The (Italian Galileo Foundation) highly praised the deserved leadership of Sheikh Al-Issa in promoting peace, religious and civil harmony world-wide, along with his continuous efforts to reduce the clash of civilizations, in addition to his widespread work in calling for coexistence among followers of religions. This makes him a good example for most religious and cultural bodies, to benefit from his universal ideas.
Italian Galileo Foundation
Italy
"Sheikh Al-Issa is a global figure, and his efforts are obvious in extending bridges among followers of religions and cultures. We are very grateful for that; and we recognize the many positive things that unite us with Muslims."
Kevin Worthen
Utah State University President
“Dr. Mohammad Al-Issa uses one of Saudi Arabia's most important weapons in the sphere of soft power, to spread and demonstrate to the world, the Kingdom's appropriate approach.”
Dr. Mohammad Al-Jathlani
Lawyer and legal advisor
The American Huffington Post described His Excellency Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa as "a forerunner of ideological warfare and one of the most important leaders in the intellectual battle led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against extremist groups ideologies."
The American Huffington Post
United States of America
“The Muslim World League is a global platform for dialogue and a stage for exchanging ideas. The Rabita took the initiative of opening the horizon of dialogue under the masterful leadership of Sheikh Al-Issa.
His Eminence Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah
Chairman of the Emirates Council for Sharia Fatwa
“The Secretary General of the Muslim World League is making tremendous efforts, and paying great attention to consolidate the true values of Islam; and he is a rising star with an inspiring personality.”
Dr. Majid Rafi
Harvard University researcher
"You are an advocate of peace and coexistence and have a tolerant speech; we have witnessed this in your speech with religious leaders."
Christian Cambon
The French Senate’s Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense
“What’s beautiful and most powerful is that [the Secretary-General] is the most eloquent spokesperson in the Islamic world for reconciliation and friendship among the religions of the world.“
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York
"You are a peacemaker. You are a bridge builder. And we need more leaders like you.”
Russell M. Nelson
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
"Dr. Al-Issa has offered us the very best of Islam. Today in France we have shared our best values—friendship, love and togetherness. Let this open door, which leads to a brighter path for France toward fraternity.”
Rabbi Michel Serfaty
Founder and President of a Jewish-Muslim Friendship Association in France
"We call on all peoples, nations and their religious and political leaders to work for the protection of all religious sites as places essential to our common humanity...”
Rabbi Arthur Schneier
Founder and President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation
“[The Secretary General is] the most powerful voice in the Muslim world promoting moderate Islam.”
David Harris
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
“We must take [the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting] and create something positive out of it and so, together with Dr. Mohammad Al-Issa and the Muslim World League, we’re partnering with 50 organizations around the world…”
Rabbi Marc Schneier
President of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding
“Earlier that month, Mohammed Al-Issa, the secretary general of the Makkah-based Muslim World League, led a delegation of Muslim leaders from more than two dozen countries to the same upsetting ground.”
Ambassador Ronald Lauder
President of the World Jewish Congress
“As an Evangelical and an Israeli citizen, I’m very encouraged that my friend, Saudi Sheikh Mohammed al-Issa — head of the Muslim World League — will visit the Auschwitz Museum in Poland...This is an historic moment of faith diplomacy”
Joel C. Rosenberg
Interfaith activist
“I welcome the activities of the Muslim World League aimed at promotion of tolerance, inter-religious dialogue and respect of human rights.”
Aleksandar Vučić
President of the Republic of Serbia
“Mohammed al-Issa, a cleric and former justice minister, has made a series of remarkable statements in what appears to be a sincere one-man campaign to promote moderation...”
John Hannah
Former National Security Advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney
“Dr. Al-Issa and the Muslim World League have been leaders in speaking out for the victims of genocide. He has elevated the essential cause so that it’s at the heart of inter- religious dialogue, both here in the region, and everywhere else in the world.”
Šefket Hafizović
Srebrenica Memorial Center President
Dr. Al-Issa was hailed for his commitment to "bringing global awareness to Islam's true message of empathy, understanding and cooperation among all people." It was noted that Dr. Al-Issa has been a trailblazer in building new partnerships among different communities, faiths and nations," and noted that his institution cooperates with MWL to promote interreligious dialogue with leaders in the global Jewish and Christian communities.
