Washington: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa delivered a lecture at George Washington University followed by a discussion on 'the General Concept of Hatred' and 'A Comprehensive Definition of Hostility Toward Followers of Religions and Ethnicities that Undermines Their Dignity, Humanity, and Rights.'
According to Saudi Press Agency, the MWL chief was hosted by President of George Washington University Ellen M. Granberg in the presence of academics, students, and representatives of research centers. In his address, Al-Issa emphasized that human dignity is a foundational principle of Islamic values and that Islamic Sharia strictly prohibits any violation of that.
He underscored the Islamic stance toward people of all faiths and races, highlighting Islam's unwavering rejection of contemptuous and racist practices, reflecting the enduring Islamic values. Al-Issa explained that anyone who fails to respect the humanity of others is, in a sense, hating themselves, whether they are aware of it or not, stressing that humanity, in its shared origin, is indivisible.
He cited the Qur'anic verse, 'And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam' (Qur'an 17:70), affirming the Islamic belief in every individual's inherent right to dignity without discrimination or hierarchy. He further described hatred as a dangerous set of negative emotions that often escalates into racist behavior.
Addressing hatred at its roots, Al-Issa said, requires early prevention across all platforms of influence, most importantly the family and educational institutions, so that awareness becomes an instinctive behavior, surpassing the impact of laws, which are also crucial. He stressed that combating hatred is a shared international responsibility grounded in solidarity.