The Muslim World League (MWL) is an independent international non-governmental organization headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The MWL was established by a resolution issued by the General Islamic Conference held in Makkah in Dhu al-Hijjah 1381 AH (May 1962).

Since August 2016, under the leadership of its current Secretary General, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the MWL has undergone a comprehensive transformation. Expanding beyond the traditional scope of religious organizations, it has embraced a broader international role. Through a series of bold reforms introduced by Dr. Al-Issa to the MWL's vision, mission, and institutional action, it has established itself as a globally respected voice for moderation and tolerance and as a leading advocate against violence, hate speech, and Islamophobia. It has also become a leading reference representing the Muslim World's 57 member states, promoting and highlighting the true values and principles of Islam.

Under Dr. Al-Issa's leadership, the MWL has significantly expanded its partnerships with the United Nations, the Vatican, and other international humanitarian, religious, intellectual, governmental, and civil society organizations. These partnerships are aimed at strengthening communication and engagement between Muslim countries and peoples and the broader international community while advancing the humanitarian values shared by Islam and other heavenly faiths as a means of promoting peace among their followers.

Today, the MWL stands among the world's foremost international umbrella organizations and is one of the most broadly representative organizations supporting humanitarian action in education, relief, dialogue, and intercultural and interfaith engagement through its global network of offices, representatives, and centers under the supervision of the MWL's Supreme Council, comprising senior scholars, prominent thinkers, and public figures from across the Muslim world, alongside representatives of Muslim minority communities in both the East and West, reinforcing the MWL's independence and credibility.

The MWL is an independent international Islamic organization. It is not affiliated with any government or political entity, nor does it adopt any political, ideological, sectarian, partisan, or ethnic positions that could compromise its independence, impartiality, or transparency. The MWL is governed by an independent supreme council, which oversees its activities.

The Council comprises 60 Muslim leaders representing peoples of the Muslim world, including Muslim minority communities. It is chaired by the MWL's Secretary General, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa. Since assuming office in August 2016, Dr. Al-Issa has led a comprehensive institutional reform process that has strengthened the MWL's financial solvency by developing and diversifying its endowment-based investment portfolio, ensuring the MWL's operations without reliance on external funding.

Today, investment returns constitute the MWL's primary source of funding, safeguarding its independence in decision-making and strategic direction and supporting its commitment to serving humanity and advancing humanitarian efforts irrespective of beneficiaries' race, ethnicity, gender, or faith.

The MWL is headquartered in Saudi Arabia, as part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to host the headquarters of a number of independent international organizations.

Saudi Arabia also hosted the General Islamic Conference, during which all participating countries unanimously adopted the decision to establish the MWL in 1962 as a representative body for Muslim peoples, communities, and minorities of diverse backgrounds in international and UN forums.

The MWL's Secretary General, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, is widely recognized by the United Nations. This recognition was highlighted in March 2025, when the President of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Philemon Yang, referred to him as "a man of peace for all humanity." His distinguished standing is also reflected in the United Nations' engagement with his initiatives, as he became the first international religious leader whose initiatives were launched at United Nations headquarters in New York, Geneva, and Nairobi, including the "Building Bridges Between East and West" initiative.

He is also the only religious leader whose initiative launch was attended by the UN Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), and some of the world's most influential religious leaders.

He is also the only religious leader to have been received by senior UN officials in New York with a level of protocol normally accorded to heads of state. This recognition reflects his contribution to advancing the MWL's role as a global voice of moderate Islam, his promotion of "dialogue diplomacy" as a means of addressing cultural concerns between East and West, and his adoption of "religious diplomacy" as a key pillar for strengthening MWL-UN partnerships, building upon the MWL's role as an observer with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as a non-governmental organization holding consultative status.

Under Dr. Al-Issa's leadership, the MWL has also enhanced the impact of its engagement with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and strengthened cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in the fields of intercultural and interfaith dialogue, as well as with a number of UN humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant organizations.

This recognition was also demonstrated through his selection to co-chair the first religious summit held within the G20 agenda in 2022, his invitation by the United Nations General Assembly to deliver an address representing Muslim peoples at the inaugural observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2025, and his selection by the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2026 to deliver the closing remarks at the religious and intellectual engagement. Together, these recognitions have further strengthened the MWL's role in representing Muslims worldwide.

The MWL's Secretary General, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, maintains a firm position rejecting terrorism and extremism in all forms. This position has been reflected in a number of significant initiatives and actions, most notably his historic visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp in Poland in January 2020. During the visit, he expressed Muslims' solidarity with the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirmed the unequivocal rejection of antisemitism and all forms of hatred based on religion.

