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.”



World Leaders Express Solidarity with Qatar Following Iranian Attack

Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)
Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)
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World Leaders Express Solidarity with Qatar Following Iranian Attack

Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)
Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)

In the wake of Iran’s missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Arab and world leaders have expressed firm solidarity with the Qatari leadership, condemning the attack as a flagrant violation of the country’s sovereignty and international law.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to convey the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the Iranian assault, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s full support for Qatar. He described the strike as a “blatant breach of Qatari airspace and sovereignty” and a serious threat to regional stability.

The Crown Prince stressed the need for restraint and a return to diplomatic channels.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also spoke with Sheikh Tamim, voicing full support for Qatar and praising its calm and measured response to the regional escalation. He reaffirmed Oman’s rejection of any act that undermines the sovereignty or stability of Gulf nations and called for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

US President Donald Trump joined the growing list of leaders condemning the attack. In a phone call with the Qatari Emir, Trump reaffirmed America’s commitment to Qatar’s security and condemned Iran’s actions as a “grave violation of international law and the UN Charter.”

Qatar also received expressions of support from Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who labeled the attack a “dangerous violation” and affirmed Baghdad’s solidarity with Doha. Al-Sudani stressed Iraq’s rejection of any aggression threatening the security of regional nations and urged all parties to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi echoed similar sentiments in a phone call with Sheikh Tamim, voicing Cairo’s strong condemnation of the Iranian strike and declaring unwavering support for Qatar. He underscored the importance of maintaining regional stability and avoiding escalation.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who visited Doha on Tuesday, met with the Qatari Emir and reaffirmed Lebanon’s support for Qatar’s sovereignty. Salam condemned the attack as a serious threat to regional peace and extended his appreciation for Qatar’s consistent support to Lebanon during challenging times.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan also joined in condemning the Iranian strike in separate phone calls with Sheikh Tamim. Both leaders expressed their nations’ solidarity with Qatar and stressed the need for diplomatic resolution and de-escalation.

In response, the Emir expressed deep gratitude for the broad regional and international solidarity, describing it as a testament to the strength of Qatar’s partnerships and the shared commitment to peace and stability in the Gulf.