A First of Its Kind Involving an Islamic Religious Figure: The Speaker of the British Parliament and Parliamentary Leadership Celebrate the Secretary-General of the MWL.

A First of Its Kind Involving an Islamic Religious Figure: The Speaker of the British Parliament and Parliamentary Leadership Celebrate the Secretary-General of the MWL.

London:

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with H.E. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the British Parliament, at his office in London.

The meeting explored the foundations of social cohesion in societies characterized by religious and ethnic diversity, emphasizing mutual respect and the importance of enacting effective legislation to address threats to national unity. Chief among these threats are hate speech and discriminatory or exclusionary practices—particularly when they emanate from influential legal or institutional entities in countries characterized by national pluralism—as such practices undermine the spirit of patriotism.

The discussion also included the MWL’s flagship initiative at the United Nations headquarters in New York, titled "Building Bridges between East and West." This global event brought together leaders from the UN, along with prominent international figures: government officials, parliamentarians, religious figures, international organizations, and leading global research and policy institutions.

Sheikh Al-Issa affirmed that the British Muslim community at large demonstrates a high level of both religious and civic awareness. He noted that isolated voices of deviation—whenever they appear—are no different from fringe elements found elsewhere in the world, and do not reflect the authentic values of Islam. These values guide the true conduct of the British Muslim community, which remains firmly rooted in loyalty to its homeland, respect for its monarch, and commitment to the laws and pluralistic values of the United Kingdom.

Following the meeting, the Speaker of the British Parliament accompanied H.E. the Secretary-General of the MWL on a walk through the halls of Parliament in honor of his visit.

In this context, the British Parliament, at its headquarters in London, hosted H.E. the Secretary-General for a high-level meeting convened by several members of Parliament and attended by the Speaker of the British Parliament.

The meeting explored ways to promote social integration and harmony among the diverse components of British society, as well as to combat extremism and hatred. It also highlighted the efforts of the MWL in building bridges between civilizations and fostering mutual understanding among peoples.