New Delhi

The visit of Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL) beginning July 10 to India at a time when there is anxiety among the Muslims over the proposed law on the Uniform Civil Code that can end separate laws on marriage, maintenance-divorce, adoption, and inheritance, for all religious communities, is significant for its timing.

Dr Al-Issa, the most recognised moderate face of the Islamic world is known for his views on building cohesion among religions and  sermon to Muslims to be moderate and accommodative of other religions is expected to give a message to Indians.

His meetings with religious scholars and visit to the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi are expected to send positive signals to the Indians. His openness about other religions, faiths, and traditions, is a message in itself. 

Khushro Foundation, the organizers of one of Dr. Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa’s lectures and interactions with academicians and other leaders in Delhi, told media persons that his sharing the stage with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on July 11 at the function was significant.

Hafizur Rahman, convenor of the Khusro Foundation quoted Amir Khusro to liken Dr Issa and Doval to the brightest stars in the sky. This seemed to be a clear hint that Dr. Issa was coming up with some important message.

“Dr. Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Aissa, a well-known Saudi scholar and secretary-general of the influential Muslim World League or Islamic World League, while NSA Doval has a vision of a peaceful world,” Rehman said.

He said the objectives of the peace conference to be addressed by Dr Issa and Doval on July 11, can prove to be very important for religious harmony.

He said that Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa has always promoted the enlightened view of Islam in the world and advocated harmony among different religions. His services towards human and religious harmony are appreciated by everyone.

On the other hand, Rehman said Doval, whose expertise and views are much sought after by world leaders, is considered a great supporter of promoting Ganga-Jamuni civilization. “We also know how he is pushing to promote religious tolerance and harmony in the country,” he said.

It may be mentioned that soon after landing in New Delhi Dr Issa is meeting Ajit Doval for one-to-one interaction. Both are reported to share a rapport and a vision of a peaceful world.

Siraj Qureshi, President of the Foundation said Dr Al-Issa's visit would now pave the way for the Saudi leadership's visit to India. “Political and diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia with India are getting stronger; cultural and business relations are also improving.”

Siraj Qureshi said that intellectuals and scholars, heads of Muslim organizations and institutions, and representatives of different religions have been invited to the Conference to be addressed by Dr Issa and Doval

Rohit Khera, director of Khosro Foundation, said on the occasion that the purpose of establishing Khosro Foundation is also to promote religious harmony and Ganga civilization in the country. It also includes a historic conference. He has expressed hope that this conference will send a positive and big message to the world and the country, which will also prove to help fulfil our goals.

Dr. Al-Issa is considered a leading global voice on moderate Islam as well as a key figure in the fight against extremist ideologies. Religious leaders and governments around the world have praised Dr. Al-Isa's efforts to promote moderation and cooperation and coexistence in the international community.

As a supporter of constructive dialogue with followers of different religions, civilizations, and cultures, Dr. Al-Aissa visited the Vatican in September 2017 to meet with Pope Francis and the late Cardinal Jean-Louis Touran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. visited. In April 2018, Cardinal Turan visited Saudi Arabia

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During his visit, Dr. Al-Issa will also call on President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Minister of Minority Affairs Smriti Irani. He will offer Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid in Delhi and will also visit the Taj Mahal in Agra.