Al-Issa: Values of Islam Foster Harmony, Eschew Hatred and Division

Muslim World League head Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa gives Arafat sermon at Nimrah Mosque in Makkah during Hajj. (SPA)
Muslim World League head Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa gives Arafat sermon at Nimrah Mosque in Makkah during Hajj. (SPA)
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Al-Issa: Values of Islam Foster Harmony, Eschew Hatred and Division

Muslim World League head Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa gives Arafat sermon at Nimrah Mosque in Makkah during Hajj. (SPA)
Muslim World League head Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa gives Arafat sermon at Nimrah Mosque in Makkah during Hajj. (SPA)

Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Member of the Council of Senior Scholars Sheikh Mohammad Al-Issa called upon the faithful to hold fast to the sublime values of Islam that promote harmony and compassion, and avoid all that lead to dissent, animosity and division among the believers.

He said this while delivering the Arafat sermon at Namirah Mosque on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“You must realize that hastening to do good things includes being keen to comply with the values taught by Islam; values that soundly mold the conduct of a Muslim and refine them in the best way,” said Al-Issa.

“Among the values taught by Islam are avoiding all that leads to dissent, animosity, or division; and instead, ensuring that our interactions are dominated by harmony and compassion,” he called on the pilgrims.

Al-Issa, who delivered the Arafat sermon for the first time, emphasized the importance of Islam’s five pillars of faith.

Addressing the pilgrims, he said Allah has honored them with the opportunity to perform Hajj this year and urged them to follow the guidance of Prophet Mohammed when completing their rituals.

He also urged Muslims to continue to carry out good deeds and treat others well, including those of other beliefs.

“All people, whether Muslims or not, respect those with good manners, for sound conduct is a high human value,” he said.

“Love and compassion should prevail in our dealings, and it is part of our faith that we all together unite,” he said, adding that cooperation can preserve the Muslim community’s cohesion.

“This proves the fact that Islam is an all-encompassing spirit that includes goodness to all humanity. Our Prophet has said: ‘The best people are those who are the most beneficial to people,’” added Al-Issa.



Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
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Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has begun a tour of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, marking his second visit to the region and his first since most international sanctions on Syria were lifted.

The trip, which began in the United Arab Emirates, underscores Damascus’s push to reintegrate economically and diplomatically into the Arab world after more than a decade of isolation.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the tour aims to bolster economic cooperation and attract Gulf investments to support Syria’s national reconstruction and development plans.

Al-Sharaa arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders held official talks focusing on post-war recovery, economic partnership, and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the meeting, al-Sharaa said Syria has “turned the page on war and division” and is now focused on building “strategic partnerships” with its Gulf neighbors. He praised the UAE’s role in supporting regional stability and expressed interest in learning from the Emirati model in sustainable development, digital transformation, and clean energy.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s full support for Syria’s efforts to restore stability and rebuild its war-torn economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, especially in key sectors such as infrastructure, investment, and technology.