Makkah:
The Muslim World League (MWL) has welcomed the statements of the United Nations Special Envoy on Combating Islamophobia, Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, in which he emphasized that his top priority in his new role is to develop a UN action plan to combat Islamophobia, with the aim of “curbing the rising tide of hatred against Islam and Muslims.”
In a statement issued by the MWL’s General Secretariat, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, underscored the significance of this initiative in light of current global circumstances, wherein the world is witnessing a deeply concerning escalation in hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and discriminatory practices—particularly targeting Islam and Muslim minorities. He especially noted the UN envoy’s announcement that the plan will focus on "education" to dispel misconceptions about Islam in the Western world.
His Excellency affirmed that "Islam is a religion of mercy, tolerance, justice, and peace, as evidenced by its divine texts and the life of our noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is the path that Islamic moderation has followed throughout its rich and enduring history." He added, "Islam is not represented by those who deviate from its principles and values, nor by those who distort the meaning of its texts to justify their extremism and violence."
His Excellency expressed his confidence in Mr. Moratinos’ leadership in this urgent mission, as "Islamophobic" rhetoric and practices escalate worldwide, posing a dangerous and unprecedented threat. He highlighted Mr. Moratinos’ distinguished record in diplomacy and international affairs, as well as his longstanding partnership with the MWL.
Furthermore, His Excellency reaffirmed the MWL’s full and unwavering support for the plan announced by the UN envoy to combat hatred of Islam, alongside all international efforts aimed at countering hate theories, religious and civilizational clashes, and their resulting rhetoric and practices—all of which threaten global peace and societal harmony.
