Moderate Islam Advocate Al-Issa To Meet S Jaishankar, Ajit Doval, Smriti Irani Amid Ongoing UCC Debate

Next week, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, a prominent global advocate for moderate Islam and former Minister for Justice of Saudi Arabia, is scheduled to visit India.

According to sources, Al-Issa will embark on a five-day visit starting 10 July. During his stay, he is set to engage in discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani. Additionally, there is a possibility of him meeting President Droupadi Murmu.

His visit is particularly significant as the Indian government is currently discussing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and other reforms that require broader consensus within the community.

Al-Issa currently serves as the Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), a highly influential organization based in Saudi Arabia that represents Muslims worldwide.

While serving as the Saudi Minister for Justice, Al-Issa played a pivotal role in implementing crucial reforms in various areas, including legislation pertaining to family matters, humanitarian cases, and women's rights.

Furthermore, he took the lead in spearheading initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships between different communities, faiths, and nations.

Al-Issa is set to address a gathering in Delhi on 11 July. The event is organized by the Delhi-based Khusro Foundation and will be attended by prominent religious and community leaders, academics, and also Doval.

Sheikh Al-Issa is highly regarded as a prominent figure with significant influence on the global Muslim community. His progressive and pro-reform approach is taken seriously, especially when it comes to guiding the youth on interfaith and women's issues, according to Hafeezur Rahman, the convenor of the foundation.

During his address, Al-Issa is expected to focus on topics such as moderate Islam, promoting dialogue between civilizations, religious tolerance, intercultural communication, non-violence, and religious pluralism.

The invitees for the event include diplomats from various Arab countries, faith leaders, and academics from institutions like Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, among others, as mentioned by Sirajuddin Qureshi, the chairman of the foundation.

Al-Issa is expected to visit the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. This memorial pays tribute to the police personnel who have made sacrifices since Independence, including the 10 officers who lost their lives in an ambush by armed Chinese troops in 1959.

During his visit, Al-Issa plans to attend Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid and visit the Akshardham Temple. He will also take a trip to Agra.

In 2020, Al-Issa led a delegation to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland to commemorate its liberation from the Nazis. He has also emphasized the importance of inclusivity and love for all, regardless of religious affiliation, during the MWL's European conference in London.

Al-Issa has condemned acts of violence, such as the attack on author Salman Rushdie, stating that such actions go against the teachings of Islam.