—
Dr. Al-Issa has received numerous prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to interfaith dialogue, counter-extremism efforts, and humanitarian causes. His recognitions are chronologically listed as follows:
2017
April 2017
Malaysia’s Highest Title “Dato Seri”
In April 2017, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the Kingdom of Malaysia’s highest honorary title, “Dato’ Sri,” in recognition of his efforts to promote moderation, during a grand ceremony convened by the Sultan.
2017
Special Recognition – Republic of Singapore
Special recognition for promoting moderate Islam.
2018
Galileo International Award
Received the Galileo International Award from the Galileo Foundation in Florence, Italy.
2018
Moderation Prize – Makkah Region
Awarded the Moderation Prize by the Governor of Makkah Region.
2019
Honorary Doctorate – Russia’s Institute of Orientalism
Honorary doctorate from the Institute of Orientalism in the Russian Federation.
2019
Supreme Republic Medal – Sri Lanka
Awarded by the President of Sri Lanka.
2019
Grand Order of the State – Senegal
Received the Grand Order of the State from the President of Senegal.
2019
“Children of Abraham” Award – Rimini Meeting
Received the “Children of Abraham” Award at Italy’s Rimini Meeting.
2019
February 2019
Global Interfaith Peace Award – U.S.-Arab Relations Council
In February 2019, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations presented its Global Interfaith Peace Award to His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, in recognition of his distinguished efforts to promote peace and understanding among followers of different religions.
2019
September 2019
Bernardins Medal for Peace Efforts
In September 2019, the French College of Bernardins awarded its Medal to His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa for His Excellency’s efforts in spreading peace and solidarity.
2019
November 2019
Medal of Distinction – U.S.-Arab Relations Council
IIn November 2019, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations awarded Dr. Al-Issa a medal, making him the first international expert to receive this distinction.
2020
Combat Anti-Semitism Award (Inaugural Recipient)
Inaugural recipient of the Combat Anti-Semitism Award.
2020
Honorary Doctorates
Honorary doctorates from Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University (Indonesia), University of Management and Technology – Lahore, and Alfa BK University – Belgrade.
2021
May 2021
Golden Shield Award – ISESCO
Golden Shield Award from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
2021
July 2021
Honorary Doctorate – U.N. University for Peace
Honorary doctorate from the U.N. University for Peace.
2021
August 2021
Prophet’s Hijra Award – Malaysia
Prophet’s Hijra Award from the King of Malaysia.
2021
November 2021
Norwegian Bridge Builder Award
Awarded for building bridges between individuals, nations, and societies.
2021
Honorary Doctorate in Law – Pattani University (Thailand)
Honorary doctorate in Law from Pattani University, Thailand.
2021
Order of the Republic – Maldives
Order of the Republic from the President of Maldives.
2022
Hilal-e-Pakistan (Crescent of Pakistan)
Bestowed by President Dr. Arif Alvi.
2022
National Order of Merit – Mauritania
National Order of Merit from the President of Mauritania.
2022
Honorary Medal – Conference of Religious Leaders (Kazakhstan)
Honorary Medal from the President of Kazakhstan.
2022
Medal of the Ambassador of International Peace – The Gambia (U.N.-approved)
Medal of the Ambassador of International Peace, conferred by the President of The Gambia (U.N.-approved).
2022
Honorary Doctorate – University of The Gambia
Honorary doctorate from the University of The Gambia.
2023
International Award – Arakan Union Organization
Recognized for his support of the Rohingya people.
2024
Honorary Doctorate in Political Science – University of Malaya
Honorary doctorate in Political Science from the University of Malaya, Malaysia.
2024
May 2024
Key to the City of Alexandria – Highest Honor
In May 2024, His Excellency Dr. Al-Issa was presented with the Key to the City of Alexandria by Mr. Mohamed El-Sherif, Governor of Alexandria, during an official reception. This honor was bestowed in recognition of Dr. Al-Issa’s outstanding international contributions to interfaith cooperation and humanitarian relief. The Key to the City is regarded as the highest distinction awarded by Alexandria.
2024
Key to the City of Sarajevo & Republic’s Highest Award
Received the Key to the City of Sarajevo and the Republic’s highest award (first Islamic figure to receive this honor).
2024
Honorary Doctorate – Beder University (Albania)
Honorary doctorate from Beder University, Albania.
2024
Augest 2024
Presidential Award – Republic of Malawi
In August 2024, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the Presidential Award by His Excellency President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the Republic of Malawi. This esteemed honor was bestowed during an official reception at the Presidential Palace in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, in recognition of Dr. Al-Issa’s contributions to fostering societal harmony, stability, and sustainable development across the African continent.
2024
September 2024
Harvard University Lecture – “Law and Religion”
On 28 September 2024, the first Islamic religious leader to be invited to lecture at Harvard University delivered a lecture on the topic of “Law and Religion,” attended by a large gathering of policymakers and senior international legal experts.
2024
December 2024
Honorary Postdoctoral Fellowship in Law – University of Bologna
In December 2024, the Italian State University of Bologna awarded His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa the Honorary Postdoctoral Fellowship in Law, in recognition of his significant contributions to advancing the goals outlined in the preamble of the United Nations Charter, which embodies the global aspiration for peace. His efforts include mitigating conflicts between cultures, promoting mutual understanding among societies, and building bridges between diverse communities—grounded in respect for differences and cooperation based on shared values.
2025
February 2025
Highest Medal of Honor – Republic of Guinea-Bissau
In February 2025, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the highest medal of honor by the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The award was presented by His Excellency Mr. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea-Bissau, at the Presidential Palace. Dr. Al-Issa received this honor in recognition of his efforts in religious diplomacy, promoting civilizational peace and fostering international cooperation.
2025
September 2025
Order of Dostyk – Republic of Kazakhstan
In September 2025, Dr. Al-Issa received the “Order of Dostyk,” the highest award of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was awarded by H.E. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the Presidential Palace in the capital, Astana, in recognition of his distinguished efforts in strengthening friendship among peoples and his significant contributions to promoting interfaith partnerships and advancing cooperation, understanding, and religious harmony.
2025
September 2025
Honorary Doctorate & Professorship – Eurasian National University
In September 2025, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded an honorary doctorate and an honorary professorship by Eurasian National University, in Astana.