We don t feel a sense of worry in Europe
Usagevpn.com – “We don t feel a sense of worry” in Europe, according to Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League. During a visit to Brussels, he presented dialogue as an essential tool for easing social division and political tension.
The Saudi religious leader met politicians, representatives of Belgium’s religious communities and civil-society figures at a high-level gathering focused on dialogue and social cohesion. He said genuine engagement is especially important when disagreements become more prominent in public life.
“Of course, we always believe in dialogue and place great faith in it.”
Dialogue and democratic safeguards
Al-Issa said dialogue requires more than conversation. It depends on honest intentions and leaders who can transform discussions into constructive action. He described it as the language of reason and wisdom when societies face difficult questions.
“Dialogue is the language of reason and wisdom.”
His Brussels visit came as hardline right-wing movements have made gains in parts of Europe. In September, Alternative for Germany, or AfD, came first in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. France is due to hold its next presidential election in 2027, while parliamentary elections are anticipated in Italy, Poland and Greece.
Even so, Al-Issa said, “We don t feel a sense of worry” because European countries have constitutional protections, institutions and social values that limit actions outside democratic and legal boundaries.
“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 argued that public opinion and constitutional courts can act when political decisions conflict with those principles. In his view, society has the capacity to respond when constitutional standards are challenged.
Religious customs within constitutional rules
Al-Issa also addressed the position of religious practices in Europe. He called for faith communities to have their distinctive customs respected, provided those observances remain consistent with the constitutional framework of the country concerned.
The issue remains central to debates about religious clothing and face coverings. In Italy, the government approved a decree banning face coverings during school activities, with exceptions for certified medical reasons and educational purposes. The decree does not directly name the burqa or niqab, although Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to both garments when presenting it.
“We always call for respect for each religion’s distinctive practices, provided they do not conflict with the constitution.”
For Al-Issa, constitutional rules and religious freedom should be considered together. “We don t feel a sense” that these principles are incompatible, he suggested, because European constitutional systems are intended to recognise religious rituals while setting common legal limits.
FAQ: What did Al-Issa say in Brussels?
Why did the Muslim World League chief visit Brussels? He took part in meetings with politicians, religious representatives and civil-society figures focused on dialogue, cohesion and relations between communities.
What is his view on Europe’s political climate? Al-Issa said he was not broadly worried about hardline political movements because constitutions, courts and social values provide safeguards.
What did he say about religious practices? He said each religion’s customs and rituals should be respected when they do not conflict with the constitution of the country where they are observed.
The Muslim World League, founded in 1962 and based in Mecca, presents its mission as promoting Islam, tolerance and friendship among peoples. Al-Issa’s message in Brussels linked those aims to Europe’s continuing debates over political polarisation, religious expression and social cohesion.