Addressing Muslims and Jews, he stated: "To demonstrate the credibility of our dialogue and the sincerity of our calls for human fraternity, our next destination would be Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the Nazi Holocaust, where we would speak of our genuine solidarity, grounded in our shared humanity." Through this historic position, Dr. Al-Issa contributed to transforming the dynamics of interfaith dialogue from repetitive and purely formal engagement into genuine and effective dialogue that captured the world's attention and challenged narratives based on hidden agendas behind the slogans of understanding and reconciliation.

He also explicitly affirmed his commitment, stating: "There is no place for political Islam, nor for double standards in humanitarian action, whether expressed openly or concealed." He emphasized that religion should embody spiritual and humanitarian values rather than serve as a vehicle for political polarization or self-serving interests.

He further affirmed that humanitarian action must not be restricted on the basis of religious, ethnic, or political considerations. Under his leadership, the MWL has become an influential international voice, receiving broad recognition in the West as a leading advocate against attempts to fuel religious hatred, one of the most serious drivers of extremism and violence, while presenting the true message of Islam and its moderate approach and countering incitement discourse and misinterpretations of religious messages that undermine efforts to promote peace for humanity.

This commitment is reflected in the MWL's documents, conferences, and specialized centers, as well as in its cooperation with governments and organizations worldwide. It also extends to raising awareness among Muslim communities of the importance of complying with the laws of their respective countries and engaging positively in their societies.

With its modern organizational structure under the leadership of its Secretary General, Dr. Al-Issa, the MWL has positioned religious diplomacy as a key pillar of its mission.

Through engagement with religious leaders, governments, and international organizations, the MWL advances interfaith and intercultural dialogue and understanding, building bridges of collaboration to address common global challenges.

In this context, the MWL has held major international conferences and forums to reaffirm the role of faith in bringing people together and promoting a message of global peace, most notably the "Charter of Makkah" Conference, the "Forum on Common Values Among Religious Followers," and the "Building Bridges of Understanding and Peace Between East and West" initiative.

In addition, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa launched the "R20" platform, the first official religion-focused working group within the G20. This approach is founded on the understanding that constructive religious engagement plays a vital role in promoting peace and stability, fostering mutual respect, and demonstrating the genuine values of Islam that promote tolerance and coexistence.

Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa is a Saudi thinker and legal and religious scholar. He has served as the MWL's Secretary General since August 9, 2016, and also serves as Chairman of the Supreme Council of the MWL, the Organization of Muslim Scholars, the Islamic Fiqh Council, the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation, and the Leadership Center, established pursuant to the recommendations of its conference held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In addition, he serves as President of the Islamic Universities League, holds honorary supervisory positions at the Center for Safeguarding Intellect, affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and oversees the King Salman Center for International Peace (KSCIP) in Malaysia. He is also a member of numerous national and international scholarly, legal, and human rights organizations and institutions.

Academic Qualifications: Dr. Al-Issa holds a bachelor's degree in Comparative Islamic Jurisprudence, as well as master's and doctoral degrees in Comparative Judicial Studies and General Law (Constitutional Law), respectively, all awarded by Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In recognition of his contributions to promoting peace, tolerance, and moderation worldwide, he has also been awarded honorary doctorates from a number of universities and academic institutions, including the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) in Geneva, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University (UIN) Malang, University of Management and Technology (UMT) in Lahore, Alfa BK University in Belgrade, University of The Gambia, Universiti Malaya (UM) in Malaysia, and Astana National University. In addition, Astana National University conferred upon him the title of Honorary Professor.

Previous Positions and Responsibilities: Prior to his appointment as Secretary General of the MWL, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa held several senior positions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including Minister of Justice, President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Vice President of the Court of Grievances, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and faculty member at the College of Law and Political Science at King Saud University and at the Higher Judicial Institute of Al-Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Islamic University. During his tenure as President of the Supreme Judicial Council, he introduced a number of significant judicial reforms that contributed to modernizing the Saudi judicial system in line with the Kingdom's broader reform agenda under Vision 2030. He also served as International President of the Council of Arab Ministers of Justice.

International Recognition and Presence: Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa has gained international recognition as one of the leading voices advocating moderation in the Muslim world and has represented Muslim communities at major international forums. He was selected to co-chair the inaugural religious summit held in conjunction with the G20 in 2022. In 2025, the United Nations General Assembly selected him to deliver an address on behalf of Muslim communities during the inaugural observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. He was also invited by the World Economic Forum in Davos to deliver the closing address for the religion and values track at its 2026 Annual Meeting.

