WASHINGTON: Members of the US Congress from both the Republican and Democratic parties have honored the secretary-general of the Muslim World League in recognition of the organization’s efforts to combat hate and promote coexistence among religious communities.

The honor was presented to Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., where members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate signed a certificate commending the MWL’s role in strengthening social cohesion and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing conflict and division in diverse societies.

The certificate highlighted the league’s international efforts to counter racist attitudes and hate-driven narratives that threaten the security and dignity of people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

Leaders from the Muslim community who attended the ceremony described the recognition as an honor for the wider Muslim community in the US, noting that it marked a first-of-its-kind event at the Capitol.

Commenting on the honor, Al-Issa said the efforts being recognized reflected Islamic values that call for global peace and harmony within societies.

He reaffirmed the MWL’s commitment to promoting constructive dialogue and cooperation to foster greater understanding and awareness.

He added that embracing diversity and engaging with differences through reasoned and civilized dialogue, rather than conflict, remained central to the league’s work in addressing global challenges related to intolerance and division.