks on the roles of scholars in combatting sectarianism and religious extremism, promoting intra-faith coexistence, and providing support to Iraqi government efforts to achieve a lasting peace. At the end of the conference, participants agreed to denounce sectarianism and urged coexistence, moderation, mutual respect and tolerance. They also called for “opening constructive dialogue channels” among the clerics to deal with various issues.

 
Dr Issa welcomes delegates at the Afghanistan conference in Makkah in June 2021

Conference on the Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan

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In June 2021, Al-Issa and the Muslim World League spearheaded a meeting of religious and political leadership from Afghanistan and Pakistan in the holy city of Makkah that devised a roadmap for attaining lasting peace in the war-torn country.[31]

Following a full-day conference, an accord was signed that defined religious parameters to achieve a just and comprehensive peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan in line with Islamic principles.

Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, then federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony in Pakistan, and Mohammad Qasim Halimi, then minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs of Afghanistan, signed the agreement.

Al-Issa had said that the conference had highlighted the strong resolve "of our brothers in the meeting to advance peace in Afghanistan".

The Charter of Makkah

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The Charter of Makkah, endorsed in May 2019, was an effort led by the Muslim World League under Dr Al-Issa. The Charter was formulated to create a pan-Islamic set of principles that support anti-extremism, religious and cultural diversity, tolerance and legislation against hate and violence.[32]

The document was declared at the end of the four-day conference organized by the Muslim World League in Makkah. It was approved by Islamic leaders of 139 countries and signed by around 1,200 prominent Muslim figures.

At the conference, more than 1,000 religious scholars representing 128 countries discussed ways to come up with a comprehensive plan to address sectarianism and extremism within Islam, and stressed the need to create effective channels of communication between the different schools of Islam.

Faith For Our Planet

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Early in 2022, Dr Al-Issa laid the foundation of Faith For Our Planet, a global inter-faith coalition of environmentalists, religious leaders bureaucrats, politicians, and researchers. FFOP's aim is to mobilize the influence of faith and faith leaders to address the increasing threat to the planet posed by climate change. In FFOP, Dr Al-Issa envisions providing the world with an influential platform where faiths, faith leaders and faith communities can come together to find ways for climate change mitigation and for preservation of our planet.

Training Workshops

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Since June 2022, FFOP has initiated a series of workshops aimed at engaging religious and community leaders in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. These workshops have been held in cities such as Islamabad, London, Banjul, Dhaka, and Kigali, training over 250 diverse stakeholders to lead faith-based climate action in their communities.[33][34][35][36][37]

Youth Interfaith Fellowship on Climate Change

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In January 2023, FFOP launched the world's first-ever global Youth Interfaith Fellowship on Climate Change in partnership with the Duke Divinity School. The fellowship, offered on an annual basis, is a fully funded residential program focusing on vocational training and capacity building for impact-driven faith-based climate action.[38] NewsTalk Florida called it a “flagship initiative”, adding that it would help “thirty young leaders find solutions to the world's most pressing climate concerns over an intense one-week program".[39]

FFOP at UNGA

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In September 2023, FFOP hosted its flagship event, “Faith in Her”, during the 78th session of the UNGA in New York.[40] The event aimed to highlight the role of women in faith in climate leadership, existing systemic barriers to their participation, and how and why these barriers must be overcome.[41] Over 75 representatives from FBOs, civil society, and environmental organizations were in attendance. Faith in Her culminated in the FFOP Declaration of Inclusivity — a series of recommendations for faith institutions and FBOs to build capacity for women of faith, particularly women of color and in the Global South, to participate in climate leadership and negotiations. The Declaration was inspired in spirit and structure by the MWL's Charter of Makkah.

FFOP at COP28

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FFOP hosted a side event at the first-of-its-kind Faith Pavilion at COP8 in Dubai, UAE in December 2023. The event focused on how religious giving can potentially unlock substantial resources exceeding a trillion dollars to bridge the global climate financing gap.[42] A report on the theme of religious philanthropy was also launched at this platform, produced by FFOP in partnership with the Duke Divinity School at Duke University, USA.[43] Over 50 faith leaders, policymakers and youth representatives from across the globe attended the event, which was also live streamed on the Faith Pavilion's official YouTube channel.[44]

International Religious Forum 2022

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In March 2022, Dr Al-Issa delivered the opening address at the Global Faith Forum 2022, hosted by three states known as significant centers of the Evangelical community in the United States: Texas, Kansas, and Maryland.[45] At this gathering, the Secretary-General of the MWL introduced the Charter of Makkah and highlighted the need to overcome differences in the pursuit of progress. Following the Forum, Dr Al-Issa held meetings with various Evangelical leaders from the host states.