Honors and Awards: Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa has received numerous international honors and awards, including the Order of the Defender of the Realm (Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara), one of Malaysia's highest honors, together with the honorary title "Dato' Seri"; the Hijrah Award for the Most Influential International Islamic Personality of the Year (2021); the Galileo International Award; the Moderation Award of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the Global Interfaith Peace Award; the Medal of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, making him the first international figure to receive this distinction; the Imam Hasan bin Ali International Peace Prize from the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace; the Grand Order of the State, conferred by the President of the Republic of Senegal; the World Peace Order, conferred by the President of Sri Lanka; the Medal of the Bernardins College of France; the First-Class Order of Arts and Sciences, conferred by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt; the Gold Shield of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO); the Norwegian Bridge Builder Award; the Order of Honour, conferred by the President of the Republic of Maldives; the Hilal-e-Pakistan, conferred by the President of Pakistan; the National Order of Merit, conferred by the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; the Medal of Honour, conferred by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; the Ambassador of International Peace award, conferred by the President of the Republic of The Gambia; the International Award of the Arakan Rohingya Union, endorsed by the United Nations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York; the Key to the City of Sarajevo, presented by the Mayor of Sarajevo; and the Order of the Republic, conferred by the President of the Republic of Malawi, in addition to numerous other international honors and awards.

Intellectual Contributions: Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa was the first Muslim religious leader invited to deliver a lecture at Harvard University on the theme of "Law and Religion," before an audience of policymakers and leading international jurists. He has authored numerous books, scholarly studies, research papers, and policy papers, in addition to making significant legal and intellectual contributions through leading international media outlets. He has also delivered academic lectures and presented scholarly papers at leading universities in Saudi Arabia and around the world, particularly across Europe and the United States.

The Secretary General of MWL, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, places particular emphasis on fostering understanding among followers of the three Abrahamic faiths—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—based on their shared values and ethical principles.

Among his most significant initiatives in this area was the signing, in 2019, of the Paris Agreement for the Abrahamic Family for Peace and Solidarity, which brought together Jewish, Catholic, Orthodox Christian, and Muslim leaders in a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and mutual understanding.

Through this initiative, participating leaders committed to advancing joint declarations, events, and programs that promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation as essential foundations for global peace and stability.

Under the leadership of its Secretary General, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, MWL has adopted the principle that its humanitarian initiatives are purely humanitarian in purpose and nature and are undertaken without regard to religious affiliation.

Its programs serve all people regardless of race, gender, or religious affiliation.

Through its specialized Relief, Welfare, and Development Agency, MWL implements a broad range of humanitarian, relief, and development programs designed to improve the lives of vulnerable communities around the world.

These initiatives include emergency relief for people affected by crises and natural disasters; the provision of shelter; orphan care; healthcare projects; free surgical programs for those in need; and sustainable development initiatives, such as drilling wells, developing dams and irrigation canals, supporting agricultural projects, expanding access to safe drinking water, and strengthening the livelihoods of vulnerable families.

All these initiatives are implemented in coordination with the governments of the respective countries and are guided by well-established humanitarian principles of compassion, solidarity, and non-discrimination.

MWL affirms in its official documents that the empowerment of women is a legitimate and inalienable right. Its Secretary General, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, has played a leading role in advancing girls' education globally through an initiative launched in Islamabad, Pakistan, which culminated in the signing of more than 20 agreements.

As part of this initiative, he convened a major international conference that demonstrated the effectiveness of the "Religious Diplomacy" he advocates as a key approach to addressing the denial of girls' education on religious grounds.

The conference brought together representatives of diverse Islamic schools of thought who, despite their differing perspectives, endorsed a unified final declaration affirming the right of girls to education.

The initiative extended beyond the adoption of this declaration by engaging influential religious leaders from regions most affected by religious extremism as signatories to more than 20 agreements with governmental and civil society institutions.

These agreements involved international organizations, leading public and private universities across the Islamic world, as well as the United Nations University for Peace. As a result, the initiative transformed support for girls' education from a statement of principle into a broad framework of practical commitments, endorsed by influential stakeholders in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa ensured that "The Charter of Makkah," a landmark declaration in the history of contemporary Islamic thought, signed by more than 1,200 muftis and Muslim scholars and endorsed by more than 4,500 Muslim intellectuals and researchers worldwide, affirmed that the empowerment of women within the framework of Sharia is a legitimate right.

The Charter further emphasizes that women's role in society should neither be marginalized nor diminished and calls for equality in wages and opportunities, as well as fair, merit-based standards of competence. Similarly, "The Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects" highlights the vital contribution of women to the well-being and advancement of the Muslim Ummah, particularly through their role in nurturing informed, educated, and socially responsible families.

It further affirms that the pursuit of knowledge is a religious obligation for every Muslim man and woman, regardless of age or field of specialization, and that no restriction on this right should be attributed to Islamic Sharia.

07/21/2026 - 09:07