Francisco Rojas
Rector of the U.N.'s University for Peace
“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform package calls on all ministries to undertake measures to confront and weaken the violent ideology that underpins terrorist propaganda. The Muslim World League Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed al-Issa, pressed a message of interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence with global religious authorities, including Muslim imams outside the Arab world. He also conducted outreach with a variety of Jewish and Christian leaders, including prominent U.S. rabbis and Christian evangelicals.”
U.S. State Department
United States of America
"During the year, government leaders, including the crown prince and the head of the government-sponsored Muslim World League (MWL), took new steps to combat religious extremism and to encourage interreligious tolerance and dialogue, conducting prominent public outreach, particularly with Christian and Jewish leaders and groups.”
U.S. State Department
United States of America
“On January 23, MWL secretary general al-Issa led a delegation of Muslim leaders to visit the Auschwitz death camp to mark the 75th anniversary of its liberation. The visit was part of a joint enterprise between the MWL and the American Jewish Committee. In a June 9 online ceremony, the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement and the American Sephardi Federation presented al-Issa with their inaugural Combat Anti-Semitism Award.”
U.S. State Department
United States of America
“In February, a delegation of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations visited the country and met with senior government officials and MWL secretary-general al-Issa to discuss countering violent extremism in the Middle East.”
U.S. State Department
United States of America
“Government leaders, including the head of the government-sponsored Muslim World League, continued to advocate for interreligious tolerance and dialogue and to denounce religious extremism.”
U.S. State Department
United States of America
“Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, one of the world’s leading Islamic scholars, who became the most senior Islamic leader to visit Auschwitz, leading a delegation of Muslim leaders there to symbolise a ground-breaking shift in attitudes that have lasted decades and spanned continents.
And closer to home in South Africa, Dr Al-Issa helped initiate the Mercy and Peace institute, which provides a safe space for victims of abuse, especially the women and children whose lives are threatened by domestic violence and human trafficking. This is where faith and religious values come into the equation, helping solve real world issues.”
Ndileka Mandela
Social Activist and Granddaughter of Nelson Mandela
“Mecca-based Muslim World League Secretary General Dr. Mohammed al-Issa spoke out against those who have harmed Islam’s reputation with their violent extremist views and conducted interfaith outreach in promotion of tolerance.”
U.S. State Department
United States of America
At the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Archbishop Elpidophoros recognized Dr. Al-Issa, and “expressed his particular joy on this dialogue and insisted on fostering the relationship between Orthodox Christians and Muslims.”
Elpidophoros
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
- He has worked tirelessly to promote cultural understanding among nations through his visits to numerous countries around the world and his engagement with people of diverse cultures and faiths.
- The principles of moderation championed by the Muslim World League and its Secretary-General play a vital role in reinforcing global security and countering extremist and violent ideologies that seek to sow discord and division among peoples.
- The award was presented to H.E. in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the development of Islamic jurisprudence and the strengthening of official and public relations between Russia and the Islamic world.
Prof. Vitaly Naumkin
Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences
The scholarly and academic community of the Russian Federation highly commended H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa for his distinguished efforts as a religious and diplomatic figure who has advanced interfaith relations and dialogue, as well as for his role representing the academic endeavors of the Muslim World League in the Russian Federation.
Mr. Albir Krganov
Mufti of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia
His scholarly efforts are much needed in Russia.
Mr. Yevgeny Yurmin
Officer of Domestic Policy at the Office of the President of Russia with Religious and Social Organizations
He represents the Islamic world through his remarkable efforts in promoting dialogue and advancing humanitarian work.
Mr. Turko Daudov
Advisor to the President of Chechnya
The University for Peace is honored to confer an honorary doctorate upon H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa in recognition of his global advocacy for the values of moderate Islam and his steadfast commitment to promoting compassion, mutual understanding, and cooperation among all people.
Dr. Francisco Rojas
Rector of the University for Peace (UPEACE)
I commend the broad recognition of H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa as a leading proponent of moderate Islam and acknowledge his significant role in fostering integration and reconciliation among all segments of society.
H.E. Mr. Djacta
Undersecretary-General of the United Nations and Chairman of the International Civil Service Commission
The honorary doctorate certificate was presented at the United Nations in Geneva, in recognition of his efforts to support international diplomacy that promotes friendship, respect, and empathy among peoples, and for his effective initiatives to counter hate speech.