Kazakhstan Conference of Religious Leaders 2022

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In September 2022, Dr Al-Issa was invited by the President of Kazakhstan to deliver a keynote address at the Kazakhstan Conference of Religious Leaders, in the presence of esteemed guests including Pope Francis.[46]

R20 Summit 2022

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In November 2022, Dr Al-Issa collaborated with His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, and Yahya Cholil Staquf, General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (Indonesian Ulema Council) to convene an inaugural gathering of religious leaders in Bali, Indonesia.[47]

Founded by the MWL and the Nahdlatul Ulama, the R20 platform was adopted as the first official engagement group on religion in the G20, making the R20 Summit the first religious gathering of its kind. The two-day event brought together more than 400 participants, including 160 inter-religious figures from 20 of the world's largest economies, to discuss contemporary global challenges and the role religious leaders needed to play to address them.[48][49] At the end of the Summit, the G20 Presidency was symbolically transferred from Indonesia to India, underscoring the continuity of efforts in fostering positive dialogue and collaboration.

Abu Dhabi Peace Forum 2022

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Dr Al-Issa delivered the keynote address at the opening session of the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum in November 2022, where he stressed that “peace is a core value in Islam, which is a religion of peace and strengthens the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence, and values human dignity”.[50] The event was attended by senior international political, religious, intellectual, and academic figures.

International Interfaith Research Lab at Columbia

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Dr Al-Issa launched the International Interfaith Research Lab at Columbia University's Teachers College in November 2022. The Lab was established through a grant by the MWL to promote efforts to combat hate speech and hate crimes. Headed by Dr Amra Sabic-El-Rayess, Teachers’ College Associate Professor of Practice, the lab aims to foster a culture of resilience, serving as a center of excellence for research, leadership, and training.[51][52][53]

2023 UK Visit

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In March 2023, Dr Al-Issa embarked on a significant visit to the UK, aimed at advancing interfaith harmony, cooperation, dialogue, and environmental protection.

During his trip, Dr Al-Issa engaged with the British Parliament, delivering a lecture on the Islamic and human values encompassed in the Charter of Makkah, as well as the Monarchy, making him the first prominent Muslim figure to be received by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace following his ascension to the throne.[54][55]

Dr Al-Issa's engagements also extended to the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Defense Academy of the United Kingdom, where he met with ambassadors, students, and officers and discussed how religious values called for protection of the environment.[56]

Another significant milestone was the first-ever conference of Muslim Religious Leaders in Europe, convened on behalf of MWL and presided over by Dr. Al-Issa.[57] This event, attended by more than 300 Muslim leaders, focused on understanding the major issues facing the European Muslim community and addressing its most pressing concerns. It concluded with the establishment of a London-based independent body, including a Fatwa and religious guidance committee, and approved the Charter of Makkah for training Muslim Imams in Europe.[58]

Dr Al-Issa also met with several faith leaders, including Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations in the UK; HE Cardinal Vincent Collins, the Archbishop of Westminster; and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. These meetings focused on cooperation for promoting interfaith peace-building efforts, confronting hate speech, and criminalizing acts that insult any religious sanctity.

Meeting With Pope Francis

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In May 2023, Dr Al-Issa was invited by Pope Francis at his residence in Santa Marta, Vatican.[59] Dr Al-Issa said the two of them discussed “shared values and building bridges between civilizations based on effective and sustainable initiatives. I appreciate Pope Francis's kind hospitality and noble sentiments”.[59]

Building Bridges of Understanding and Peace Between East and West Initiative

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In June 2023, Dr Al-Issa inaugurated the “Building Bridges of Understanding and Peace Between East and West” initiative at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.[60] The session featured speeches from esteemed global and religious leaders, including  Csaba Korosi, Amina Mohammed, Arthur C. Wilson, Martin Luther King III, and Sir Ephraim Yitzchak Mirvis, stressing the urgent need for interreligious and intercultural dialogue for the shared goal of global peace and prosperity.[61]

2023 India Visit

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In July 2023, Dr Al-Issa undertook a significant visit to India that spanned five days.[62] During his time in the country, he voiced concerns about the surge in global conflicts, particularly highlighting the negative role played by terrorist organizations. Through an interview with the news agency ANI, Dr Al-Issa clarified that the ideologies of Islam and terrorism are distinct, emphasizing that they "have nothing to do with each other."[63]

Marking a historic moment in his tour, Dr Al-Issa led the Friday prayers at Delhi's Jama Masjid.[64] This occasion was notably significant as he became the first individual from outside India to assume this role at the revered mosque in over four centuries.[65] Additionally, showcasing inter-faith harmony, he visited the renowned Akshardham Temple in Delhi. There, he advocated for universal peace and harmony, underscoring the importance of love and unity, irrespective of the underlying reasons for global conflicts.[66]

The tense relations between Muslims and Hindus in the region in general called for this visit. During the visit, Sheikh Al-Issa worked to bring points of view closer and to talk with officials in India about the Islamic community and the importance of their rights.[67] He addressed the Islamic community on the importance of coexistence, harmony, and interaction with society.

