INT'L CONFERENCE OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS VITAL IN DEALING WITH CLASH OF CULTURES, CIVILISATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Muslim World League (MWL) secretary-general Sheikh Dr Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Issa has described the International Conference of Religious Leaders 2024 in Malaysia as vital in dealing with the clash of cultures and civilisations.

He said the conference organised by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) in collaboration with the MWL was also aimed to foster harmony among believers of different religions as well as confront extremist ideologies.

“Therefore, this global conference has great importance, and we collectively intend to see the tangible impact (of this conference) be achieved,” he said in his speech at the conference today.

On the role of MWL, Sheikh Mohammed said the organisation has initiated important steps to promote harmonious relations among believers of different religions, and further build bridges between civilisations.

“Among our initiatives in this context is Building Bridges between the East and the West conference that we organised at the United Nations in New York, with the support of the United Nations Secretariat.

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“The international conference was attended by religious and political leaders, intellectuals, academics and media practitioners,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed said the initiative marked MWL’s initial step through various global initiatives and programmes to foster friendship and cooperation between countries and peoples and discuss theories and thoughts on the clash of civilisations.

“Prophet Muhammad PBUH, for example, lived peacefully together with various religions and has succeeded in drafting one of the most important Islamic charters, the Madinah Charter, which was founded with various religious communities.

“This charter is the first document in history that lays the foundation for human brotherhood, community life, and mutual respect for fellow human beings,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Political Science by Universiti Malaya (UM) today in appreciation of his contribution to the contemporary Muslim world.

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It was presented by UM Pro-Chancellor Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong at a special convocation ceremony held at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre here.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

UM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman in his speech at the convocation said the university was very pleased to confer the honorary degree to Sheikh Mohammed as he has been very committed to promoting intellectual awareness and religious values among the Muslim minority community and has made a huge contribution to spreading the values of justice, tolerance, and world peace.

He said Sheikh Mohammed has also travelled throughout the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia to meet with prominent figures and members of Parliament from the fields of justice, law and human rights as well as leading religious and community leaders to spread religious values. 

“He also heads the Intellectual Warfare Centre which is a body affiliated with the Ministry of Defence of Saudi Arabia. Through this centre, he played an important role in the fight against extremist ideology and terrorism.

“This role goes hand in hand with his responsibility as MWL secretary-general representing Muslims around the world to build new partnerships among various communities, faiths and countries,” he added.

-- BERNAMA

TAGS: Dr Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Issa, MWL, Jakim, Conference, religious leaders

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