KUALA LUMPUR, 8th May 2024: The bustling city of Kuala Lumpur welcomed over 2,000 religious leaders and scholars from 57 countries as they gathered for a significant conference organized by the Muslim World League (MWL) to deliberate on the role of religion in fostering dialogue and peace initiatives.
The MWL, a global non-governmental Islamic organization established in Saudi Arabia in 1962, collaborated with Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development to host the 2024 International Conference of Religious Leaders.
The conference, graced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, witnessed an auspicious inauguration.
Addressing the attendees, Anwar expressed his enthusiasm for making the conference an annual event in Malaysia, emphasizing its success in fostering understanding and harmony among religions globally and within Malaysia.
“In a conference like this, we can observe the things that need to be done and need to be improved among Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, or Hindus. We want to listen to your advice, criticisms, and suggestions,” Anwar stated.
Malaysia, with over two-thirds of its 33 million population being Muslims, also embraces significant Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian communities.
“Religious leaders should take an active, effective, and courageous role in promoting peace and justice. It is the duty of religious leaders to ensure that governance is guided by strong moral and ethical values,” Anwar emphasized.
Al-Issa echoed Anwar’s sentiments, highlighting the conference’s aim to have a tangible impact globally.
“This international conference was attended by international, religious, political, intellectual, academic, and media leaders. It is considered the first nucleus of a major breakthrough through a number of initiatives and programs around the world, aiming to enhance friendship and cooperation between nations and peoples,” Al-Issa remarked.
“Our world is most in need of true solidarity, solidarity with a tangible impact, and is most in need of awareness of the threats threatening its global peace and the harmony of its diverse national communities in their religions and races.”
Notably, Pir Syed Salman Chisti- Caretakers, Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, led the Indian delegation to the conference and Alicia Ali, from Hyderabad’s Imam ul-Mulk Family and CEO of the Sayeda Zaynab Foundation, along with Saudi actor Muhammad Ali, Special Correspondent, TheRahnuma.com, were also in attendance, adding further diversity to the congregation.
