Met His Holiness Pope Francis and forged a first-of-its-kind agreement between MWL and the Vatican to advance interfaith cooperation.
Led a reconciliation conference in Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks to help heal inter-religious divides.
Led Abrahamic leaders to sign a peace/solidarity accord in France; convened reconciliation in Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks.
Auschwitz visit and broad recognition for combating anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and hate speech across communities.
Attended the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation (Jan 2020) — noted as the most senior Islamic delegation to visit.
Recognized in two U.S. State Department reports (2019 & 2020) for advancing moderation, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
Acknowledged by AJC, the American Sephardi Federation, and the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement for leadership and initiatives.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa is widely recognized as a leading global voice on moderate Islam, committed to empathy, understanding, and cooperation among all people.
As Secretary General of the Muslim World League (Makkah-based), he builds partnerships across communities, faiths, and nations. He also heads the Intellectual Warfare Center, affiliated with the Saudi Defense Ministry, to combat extremist and terrorist ideology.
In the same year, he is appointed Chairman of the International Body of Muslim Scholars and joins Saudi Arabia’s Senior Scholars Organization.
Represents the Muslim world at the Hiroshima commemoration in Japan in the presence of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and launches the Centre for Responsible Leadership to convene global thought leaders on sustainable, ethical solutions.
Visits the Vatican to meet Pope Francis and the late Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. These talks catalyze an unprecedented partnership between MWL and the Holy See, paving the way for the most senior Vatican visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2018.
An outcome of the 2017 Vatican engagement, marking a milestone in interreligious diplomacy.
Meets Buddhist and Muslim leaders to promote healing after the Easter attacks; receives the Order of Peace from President Maithripala Sirisena.
Expands representation of various Islamic sects within the MWL Supreme Council and subsidiary bodies to ensure inclusion of Muslim communities worldwide.
Orchestrates a landmark commitment to harmony and solidarity among Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Christian leaders. Also signs cooperation agreements with major Jewish institutions, including the AJC and the largest U.S. synagogue, promoting shared values and protection of worship sites.
Leads a joint MWL–AJC visit, lighting candles at Auschwitz memorials and visiting the POLIN Museum and Nożyk Synagogue.
Finalizes an interreligious cooperation agreement with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
Joins German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the AJC Global Forum opening plenary; later that month joins Norway’s PM Erna Solberg in a symposium on fighting hate and discrimination.
Oversees a comprehensive research project culminating in a book with contributions from 32 religious, political, academic and civil society leaders, outlining a model for stronger international cooperation.
Brokers a roadmap for reconciliation between Afghan and Pakistani religious leaders and government ministers.
Completes a seven-day visit across Texas, Missouri and Maryland under the Global Faith Forum and Multi-Faith Neighbors Network to strengthen relations among faith communities.
At the Makkah Conference led by Dr. Al-Issa, attendees representing every sect of Islam endorse the Charter of Makkah, a defining document of modern Islamic thought.
The Charter follows the precedent of the Charter of Medina, emphasizing that diversity is a basis for cooperation, not conflict, and calling for dialogue, understanding and joint action against injustice and oppression.
Commits to combatting hate speech, violence, extremism and terrorism; advancing moderate Islam; protecting the environment and cultural traditions; and affirming national sovereignty alongside interfaith partnership.
In 2018, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the Galileo International Award of 2018, awarded by the Galileo Foundation in Florence, Italy, for his international achievements and pioneering leadership in promoting religious and cultural peace and harmony.
Dr. Al-Issa also received the Moderation Prize of 2018 from the Governor of Makkah Region for his distinguished and outstanding efforts in promoting moderation.
In 2019, Dr. Al-Issa received an honorary doctorate from the Institute of Orientalism in the Federal Republic of Russia.
In Sri Lanka, President Maithripala Sirisena awarded Dr. Al-Issa the Supreme Republic Medal for his global efforts in promoting peace among different faith and religious groups.
In Senegal, President Macky Sall conferred on Dr. Al-Issa the Grand Order of the State in recognition of his global efforts in promoting religious moderation, intercultural harmony, and humanitarian programs around the world.
In 2019 At the 40th annual Rimini Meeting hosted by the Florence School of Advanced Studies for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the “Children of Abraham” award alongside the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding’s Rabbi Marc Schneier.
In 2019 Dr. Al-Issa also received the Peace Prize from the Arab-American Relations Council in Washington, D.C.
In 2020, Dr. Al-Issa was the recipient of the inaugural Combat Anti-Semitism Award for his contributions toward fighting anti-Semitism and forces of hatred and violence around the world. Dr. Al-Issa was the first recipient of the prestigious award given by the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement and the American Sephardi Federation.
In May 2021, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the Golden Shield Award by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) for his efforts in providing joint Islamic action and promoting the universal values of peace and harmony.
In July 2021, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded an honorary doctorate by the U.N.’s University of Peace for “outstanding efforts in supporting international diplomacy, promoting friendship and cooperation among people, and effective endeavors in combating hate.”
In August 2021, Malaysia bestowed on Dr. Al-Issa the Prophet’s Hijra Award in recognition of his efforts in highlighting the true, moderate principles of Islam, promoting harmony among different faiths, religions and cultures, and spreading world peace.
In November 2021, Dr. Al-Issa received the Norwegian Bridge Builder Award for his contributions to building bridges between individuals, nations and societies. The Award Committee commended Dr. Al-Issa as a leading force in promoting moderation, peace and cooperation among all communities, faiths and beliefs.
In February 2022, the President of the Republic of Maldives Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih awarded Dr. Al-Issa the Order of the Republic for his contributions to promoting Islamic unity, and peace and harmony around the world.
In February 2022, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa was awarded an honorary doctorate in law from Pattani University, Thailand, in recognition of the Islamic missions that had a clear impact in serving Islamic work and clarifying the truth of its teachings.
In October 2022, he received one of Pakistan's highest decorations, the "Pakistan Crescent", which he was awarded by His Excellency President Dr. Arif Alvi, in recognition of his great efforts in combating Islamophobia, by delivering the message of peace that Islam calls for, correcting misconceptions about him, and his inspiring role in promoting Islam. The culture of dialogue between civilizations and religions, through his international initiatives, and his personal relations.
In October 2022: His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh Al-Ghazwani, decorated Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa with the “National Order of Merit”, for his international efforts in clarifying the true image of Islam.
In October 2022, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued a presidential decree granting Dr. Al-Issa, the Honorary Medal of the Conference of Religious Leaders; This is in appreciation of his efforts to support dialogue between followers of religions, and his support for the success of the Kazakhstan Conference of Religious Leaders.
In December 2022, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa was awarded the Medal of the Ambassador of International Peace, with the approval and approval of the United Nations, which he received from His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia, in a large international celebration hosted by the capital, Banjul.
In the same month, His Excellency also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Gambia in international peace.
Dr. Al-Issa is the recipient of numerous domestic and international awards for his leadership in promoting interreligious dialogue and moderation and fighting extremism and hateful rhetoric.