Awards and Recognitions

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Since taking over the Muslim World League in 2016, Dr Al-Issa has received a number of awards and recognitions from a wide range of prominent international institutions and government officials.

  • October 2020: The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre named Al-Issa one of the most influential Muslims globally in its 2020 edition of “The Muslim 500: The World's Most Influential Muslims.”
  • June 2020: Dr Al-Issa received the inaugural Combat Anti-Semitism Award from the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement and the American Sephardi Federation for his contributions to the fight against anti-Semitism and racism.
  • August 2019: Dr Al-Issa was awarded the “Children of Abraham” Award alongside the head of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Rabbi Marc Schneier by the Florence School of Advanced Studies for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue at the 40th annual Rimini Meeting.
  • July 2019: Senegal's President Macky Sall awarded Dr. Al-Issa the Grand Order of the State in recognition of his efforts to promote religious understanding and harmony, and humanitarian programs around the world.
  • February 2019: Dr Al-Issa received the World's Religions Peace Award from the National Council on US-Arab Relations for his international efforts to promote interfaith peace and harmony.
  • November 2018: Dr Al-Issa received the 2018 Moderation Prize from Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for his efforts to combat extremist and terrorist ideology and promote moderation and peace.
  • July 2018: Dr Al-Issa received the 2018 Galileo International Award from the Galileo Foundation in Florence, Italy for his international achievements and leadership in promoting religious and cultural unity.
  • August 2021: Prophet's Hijra Award by Malaysia.[68]
  • November 2021: Norwegian Bridge Builder Award for contributions to building bridges between individuals, nations and societies.[69]
  • February 2022: Honorary Doctorate in Law from Pattani University, Thailand.[70]
  • February 2022: Order of the Republic awarded by President of the Republic of Maldives Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.[71]
  • October 2022: Hilal-e-Pakistan, second-highest civil award of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, awarded President Arif Alvi.[72]
  • October 2022: National Order of Merit, awarded by His Excellency President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh AI-Ghazwani.[73]
  • October 2022: Honorary Medal from the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions presented by Kazakh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
  • November 2022:  America Abroad Media presented Dr Al-Issa with an award for his commentary about how Muslims are portrayed in Western films.
  • November 2022: Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace Award for consolidating peace in Muslim societies.[74]

Publications

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2024

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It is high time that Norway resumes its role as a global peace builder | AftenPosten

This Ramadan, Muslim world can end gender apartheid in Afghanistan | Euronews

Avoiding the Demonization Trap Over Gaza | Wall Street Journal

A Muslim faith leader calls for stronger moral leadership in the Middle East | The Economist

2023

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Swedes and Muslims must not fall into the trap of Koran burners | Dagens Nyheter

We Must Guard Against the Dangers of AI and Religious Extremism |Newsweek

What a genocide survivor and a Muslim leader learn fighting 'great replacement theory |USA Today

2022

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Biden's silent bid to end terrorism | Washington Times

Women are the missing key to tackling climate change in the Muslim World | Euractiv

2021

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Islamic scholars can turn the Taliban towards moderation | Times of London

To save Muslim lives, let Muslims tell their own stories | Washington Post

Religion's Role in Climate Conversations | Newsweek

Ramadan a chance to dispel vaccinations myths across Islamic world | The Sydney Morning Herald

Social media brings out the hate in individuals | The Washington Times

2020

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Muslims need to advance justice, community welfare this election | The Detroit News

As Muslims, we stand with Jews to pledge: Never again |Jewish News

How Auschwitz has united Muslims and Jews | Chicago Tribune

2019

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Muslims and Latter-day Saints can be leaders in building tolerance | Deseret News

As Head of the Muslim World League, I See Islamic Leaders Calling for Tolerance More Than Ever | Newsweek

A Ramadan for the world | The Washington Times

My advice to Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar | Fox News

I Lead the Muslim World League. Here is Why I Broke Taboos To Acknowledge the Holocaust | Newsweek

Why Muslims from around the world should remember the Holocaust? | Washington Post

Positions

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Non-profit organization positions
Preceded by Secretary General of Muslim World League
2016 – 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by
Abdullah Aal Al Sheikh
 Minister of Justice
2009 – 2015 		Succeeded by
Waleed Al-Samani[75]

References

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