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Dialogue. That was the word repeated by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, during his visit to Brussels on Friday.
During his stay in the Belgian capital, the Saudi religious leader met political figures and representatives of the country’s religious communities and civil society who gathered for a high-level meeting on dialogue and social cohesion.
Al-Issa stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts, saying it needed sincere intentions and effective leadership.
“Of course, we always believe in dialogue and place great faith in it,” he said, adding that “dialogue is the language of reason and wisdom.”
Established in 1962, the Muslim World League is a Mecca-based Islamic organisation that describes its mission as promoting Islam, tolerance and friendship among peoples.
Europe’s far-right rise and containing its dangers
His visit came after the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, finished first in state elections in both Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in September.
France is due to hold a presidential election in 2027, while parliamentary elections are expected in Italy, Poland and Greece.
Despite the rise of the hardline right in some European countries, Al-Issa expressed confidence in national constitutions, European institutions and societal values.
“As for talk of a hardline right emerging in some European countries, we are generally not worried. Each European country has a civilised constitution that no one can override. There are also societal values that everyone must respect,” he explained.
“Any departure from the constitution and these civilised societal values will prompt society to speak out and put things right,” he said.
He also pointed to the possibility of challenging legislation before constitutional courts.
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.
Religious freedom is protected by national constitutions
He also called for respect for religious practices within the framework of national constitutions.
The issue comes amid debate over restrictions on religious clothing in Europe. Italy’s government has approved a decree banning face coverings during school activities, with exceptions for certified medical reasons and educational activities.
The decree does not explicitly mention the burqa or niqab, although Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to both when announcing the measure, saying that in Italy “no one should force a girl to hide herself”.
“We always call for respect for each religion’s distinctive practices, provided they do not conflict with the constitution,” Al-Issa said.
“There is no doubt that civilised constitutions, particularly European ones, respect those practices and the observance of religious rituals.”