MWL Inaugurates Southeast Asian Scholars Council in Kuala Lumpur

The Secretary-General of the Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, has inaugurated the “Council of Southeast Asian Scholars” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the patronage of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim. The historic event, held in the Malaysian capital, was attended by senior scholars and muftis from ASEAN countries, marking a significant step in fostering Islamic unity and cooperation in the region. This initiative, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, underscores the MWL’s commitment to promoting moderate Islam and addressing contemporary challenges through scholarly dialogue.

Context and Background

The establishment of the Council of Southeast Asian Scholars follows the recommendations of the Southeast Asian Scholars Conference, which was convened in Kuala Lumpur on June 30, 2022. The conference brought together prominent Islamic scholars and muftis from across the region to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and address shared concerns. The council is the first comprehensive Islamic council in Southeast Asia, comprising senior muftis and scholars from ASEAN countries. It also represents the inaugural regional scholarly council established by the MWL worldwide, reflecting the League’s strategic vision to promote moderate Islamic thought and foster unity among scholars globally.

The MWL, based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is an international Islamic non-governmental organization dedicated to clarifying the true message of Islam, promoting dialogue, and combating extremism. Under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, the MWL has launched numerous initiatives to bridge gaps between Islamic schools of thought and promote peaceful coexistence. The establishment of regional scholarly councils is part of this broader strategy to provide a platform for scholars to collaborate on issues of common interest and to present a unified voice on matters affecting the Muslim ummah.

Key Details

The inauguration ceremony in Kuala Lumpur was graced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar bin Ibrahim, who expressed his support for the council and emphasized the importance of scholarly collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world. In his address, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa highlighted the significance of the council as a platform for promoting moderate Islam and fostering dialogue among scholars from diverse backgrounds. He noted that the council would focus on developing solutions to contemporary issues, including extremism, Islamophobia, and social cohesion, based on the principles of the Quran and Sunnah.

The Council of Southeast Asian Scholars comprises senior muftis and scholars from ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. These scholars will work together to issue fatwas, conduct research, and provide guidance on religious matters, ensuring that their decisions reflect the collective wisdom of the region’s Islamic leadership. The council will also serve as a bridge between the MWL and Southeast Asian communities, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Implications and Impact

The establishment of the Council of Southeast Asian Scholars is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. By uniting scholars from diverse backgrounds, the council will promote a unified approach to interpreting Islamic teachings, which is crucial in countering extremist narratives that often exploit divisions. This unity will also enhance the region’s ability to address social and political challenges, such as the integration of Muslim minorities and the promotion of interfaith dialogue.

Furthermore, the council aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to promote moderate Islam and combat extremism globally. Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of initiatives that foster tolerance and understanding. The MWL’s regional councils are a testament to this commitment, as they provide a platform for scholars to collaborate and present a united front against radical ideologies.

Internationally, the council is likely to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asian nations, enhancing diplomatic and cultural relations. It also reinforces the MWL’s role as a leading voice in the Islamic world, capable of bridging divides and promoting peace. The council’s work will complement other MWL initiatives, such as the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal), further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in countering extremism and promoting moderate Islam.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The establishment of the Council of Southeast Asian Scholars is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to create a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. A key pillar of Vision 2030 is the promotion of moderate Islam and the rejection of extremism, as reflected in the Kingdom’s support for initiatives that foster tolerance and dialogue. By facilitating scholarly collaboration and promoting moderate thought, the council contributes to the global fight against extremism and helps project Saudi Arabia’s message of peace and moderation to the world.

Moreover, the council enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power by strengthening people-to-people ties with Southeast Asia, a region of growing strategic importance. It also supports the Vision 2030 objective of increasing international engagement and positioning the Kingdom as a hub for Islamic scholarship and dialogue. As the MWL continues to expand its network of regional councils, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting moderate Islam will only grow, furthering the goals of Vision 2030 and ensuring a brighter future for the Muslim ummah.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Council of Southeast Asian Scholars?

A1. The Council of Southeast Asian Scholars is a new Islamic council established by the Muslim World League, comprising senior muftis and scholars from ASEAN countries. It aims to promote moderate Islam and provide guidance on religious matters.

Q2. Who inaugurated the council?

A2. Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, inaugurated the council in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Q3. Where was the council inaugurated?

A3. The council was inaugurated in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, under the patronage of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim.

Q4. When was the council established?

A4. The council was established on May 11, 2024, following recommendations from the Southeast Asian Scholars Conference held on June 30, 2022.

Q5. Who attended the inauguration ceremony?

A5. The ceremony was attended by senior scholars and muftis from ASEAN countries, along with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim and other dignitaries.

Q6. What is the purpose of the council?

A6. The council aims to promote moderate Islam, foster dialogue among scholars, and address contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world through collective scholarly effort.

Q7. Which countries are represented in the council?

A7. The council includes scholars from ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

Q8. How does the council relate to the MWL?

A8. The council is the first regional scholarly council established by the MWL worldwide, reflecting the League’s strategy to promote moderate Islam and unity among scholars.

Q9. What was the Southeast Asian Scholars Conference?

A9. The conference was held in Kuala Lumpur on June 30, 2022, and recommended the establishment of the council to enhance cooperation among scholars in the region.

Q10. What is the significance of the council for Southeast Asia?

A10. It provides a unified platform for scholars to address regional issues, promote moderation, and counter extremism, thereby fostering stability and harmony.

Q11. How does the council align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A11. It supports Vision 2030’s goal of promoting moderate Islam and combating extremism, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global role in fostering tolerance and dialogue.

Q12. What role did Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim play?

A12. He patronized the inauguration, demonstrating Malaysia’s support for the council and its objectives, and highlighting the importance of scholarly collaboration.

Q13. What are the expected outcomes of the council’s work?

A13. The council is expected to issue fatwas, conduct research, and provide guidance on religious matters, promoting a unified approach to interpreting Islamic teachings.

Q14. How will the council combat extremism?

A14. By promoting moderate interpretations of Islam and presenting a united front against radical ideologies, the council will counter extremist narratives.

Q15. What is the MWL’s role in establishing regional councils?

A15. The MWL initiates and supports regional scholarly councils to foster cooperation, promote moderate Islam, and address regional challenges effectively.

Q16. How does the council enhance Saudi-Southeast Asian relations?

A16. It strengthens diplomatic and cultural ties, fostering people-to-people connections and collaboration on shared interests, thereby boosting Saudi soft power.

Q17. Who are the members of the council?

A17. The council comprises senior muftis and scholars from ASEAN countries, selected for their expertise and leadership in Islamic scholarship.

Q18. What is the expected impact on the global Muslim community?

A18. The council will contribute to global efforts against extremism and promote a moderate understanding of Islam, benefiting Muslims worldwide.

Q19. How does the council reflect Saudi Arabia’s leadership?

A19. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting moderate Islam and supporting initiatives that foster unity and dialogue among scholars.

Q20. What future initiatives might the MWL launch?

A20. The MWL may establish similar regional councils in other parts of the world, expanding its network to promote moderate Islam and address regional challenges.

---