The statement, issued from the General Secretariat in Makkah, reaffirmed the MWL’s unwavering stance—shared by the broader Islamic world—against all forms of violence and terrorism. It categorically rejected any justification for such acts and strongly opposed the exploitation of religion or culture to legitimize terrorism.

In its message, the MWL emphasized that terrorism has no place in any faith or tradition, and it should not be associated with any race, religion, or community. “Violent extremism must be condemned unequivocally, regardless of its form or manifestation,” the statement declared.

The timing of the statement was significant, coming shortly after a high-profile meeting between MWL Secretary General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah on Tuesday. The meeting highlighted shared concerns around global terrorism and deepened the dialogue between India and the Islamic world on peacebuilding and counter-extremism efforts.

The MWL’s remarks also referenced a recent joint statement issued during PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where both nations reinforced their commitment to combat terrorism and its financing. The MWL praised the “pivotal Saudi-Indian cooperation” and called for dismantling the cross-border terror infrastructure and bringing its perpetrators to justice.

Headquartered in Makkah, the MWL is one of the most prominent Islamic non-governmental organizations, with a global presence aimed at promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian outreach. Under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, the MWL has taken a progressive stance against extremism, earning international respect for its efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures.

India’s connection with the MWL has grown in recent years, especially under Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to the Muslim world. Dr. Al-Issa’s public condemnation of terrorism reflects a growing strategic alignment between India and key Islamic institutions in promoting global peace and fighting radical ideologies.

The MWL declared that the principle of freedom of expression must be framed by values ​​based on respect for the feelings of others and that freedom of opinion, however, when it deviates from these values, then it undermines the meaning moral freedoms.

Secretary General of MWL Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said that the organization was aware that the motive for arousing religious sentiment was prima facie which is only a provocation for material gain.

On October 3, President Emmanuel Macron vowed to implement tougher laws to tackle what he called “Islamist separatism” and defend secular values. He further said that Islam is a religion that is in crisis all over the world.

An interviewer of MBC television show asked MWL chief about his views about Macron’s comments.

Dr. Al-Issa said, “These are people who are falsely considered Muslims. These have harmed Islam’s reputation with their radicalism and extremism – and sometimes, their violence, including their terrorism”.

“These do not represent Islam at all, and if we defend them – whether directly or indirectly, (that would mean) we are exactly like them”, he added.

When asked about Macron’s comments about Islamist separatism, Dr. Al-Issa said extremists and terrorists were the first to isolate themselves from Islamic society.

He emphasized that Muslims living in non-Muslim nations should respect the constitutions, laws and cultures of the respective countries. He said that this concept was clearly stated in 2019 Makkah Declaration, which was signed by thousands of clerics, preachers and Islamic scholars from all the world.

The declaration called for anti-extremism, religious and cultural diversity, and legislation against hate and violence.

Islamic scholars have lately expressed great concerns about Islamist ideology or political Islam which has evolved in the name of Islamic faith, and has been attracting Muslims with delusional promises. Their actions have caused Muslims more harm than benefit, and their existence will keep endangering Muslim lives and existence.