MWL chief delivers Eid sermon in Islamabad

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Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at Islamabad’s King Faisal Mosque. (SPA)
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Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at Islamabad’s King Faisal Mosque. (SPA)
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Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at Islamabad’s King Faisal Mosque. (SPA)
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Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at Islamabad’s King Faisal Mosque. (SPA)
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Updated 10 April 2024
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MWL chief delivers Eid sermon in Islamabad

  • Islamabad’s King Faisal Mosque is the fourth largest in the world and can accommodate 300,000 worshipers inside and 200,000 in its courtyards
  • Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa urged worshipers to embody Islamic teachings by showing compassion and easing burdens, emphasizing noble ethics and moral conduct

RIYADH: At the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, delivered the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at Islamabad’s King Faisal Mosque.

The mosque, the largest in South Asia and the Indian subcontinent, and the fourth largest globally, can accommodate 300,000 worshipers inside and 200,000 in its courtyards.

The sermon was translated into Urdu, spoken by almost 1 billion people worldwide.

Beginning with warm Eid Al-Fitr felicitations, Al-Issa prayed for the acceptance of fasting and prayers observed during Ramadan.

He urged worshipers to embody Islamic teachings by showing compassion and easing burdens, emphasizing noble ethics and moral conduct.

Al-Issa highlighted Islam’s moderation, advocating a balanced approach and promoting values of goodness and virtuous behavior.

He stressed Muslims’ responsibility to uphold the integrity of their faith and portray tolerant values through exemplary actions to non-Muslims.

Addressing misconceptions about Islam, Al-Issa cautioned against misguided actions due to ignorance, emphasizing the importance of correcting such misconceptions through practical demonstrations of Islamic principles.

Furthermore, he highlighted the pivotal role of Muslim women in their communities and households, emphasizing their indispensable contribution to nurturing children and instilling correct religious beliefs and moral values.

In conclusion, Al-Issa prayed for the people of Gaza, invoking divine intervention to alleviate their suffering and grant them respite from oppression and aggression, while also beseeching clear victory for their cause.


Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)
Updated 15 February 2026
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Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

  • Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do

DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.

This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)

The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.

FASTFACTS

• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.

• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.

Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”

Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema. 

“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.

By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.