United Nations
Geneva
Dr. Al-Issa’s efforts in Bali constitute a historic achievement of global significance, reflecting the esteemed stature of the Muslim World League.
H.E. Prof. Sajid Mir
Emir of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith and Member of the Senate of Pakistan
We take pride in our strong partnership with the Muslim World League, under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, in its distinguished and ongoing efforts to promote social coexistence and global peace.
Bob Roberts
Evangelical Leader
-I commend the great efforts undertaken by the Muslim World League, under the leadership of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, in spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence throughout the world, based on the principles of the historic Charter of Makkah.
-We at the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies value the efforts of the Muslim World League, under the leadership of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, in advancing work within a vital domain — the Islamic and humanitarian sphere.
H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah
Chairman of the Emirates Council for Sharia Fatwa
I commend Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa’s efforts in promoting peace and tolerance among followers of different faiths, confident that in the coming years, these seeds will flourish and bear fruit across our world.
Mr. Riccardo Di Segni
Chief Rabbi of Italy - Conference of European Rabbis
I am proud to participate in this forum organized by the Muslim World League under the leadership of the advocate of peace and Islam, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Lamahamandeleshwar Swami Vadisan
Head of the Hindu Religious Department (Hindu Acharya Sabha)
I commend the efforts of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa in promoting peace and moderation among faiths.
H.E. Nauryzbai kazhy Taganuly
Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Kazakhstan - Supreme Mufti of Kazakhstan
I extend my sincere gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and the Muslim World League for their remarkable efforts in bringing together hearts from diverse faiths to address the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah and to strengthen its unity.
H.E. Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Saeed Waisi
Head of the Union of Scholars of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
We express our sincere gratitude to the organizers of this event, particularly to our esteemed brother, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, and his dedicated team.
H.E. Dr. Ghaleb Bencheikh El Hocine
President of the Foundation for Islam in France
I am deeply grateful to H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa for organizing this historic and significant gathering — an event that all those engaged in the field of faith aspire to be part of.
Sheikh Dr. Yahya Cholil Staquf
Chairman of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul Ulama – Indonesia
You are a true advocate of peace and coexistence, and your discourse reflects great wisdom and enlightenment — as we have witnessed in your dialogues with religious leaders.
Christian Cambon
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee of the French Senate
All of Ethiopia is proud and honored to receive our distinguished guest whom we love for the sake of Allah.
H.E. Sheikh Haji Ibrahim
President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council – Ethiopia
Indeed, we view the visit of H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa as a step that strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries and fosters friendly relations between Muslims and non-Muslims in India.
Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Al-Kandi
Imam of Jami'ul Futuh (The Indian Grand Masjid)
H.E. praised Dr. Al-Issa’s sermon, noting its profound impact on Muslims within the Indian community. This is especially significant as the mosque is among the largest in the Indian subcontinent, and H.E. the Secretary-General, is the first Muslim figure in 400 years to deliver a sermon and lead prayers there.
Sheikh Syed Ahmed Bukhari
Imam of Jama Masjid in New Delhi - India
It was a successful visit, and the address delivered by H.E. the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, was deeply impactful and will, Allah willing, leave a positive and constructive influence in the near future.
Sheikh Ali Akhtar Amanullah
Imam of the Mosque of Embassy of Sudan in New Delhi - India
On behalf of all Muslims in India, I would like to extend a warm welcome to H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa. Today’s event was truly remarkable, as his message was directed to the entire world — and especially to the Muslim community in India, who live in peace and harmony with others. This reflects the very essence of India’s vision: a nation that believes in unity, diversity, and global harmony.
Syed Naseruddin Chishty
Chairman of All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council
We affirm that the gracious visit of H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa carries great significance and far-reaching implications, as he speaks sincerely from the heart and in full accordance with the principles of Islamic Sharia.
Sheikh Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi
General Secretary of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees – India
We are pleased to announce the esteemed presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, and we commend the initiative of the Muslim World League in bringing him to India and for its wise participation in celebrating unity in diversity.
