MAKKAH — Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa affirmed that coexistence between followers of religions and cultures is an urgent necessity, needed by everyone's interest in confronting the voices of hatred and racism. It is also at the forefront of our world's missions to achieve peace and stability.

In a speech delivered at the second edition of the Media Forum of the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA-OIC), which was held virtually on Thursday, Al-Issa said: "Islam is concerned with promoting peace and positive harmony among all, righteousness and charity to others, and it respects difference and diversity."

He added: "All of the above are critical factors in Islam that affirm the bond of humanity and the necessity of this bond to preserve peace and stability, and to enhance its understanding and cooperation, and in Islam's wisdom, it states that dialogue, understanding, collaboration, and passion must encompass everyone."

Al-Issa talked about the "Covenant of Madinah" drawn up by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, which embodied the principles of coexistence in Islam, celebrated the highest civic values, preserved legitimate rights and freedoms, focused on human brotherhood, and respected religious diversity.

He also referred to the Makkah Declaration, which was signed last year, saying that the document was issued "by the first gathering of all Islamic sects throughout history."

The document was issued near the Holy Kaaba on the 24th of Ramadan in 1440 AH by 1,200 muftis and scholars and 4,500 Islamic thinkers representing 27 sects and Islamic sects who came under the umbrella of the Muslim World League.

He pointed out that scholars and thinkers emphasized in this document, among other things, that human beings with their various components belong to the same origin and that they are equal in their humanity, and that they are all covered in divine grace.

He pointed out that the MWL always confronts all voices of hatred and extremism, and entered into scientific and intellectual dialogues supported by evidence.

Al-Issa stressed that positive coexistence among all is not an option that can be taken or discarded, but instead, it is an inevitable religious, moral and humanitarian duty, and it must have a tangible effect, and it must be based on the foundations of justice and mutual acceptance and fulfill its requirements, otherwise it would be a confined theory or an ideal image in imagination or just ink on paper.

Al-Issa condemned the voices that breed disputes between sects and cultures, saying that such actions only light a fuse leading to hatred and extremism.

The participation of Dr. Al-Issa and the personalities present in the forum comes as a continuation of the UNA-OIC's policy of expanding its activities, which was launched by Acting Minister of Information and Chairman of the Union's Executive Council, Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi.

The Union, according to its modern development methodology, is keen to host the symbols and pioneers of science and dialogue and leaders of international organizations, as guests of the forums and seminars it organizes, and opens the door for discussion among them about the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the search for those commonalities and intersections between people. — SPA