It provided a well-documented overview of Islamic civilization and contributed to answer several surveys and misconceptions.
Duke University hosts a lecture by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League on Islamic civilization.
The Muslim community emphasized the importance of the lecture and commends its handling of several misconceptions with content and a style appropriate for addressing global academic platforms.
Dr. Al-Issa meets with the university president and holds a dialogue with the third cohort of youth participants in the "Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change”
A memorandum of understanding was signed to expand the partnership between the Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation and the Divinity School at Duke University
Durham:
The renowned Duke University in the United States hosted a lecture delivered by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, focusing on the rich legacy and multifaceted contributions of Islamic civilization in the fields of science and literature.
In his address, H.E. presented a well-documented exploration of Islamic civilization, covering its historical achievements in politics, administration, and social development. The lecture addressed various perspectives featured in global discourse, including analyses from leading think tanks and research institutions across the East and the West.
Special attention was given to the intellectual dimensions of Islamic civilization, particularly its enduring influence on legislation, human rights, philosophy, and the arts. A notable aspect of the lecture was its role in constructively addressing and clarifying several common misconceptions.
With scholarly depth and substantiated examples, Dr. Al-Issa explored broader topics including the environment, climate change, and key societal pillars such as the family, women, youth, and children—highlighting the shared human values embedded within them. The lecture was followed by an interactive Q&A session, during which H.E. engaged with questions from attendees on both the lecture’s core themes and related contemporary issues. A subsequent panel discussion featured contributions from academic and student leaders at Duke University, who offered reflections on the lecture’s scholarly value and praised its transparent, well-sourced, and internationally respected approach.
They emphasized the significance of presenting such a perspective from an esteemed Islamic voice within academic settings. The event was attended by senior academic figures at Duke University, including the Vice President, college deans, faculty members, and students. Also present were dignitaries from the State Senate and members of the local Muslim community. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to attend what they described as an impactful lecture—both in substance and delivery. They particularly praised its balanced and constructive approach in addressing prevalent misconceptions and contributing meaningfully to global academic discourse.
The lecture, with its well-documented focus, contributed to correcting some misconceptions about certain issues. H.E. also expanded on the general aspects of environmental issues, climate change, family, women, children, and youth, highlighting the commonalities across all of them, emphasizing, with examples, their multifaceted nature. Following this, a dialogue session was held with H.E., during which he received a number of questions and inquiries about the topic of the lecture, in addition to other issues of interest to the attendees. This was followed by a discussion panel in which a number of academic and youth leaders from the university’s affiliates participated, commenting on the details of the lecture and emphasizing that it represents an important and qualitative field of research in its content, deserving of widespread exchange from the perspective of an authoritative Islamic perspective, one that enjoys documentation, transparency, and international respect.
On the sidelines of H.E.'s lecture at Duke University on Islamic civilization:
H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa held a dialogue session with the third cohort of youth participants in the "Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change," the first global fellowship of its kind focused on climate action. It brings together young leaders from various religious backgrounds, with Duke University overseeing the educational and training program and awarding accredited certificates upon fulfillment of the program's standards.
This initiative is part of a partnership between the "Islamic Cultural Foundation in Geneva" and the "Divinity School at Duke University," and is supported by a select group of religious leaders to mobilize efforts and foster collaboration among all religious communities on environmental protection issues.
Following his lecture on “Islamic Civilization,” H.E. the Secretary-General of the MWL met with President Dr. Vincent Price of Duke University. President Price warmly welcomed the visit and expressed his appreciation for the university’s opportunity to host both the lecture and the accompanying discussions. He commended the valuable insights and thoughtful perspectives H.E. shared on a range of contemporary issues.
The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen the existing partnership and collaboration between the Muslim World League and Duke University.
During the visit, H.E. witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding the partnership between the Islamic Cultural Foundation in Geneva and the Divinity School at Duke University. The goal is to enhance areas of cooperation and joint work between the two esteemed institutions in fields of mutual interest, and to activate the role of religious and academic leadership in addressing pressing issues within their communities — including promoting collaboration in the fields of environmental protection and climate change.
It is worth noting that the Islamic Cultural Foundation in Geneva is an independent Swiss institution with a broad European presence and a diverse membership from various countries, granting it significant global Islamic influence. The Foundation is not affiliated with any particular entity and enjoys strong international relations and a distinguished reputation. The late King Khalid – May Allah bestow his mercy upon him- had previously inaugurated its Islamic center in an official ceremony. Currently, the Foundation is chaired by H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, who was directly appointed by the members of the board.
Based on the chair's recommendation, the board has appointed Mr. Abdulwahab bin Mohammed Al-Shehri as its part-time secretary.