Haji Syed Salman Chishty
Chairman of Chishty Foundation - India
There is no doubt that this is a good initiative and a good thing for all Indians. Regardless of their religions, cultures, and languages. This is because the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League came to India at an official invitation of the Government of India
Which I think is the first time for the Muslim World League [to come to India at an official invitation] in its capacity as a global organization.
Dr. Hussain Madavoor
Rector of Malabar Jamia Islamiya in Kerala - India
“Muhammad Al-Issa assuming its general secretariat brought it into a major transformation phase that changed many traditional frameworks in management, work strategy and activities priorities. Al-Issa moved the League from religious classicism to the era of modernization and openness to the outside world, especially the Western world, and the association became involved in the work of the United Nations and organized its modernization programs in the countries of the western world according to a new pattern and a new understanding of the message of Islam, and the discourse of brotherhood, rapprochement and acquaintance became dominant in The League's approach instead of the speech calling to God and spreading Islam.”
International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
Beirut - Lebanon
“Citing Dr. Al-Issa’s work with Pope Francis, Cardinal Dolan reiterated their common plea that “violent extremism in the name of religion is blasphemy.”
"Referring to Dr. Al-Issa’s visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Cardinal said “To have him here in the Cathedral, and to pray with him, has been a great gift.”
Timothy Cardinal Dolan
The Archbishop of New York
“We are living in remarkable times. The relationship between Muslims and Jews is undergoing a dramatic and a very welcome transformation. Muslims and Jews of good will are working together now to promote mutual respect and to protect the human dignity of all people. My organization, the American Jewish Committee, is dedicated to this mission as we know our partners at the Muslim World League are as well."
David Harris
American Jewish Committee
“In his short time at the helm of the MWL, Al-Issa has come to symbolize the new Saudi Arabia, which has boldly moved to the forefront of efforts to establish understanding, peaceful coexistence and partnerships among the different faiths, cultures and peoples of the world.”
“Muslims around the world look to the birthplace of Islam for guidance and, when figures such as Al-Issa condemn statements denying the Holocaust and publicly embrace the leaders of other faiths in Europe or the US, they provide a powerful example for the future, as well as the present. Such actions buttress the overwhelming majority of moderates in Muslim countries and marginalize the extremists, whose actions unjustifiably sully the reputation of a noble faith.”
“Leaders like Al-Issa are true ambassadors for such a global campaign. Saudi Arabia and the global community are blessed to have them.”
Rabbi Marc Schneier
President of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding
“I welcome the activities of the Muslim World League aimed at promotion of tolerance, inter-religious dialogue and respect of human rights.”
Aleksandar Vučić
President of the Republic of Serbia
“This is the first time that the Norwegian capital has witnessed a meeting of high-level representatives of Islam, Judaism and Christianity to highlight respect and tolerance among themselves, and to express a clear ambition for greater interfaith cooperation.”
"The award committee described Al-Issa as a leading global force in moderation, saying that he is a clear and distinct voice for peace and cooperation between nations and religions. “This accolade is a recognition and encouragement to continue his great efforts in promoting tolerance, respect and love.”
Bridge Building Award Committee
Norway
“In the Torah, Ishmael and Isaac reunite at the funeral of Abraham. Today we have an opportunity to not only come together to bury our past but build our brighter future. The visit by Sheikh Mohammed al-Issa to the flagship Jewish university, reflects the enormous opportunity today of reconciliation not only between nation states but between peoples.”
“For them to be in dialogue with you and hear your message of reconciliation, so that when they move into their positions of influence and authority in the future—they will be informed and inspired to move this conversation forward.”
Dr. Ari Berman
Yeshiva University
“Mohammed Al Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, said the move will help create a “better” world. “As leaders, we must provide the next generation with the tools they need to be good citizens of their societies and valued participants in the global conversations that will define our future,” he said. “Young people need to learn how to listen and express themselves, to learn and to educate, and to operate with empathy and humanity to shape a better world.” The initiative will train more than 2,400 teachers in global communications to deliver the course."
Nicky Harley
The National News (UK)
“In the work of Dr Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, he has learned time and again that one of the most effective weapons in fighting religious extremism is for the religious mainstream to mobilise its resources, summoning all its moral capital to make a strong, clear case against violence, and ensuring that the messages reach the most vulnerable.”
Bjørn Ihler
Chair of the International Advisory Committee of the Global internet Forum to Counter Terrorism