Perpetrators of ideology of hatred and racism must be confronted: Muslim World League chief

MWL Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa speaks at the second Media Forum of the Union of OIC News Agencies. (SPA)
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Updated 22 August 2020
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Perpetrators of ideology of hatred and racism must be confronted: Muslim World League chief

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, has stressed the need for promoting coexistence among followers of different faiths and cultures. 

Speaking at an online forum of the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA-OIC), he called on everyone to confront perpetrators of the ideology of hatred and racism to achieve lasting global peace.

He said Islam promotes peace and harmony and respects diversity. In this regard, the MWL chief cited the “Covenant of Madinah” drawn up by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which embodied the principles of coexistence in Islam, celebrated civic values, and preserved the legitimate rights and freedoms of all members of society.

Al-Issa also referred to the Makkah Declaration signed last year and endorsed by 1,200 muftis and 4,500 Muslim scholars representing different schools of thought. He said the declaration reiterated the Islamic principles of equality, human rights, and coexistence.

Condemning all elements bent on driving a wedge between different cultures and religions, the MWL chief said peaceful coexistence is the only way forward and promotion of peace is a religious, moral, and humanitarian duty. 

The UNA-OIC is keen on hosting international organizations and opening doors for discussion to promote peace and harmony to ensure global peace.


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.