Muslim World League Asserts the Importance of Promoting 'Constructive' Dialogue

Egyptian Mufti Shawki Allam gifting the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammed al-Issa, the shield of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide (Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa)
Egyptian Mufti Shawki Allam gifting the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammed al-Issa, the shield of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide (Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa)
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Muslim World League Asserts the Importance of Promoting 'Constructive' Dialogue

Egyptian Mufti Shawki Allam gifting the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammed al-Issa, the shield of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide (Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa)
Egyptian Mufti Shawki Allam gifting the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammed al-Issa, the shield of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide (Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa)

The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammed al-Issa, reiterated the importance of the solidarity of religious institutions, which helps promote constructive dialogue and understanding between people.

The Sec-Gen met the Egyptian Mufti Shawki Allam on the sidelines of the Building Bridges Between East and West Forum at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Issa asserted that cooperation between religious institutions promotes tolerance and coexistence.

He noted that through continuous communication and exchanging experiences and knowledge, the institutions could contribute to presenting a tolerant and balanced religious vision of current global challenges.

The Mufti stated that cooperation and coordination between religious institutions boost people's religious awareness, spread peace and tolerance, and correct misinformation propagated by extremism and militancy groups.

He stressed boosting joint efforts enhancing communication and understanding between peoples, and promoting human values, asserting that it is the best way to achieve global peace and societal stability.

Allam said during the meeting that the fatwa must be based on the scientific methodology, the legal rooting of peace, and the awareness of contemporary reality, according to a statement to the Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa.

Allam explained that Dar al-Iftaa has a pioneering experience in training and qualifying muftis through three-year programs.

Egypt's Dar al-Iftaa trains several scholars to become religious figures in their home countries.

The exchange of experiences between religious institutions contributes to expanding knowledge and mutual understanding of religious and social issues and enables religious institutions to benefit from each other's experiences, develop work methods, and address current challenges.

Allam gifted Issa the shield of the "General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide" in appreciation for his efforts in promoting global peace and understanding.

Mufti's advisor Ibrahim Najm stated that the Mufti would meet several UN leaders to build communication and cooperation bridges and set joint practical goals and programs to enhance communication and knowledge sharing to confront Islamophobia, hate speech, and extremism.



Sudanese Army Reports First Defection of Senior RSF Commander

Members of the Sudanese army during a military parade (File Photo- AFP)
Members of the Sudanese army during a military parade (File Photo- AFP)
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Sudanese Army Reports First Defection of Senior RSF Commander

Members of the Sudanese army during a military parade (File Photo- AFP)
Members of the Sudanese army during a military parade (File Photo- AFP)

Sudan's army said on Sunday a commander from its foe the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had defected with some of his troops, in what would be the first such move by a senior figure since the sides started fighting more than 18 months ago.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF which has seized control of large parts of the country in a conflict with the military that the UN says has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Supporters of the army posted photos online purporting to show Abuagla Keikal - a former army officer who became the RSF's top commander in the southeastern state of El Gezira - after he had defected.

The army, which has recently reported gains against the RSF in parts of the capital, said Keikal had decided to make the move because of his former force's "destructive agenda".

It did not go into further detail and there was no statement, in print or on video, from Keikal, Reuters reported.

The conflict has displaced more than 10 million people, driven parts of the country to extreme hunger or famine, and drawn in foreign powers that have supplied both sides with material support.

It began in April 2023 when tensions between the RSF and the army, who had been jostling for position ahead of an internationally backed transition to civilian rule, erupted into open conflict.

The army and the RSF had previously shared power after staging a coup in 2021, two years after veteran autocrat Omar al-Bashir was toppled in a