Muslim World League chief discusses cooperation with Algerian leaders

Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia receives Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, on Sunday. They discussed issues of mutual interest. (Photo/Supplied)

The secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, receives souvenirs at the office of the Council of the Nation in Algeria on Monday. (Photo/Supplied)

• Al-Issa emphasizes need for concerted efforts at all levels to counter extremism and terrorism

JEDDAH: The Muslim World League (MWL) on Monday signed a cooperation agreement with the Islamic Supreme Council of Algeria to combat extremist ideologies, hate speech and violence.
The deal includes organizing scientific events and encouraging scholars to spread the values of moderation, tolerance and dialogue.
The agreement was signed by MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa and head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Algeria Bouabdallah Gholamallah.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will cooperate in scientific and cultural fields through exchanging publications, experiences, and information, in addition to participating in translation and scientific research projects. Al-Issa, who is visiting Algeria, also met Abdelkader Bensalah, president of the Council of the Nation of Algeria.
They discussed the intellectual issues confronting the Muslim world and concepts of Islamic moderation. They also held deliberations on the ways extremist elements distort the teachings of Islam and lead people astray. Al-Issa hailed the training programs aimed at educating imams so they could help achieve social harmony.
Praising such programs, the MWL chief said they have consolidated moderate Islamic values while fighting the evil tide that sought to distort the concepts of religion.
Dr. Gholamallah also attended the meeting. The leaders discussed areas of joint cooperation and coordination to effectively counter the menace of terrorism and extremism.
Bensalah shared Algeria’s experience in fighting terrorism and highlighted the country’s historical efforts to restore peace and stability.
Al-Issa stressed the importance of continuing the rehabilitation programs that target preparing imams and scholars. He said such programs ensure intellectual and scientific protection and serve as a vital line of defense against attempts to distort Islamic concepts.
The MWL chief also stressed the need to take into account a country’s unique cultural and political fabric while adopting foreign fatwas (religious edicts) related to internal public affairs.
He also met Said Bouhja, speaker of the People’s National Assembly of Algeria, and discussed with him issues of mutual interest as well as areas of cooperation.
Commenting on the deal signed with MWL’s Algerian counterpart, Al-Issa said the agreement regulates cooperation between the two organizations to explain the truth of Islam and combat extremist and terrorist ideologies and Islamophobia campaigns.
The chief of MWL had previously met with the head and members of the Islamic Supreme Council of Algeria, appointed by a presidential decree to represent Algeria's senior scholars and act as the highest official religious authority in the country.
On Sunday, Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia received the MWL chief. They discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to increase bilateral cooperation between MWL and Algeria’s religious authorities.
Dr. Al-Issa also met Algerian Religious Affairs Minister Dr. Mohammed Isa. During the meeting, they discussed ways to protect Muslim youths from extremist ideas.