MWL Washington forum highlights common values in Makkah Charter

Secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, participated in the forum. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 November 2021
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MWL Washington forum highlights common values in Makkah Charter

  • MWL chief: Makkah Charter an extension of Madinah Charter, based on the values of religious tolerance
  • US officials, religious leaders, heads of research centers, and academics participated in the forum

WASHINGTON: The first forum of the Makkah Charter to promote the concept of one social family with common values has been held in Washington.

The forum, entitled “Makkah Charter for Promoting Global Unity and Coexistence: Interfaith Cooperation for Security, Health and Development,” was organized between major Islamic and non-Muslim religious institutions from various American states.

The secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, participated in the forum, alongside executive director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Melissa Rogers, and a group of political and intellectual leaders, heads and members of think tanks and research centers and a number of other notable religious and academic figures.

The forum opened with a discussion session, followed by several broad-based workshops on topics related to religious freedoms, cooperation between different religions, social issues for minorities, and the role of religious responses in times of crisis. The forum also included a detailed presentation of the executive planning of the Makkah Charter based on the higher purposes of Islamic law (the five necessities), and also touched on the seventeen internationally agreed-upon sustainable development goals, declared by the UN’s General Assembly as “a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.”

The principles of the Makkah Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals converge around the fundamental issues of justice, poverty, environmental damage, mitigating violence, and promoting peace and coexistence.

During the opening session, Al-Issa discussed the contents of the Makkah Charter, explaining that it was an extension of the Madinah Charter or the Constitution of Madinah, which the Prophet Muhammad drafted with different social groups in the city.

Al-Issa affirmed that the Madinah Charter was the most genuine witness to the value of Islamic religious tolerance, including a call for coexistence with full rights and duties. He also emphasized human dignity and the right to exist in full legitimate freedom “whatever the religion, culture or race.”

He stressed that nothing supports the meaning of freedom more than the constitutional principles that stem from national laws that must be respected to prevent freedom becoming chaos.

Al-Issa pointed out that the Makkah Charter emphasized the importance of respecting diversity, which means respecting the will of God to have pluralism among humans. He added that the charter calls for dialogue and an alliance of civilizations while steering clear of conflict.

He noted that faith and action are central to avoiding conflicts stemming from pessimism and the misperception of human diversity.

Al-Issa further explained that the message behind the Makkah Charter began to take root in Islamic awareness, referring to the session of the Islamic Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, Niger, in November 2020. At that time, the ministers discussed and unanimously adopted the Makkah Charter to be used by religious, cultural and educational institutions in their countries.

The charter is perceived as a basis for expressing the religious identity of the Islamic nation. It was signed by over 1,200 muftis and scholars representing 27 different sects, who came from 139 countries to meet and agree on this historic achievement in Makkah next to the Kaaba during Ramadan in 2019. It clarifies for the Islamic nation the thoughts of religious scholars on the most prominent contemporary issues.

“The Makkah Charter is an extension of the Madinah Charter, which established the values of religious tolerance and human brotherhood,” Al-Issa said, stressing that it was the first time in history that Islamic Shariah scholars from different sects had reached a consensus over important contemporary issues.

“The numerous signatures from the various Islamic sects on the Makkah Charter are proof of the great and exceptional impact it has and this is reflected by the unanimous decision of the Islamic countries at the aforementioned Niamey meeting,” he added.

Al-Issa emphasized that today’s world is flooded with international initiatives, speeches and decisions, but lacks tangible action and sustainable work. This is why the Makkah Charter focuses on practical programs and partnerships inside and outside the Islamic world. “Today, for instance, we saw the presentation of four global programs based on the principles of the Makkah Charter: Religious diplomacy and its common values among followers of different religions, youth engagement, women’s legitimate empowerment, and capacity building.”

Following Al-Issa’s speech, the audience and different participants, including politicians and prominent religious leaders of various Christian denominations, as well as independent Jewish religious leaders, shared their views. A multitude of Islamic religious leaders also attended the forum, including prominent figures and academic leaders from Washington.


Shoura Council, EU officials discuss strengthening ties

Updated 27 November 2024
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Shoura Council, EU officials discuss strengthening ties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council Vice Speaker Mishaal Al-Sulami met in Riyadh with an EU Political and Security Committee delegation, led by its chair Delphine Pronk, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The delegation included ambassadors from the 27 EU member states, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio, and the EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud.

Al-Sulami highlighted the Shoura Council’s oversight and legislative roles and emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation.

The delegates praised the Kingdom’s significant developments and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.

