Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, visited Brussels on Friday to champion the necessity of dialogue and social cohesion. During his stay in the Belgian capital, the Saudi religious leader held discussions with various political figures, as well as representatives from civil society and local religious communities, to address the importance of resolving conflicts through reason and wisdom.
The Muslim World League, which was established in 1962 and is based in Mecca, defines its primary mission as the promotion of Islam, tolerance, and friendship between different peoples. Reflecting on this mission, Al-Issa maintained that dialogue requires both effective leadership and sincere intentions, describing it as the essential language of reason. He stated, "Of course, we always believe in dialogue and place great faith in it," adding that "dialogue is the language of reason and wisdom."
The visit occurred against a backdrop of shifting political landscapes in Europe, marked by the recent success of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. With upcoming presidential elections in France in 2027 and expected parliamentary contests in Italy, Poland, and Greece, questions regarding the rise of hardline right-wing movements were prominent. However, Al-Issa expressed confidence in the resilience of European institutions and national constitutions.
"As for talk of a hardline right emerging in some European countries, we are generally not worried," Al-Issa explained. He noted that every European nation possesses a civilized constitution that no one can override, and that societal values remain a protective force. He added that any departure from these values or constitutional norms would likely be corrected by the public conscience and oversight from constitutional courts. He pointed to the possibility of challenging legislation before these courts, noting that similar concerns in other countries had previously been resolved through constitutional oversight and an active public conscience.
The discussion also touched upon the ongoing European debate regarding restrictions on religious clothing. While Italy has recently approved a decree banning face coverings in schools—a measure Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni linked to the goal of ensuring that in Italy "no one should force a girl to hide herself"—Al-Issa advocated for respect regarding religious practices. He stated that the Muslim World League consistently calls for the observance of distinctive religious rituals, provided they do not conflict with national constitutions, noting his belief that European constitutions generally respect such practices.
Al-Issa said similar questions had arisen in other countries because of certain governments. Things had turned out as he had hoped, he said, where there was constitutional oversight and an active public conscience.
