MWL Sec-Gen: Misunderstanding One of the Main Reasons for 'Islamophobia'

The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Mohammad al-Issa, at the conference in Islamabad (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Mohammad al-Issa, at the conference in Islamabad (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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MWL Sec-Gen: Misunderstanding One of the Main Reasons for 'Islamophobia'

The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Mohammad al-Issa, at the conference in Islamabad (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Mohammad al-Issa, at the conference in Islamabad (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Mohammad al-Issa, has said that contentious debates and misunderstandings led to the emergence and development of Islamophobia.

Issa was speaking at the Pakistan International Conference on “Islamophobia and its Impact on Relations between Islamic and Western Civilizations,” hosted by the International Islamic University.

He said that MWL has contacted several religious leaders and think tanks worldwide and held dialogues and discussions to clarify the image of Islam and correct some misconceptions.

MWL sought to explain some methods, whether done deliberately or out of ignorance, to tarnish the image of Islam and clarify wrong practices that are mistakenly considered Islamic.

The Sec-Gen asserted that Islam conveyed goodness and guidance for all and came as an enabler and a messenger.

The conference granted Issa the Peace Award in recognition of his contributions to promoting dialogue and limiting the spread of misinformation about Islam.

The meeting of religious leaders was hosted by the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC). Religious leaders and senior scholars attended it.

It is the first of its kind event in the country and was attended by Sheikh Issa, who described the meeting as “an occasion for understanding, dialogue, and building bridges.”



Sultan Haitham, Erdogan Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Issues


Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
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Sultan Haitham, Erdogan Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Issues


Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)

Türkiye and Oman agreed to deepen cooperation and increase trade to $5 billion. They also backed efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, similar to a recent deal in Lebanon.

“We aim to raise our trade volume with Oman to $5 billion, in line with our available potential. A new era of energy cooperation will commence as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Oman to Türkiye begin in July 2025,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan welcomed Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Ankara on Thursday, marking the first official visit by an Omani Sultan to Türkiye. Erdogan said he plans to visit Oman in the future.

He thanked Sultan Haitham for Oman’s support after Türkiye’s earthquake last year and praised his efforts to promote regional peace, especially in Yemen. Erdogan also stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations in all areas.

Erdogan called for stronger institutional ties with Oman, announcing 10 agreements in areas such as trade, health, culture, agriculture, and defense. He praised Oman for choosing Turkish defense products and noted that Turkish contractors have handled $7 billion worth of projects in Oman, with potential to support Oman’s “Vision 2040.”

The leaders also discussed regional issues, including US President Joe Biden’s Gaza ceasefire initiative, which Erdogan called “important but overdue.” He stressed the need for an immediate and lasting truce in Gaza and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for peace efforts.

Sultan Haitham said Oman is committed to deepening ties with Türkiye and increasing trade to $5 billion.

The Omani leader highlighted the importance of regional security and cooperation during talks with Erdogan. He voiced Oman’s support for Türkiye’s stance on key international issues and stressed the need to pursue a two-state solution for Palestine to ensure justice and peace.

Erdogan welcomed Sultan Haitham in Ankara with an official ceremony at the presidential palace. The leaders oversaw the signing of 10 agreements aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.