The talks addressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the EU, ways to enhance collaboration between the Shoura Council and the European Parliament, and other topics of mutual interest.

Earlier, the EU delegation visited the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, where they discussed ways to counter extremism.

The delegation also visited the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Riyadh, where they discussed joint efforts to tackle global challenges.


Saudi aid targets schools in Yemen, health in Somalia

Updated 27 November 2024
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Saudi aid targets schools in Yemen, health in Somalia

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to implement the third phase of the Back to School project in Yemen.

The initiative will be executed in the Al-Mukha district of Taiz governorate, Thamud district in Hadramout governorate, and the governorates of Shabwah, Abyan and Lahj, benefiting about 6,000 individuals.

KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor-General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz signed the agreement on the sidelines of the International Conference on Conjoined Twins in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The agreement includes the provision of 60 fully equipped classrooms, the outfitting of 10 schools to create a suitable learning environment, and the distribution of 6,000 school uniforms and bags containing essential supplies.

Additionally, job opportunities will be provided to low-income families — previous beneficiaries of training and empowerment projects — who will produce the school bags and uniforms.

This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, led by KSrelief, to support the educational process, reduce dropout rates, and ensure a safer learning environment in Yemen.

In a separate agreement, KSrelief and the International Medical Corps signed a $1-million partnership to equip Garowe General Hospital in Somalia with dialysis machines and enhance its dialysis center. This project is expected to benefit 3,666 individuals.

The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and International Medical Corps President and CEO Nancy Aossey, also during the conference in Riyadh.

The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to support health care services for those in need in Somalia.


Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

People celebrate after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect in Sidon, Lebanon, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. AP
Updated 26 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon

  • Kingdom appreciates all international efforts made to achieve the ceasefire, foreign ministry statement said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomes the ceasefire in Lebanon, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The Kingdom appreciates all international efforts made in this regard and hopes that this will lead to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and the safe return of the displaced to their homes,” the statement said. 

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah started on Wednesday morning after the two sides struck a deal brokered by the US and France.

The agreement ended the deadliest confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah in years.


Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association partner to launch halal-certified beef in Saudi Arabia

Updated 27 November 2024
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Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association partner to launch halal-certified beef in Saudi Arabia

  • As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh

RIYADH: The introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef to the Saudi market was marked by an exclusive evening at the residence of Morino Yasunari, the Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The event was hosted by Fam Foods, the only authorized reseller in the Kingdom, in collaboration with the Kobe Beef Association and highlighted the deepening cultural and culinary partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Guests enjoyed a unique atmosphere that blended heritage and contemporary celebration. They were welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee, a gesture reflecting the nations’ shared value of hospitality, while the decor also combined their traditions.

They were also treated to a culinary journey featuring authentic Japanese techniques, including teppanyaki preparations demonstrating the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship behind Kobe beef. The renowned Kimono Butcher captivated the audience with a masterful demonstration of beef cutting, symbolizing the precision and dedication synonymous with Japanese culinary heritage.

Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, chairwoman of Fam Foods, said during her address: “This evening celebrates more than just the introduction of halal-certified Kobe beef; it embodies the rich culinary and cultural partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia. At Fam Foods, we are committed to innovating while safekeeping tradition — together, we are transforming premium dining experiences in the Kingdom.”

Shinnosuke Murakami, president of the Sanda Meat Center Export Expansion Consortium which oversees the export of Kobe from Japan, said: “Kobe beef represents the pinnacle of Japanese wagyu beef, renowned worldwide for its exceptional flavor, rich aroma and unparalleled tenderness.

“We are deeply grateful to His Royal Highness Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Her Highness Princess Muneera Al Rasheed, and the Fam Foods team for their ongoing support in this partnership and providing us the opportunity to share this wonderful delicacy with the people of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.”

Traditional performances also added depth to the evening, connecting attendees to the cultural roots of Japan, with the serene melodies of a koto performance and the elegance of a flute recital bringing the event to life.

As part of the event, Fam Foods announced the upcoming opening of Hocho, a premium Kobe and wagyu-based restaurant set to launch in Via Riyadh. The venture is set to redefine Japanese dining in Saudi Arabia, offering an elevated culinary experience that brings the artistry of Japanese beef to the forefront.


Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter

Updated 27 November 2024
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Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter

  • Message delivered to minister during meeting in Riyadh

RIYADH: King Salman has received a letter from the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inviting him to the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.

The message was delivered to Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.

The two sides held cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest.

The 45th GCC Summit takes place in Kuwait on Sunday.