Pramod Joshi

The visit of Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the World Muslim League, to India has helped clear many misconceptions about Islam and also cemented the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. His visit has laid a solid foundation for rebooting the India-Arab world relationship. As such India-Arab relations date back thousands of years.

Dr Al-Issa’s visit assumes significance as in recent years a lot of negativity is being propagated in Western countries against India. Without being influenced by this, Dr. Al-Issa said that India is a shining example of peaceful coexistence; the world should learn about peace from India.

His words are very important since they travel far and wide. He is one of the most respected religious leaders to have ever come to India from Saudi Arabia and delivered a comprehensive message. There is a need to amplify his message and take it to society. For this Indian authorities will have to work at the Institutional level.

Muslims all over the world are facing many dilemmas and in this situation, Dr. Al-Isaa’s message can show a new path to them. He has explained the basic objectives of Islam. His message is not only for Muslims. During his six-day visit, he interacted with representatives of all communities, religions, and civilizations. All these interactions generated immense positivity.

On July 11, he participated in a program held at the India Islamic Cultural Center in the presence of India's Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He also participated in a program of the Vivekananda Foundation. During this, Ajit Doval praised Dr. Al-Issa for his deep understanding and said that his message made it amply clear that we have harmony and peace here.

Dr Al Issa with NSA Ajit Doval and Siraj Qureshi, President, IICC

Ajit Doval is establishing contact with the Muslim world these days. Calling Dr. Al-Issa to India is being considered a goodwill gesture by the Modi government. Also, it sent the message of changing times in Saudi Arabia.

He said that he met Indian Muslims in the past and knew that they are proud of their constitution, nation, and the brotherhood they share with other communities. They are proud to be Hindustani. He said the country’s secular constitution is like an umbrella for all religions.

He said, “Many times there are differences; they should be resolved by discussion within the purview of the constitution. Islam does not promote an idea that creates tension between communities or promotes terrorism or extremism. Islam completely rejects all these things.”

His one more quote will be remembered for a long time. “I salute Indian democracy from the bottom of my heart. I salute the Constitution of India. I also salute the Indian philosophy and tradition which teaches goodwill to the world. He said that the peaceful coexistence that I saw in India is also unique and wonderful in itself.”

Dr Al-Issa visiting the Akshardham temple in New Delhi

Dr. Al-Issa underlined the role of religious leaders in preventing religious extremism, unrest, and violence. His words will affect not only Indian Muslims but also the majority of Hindus. Although this tour was mainly from the religious-cultural point of view, it will have far-reaching consequences on Indian politics as well. It will play a role in connecting the Muslims of India with the mainstream.

Describing his meeting with Prime Minister Modi as “very good,” Dr Al-Issa said he listened to Modi’s view carefully and there was an in-depth discussion on increasing the relationship between the two countries. As a Saudi leader, Dr Al-Issa said he sees that the relations between the two countries have become stronger and he expects it to become more intense.However, his visit was not limited to India-Saudi relations. He was communicating with all the communities of the world. He brought the message of humanity, justice, and peace and disseminated it across the human race from the soil of India. Now there is also a need that his message should be taken to the far-flung areas of the country.

He also met religious leaders, social workers, and human rights activists and exchanged ideas on peace and tolerance. He offered namaz at Jama Masjid and also went to Akshardham temple.

Above all, he condemned the fundamentalist organizations and said that their antics tarnish the image of the poor. Islam and terrorism have nothing to do with each other. These organizations do not represent anyone except themselves. We condemn these thoughts and want to put their truth before the world.

Dr Al-Issa waving at the people visiting Akshardham temple

He said community cooperation and peace is no longer just an option, it is an imperative. The time has come that those who do not accept this should be dismissed. He said that the monarchy of Saudi Arabia is one of the strongest platforms fighting such ideas.

Muslim World League is an international Islamic organization, which was established in the year 1962. Its headquarter is in Mecca. One of the objectives of this organization, promoted by the government of Saudi Arabia, is to introduce people around the world, especially non-Muslims, to the moderate form of Islam.

Dr Al-Issa with priests at Akshardham Temple

Before becoming the Secretary General of this organization, Dr. Issa worked as the Justice Minister of Saudi Arabia. He has completed many types of reform works. These include judicial reforms, family matters, issues related to youth and women, and human rights.

In 2016 when Dr. Al-Issa became the head of MWL, Saudi Arabia's reform program Vision-2030 was also launched. This is a special project of MSB. In 2017, at the Global Forum held in Riyadh, MBS said, “We want to end extremism immediately and Saudi Arabia will now have to return to moderate Islam.”

Al Isa is close to the Crown Prince. According to the Prince's vision, Saudi Arabia must show itself to the world as following a liberal Islam. As Minister of Justice, Dr. Al-Issa also initiated many reforms related to women and youth. According to the vision of Saudi Arabia has to show a liberal image of the country to the world.

In 2017, Dr. Al-Issa visited the Vatican and held talks with the Pope, the leader of the Catholics. In 2019, he met Buddhist and Muslim religious leaders of Sri Lanka. He also held talks with the Russian Orthodox Church; established dialogue with Jewish organizations working in America. Through him, Saudi Arabia, custodian of the two most holy places of Islam – Makkah and Madina – is trying to establish contacts with societies riven in conflict. This is a very positive work. Its results will take time.

(The writer is the former editor of Dainik Hindustan)