The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued a royal decree granting His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the “Founder’s Medal” (King Abdulaziz Medal) of the first class, in recognition of his distinguished efforts and his remarkable career in serving religion and the nation, and his outstanding contributions to promoting the values of moderation and centrism at the local and international levels.
Significance of the honor and importance of the medal
This royal honor is a clear indication of the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to recognizing national talents who have rendered distinguished service. The King Abdulaziz Medal is one of the highest Saudi decorations, awarded to citizens and citizens of brotherly and friendly nations who have rendered significant services to the state or one of its institutions, or who have provided services or performed acts of considerable moral value, or made great sacrifices. The medal bears the name of the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – thus imbuing it with profound symbolic and historical significance that reflects the nation's identity and rich history.
A career full of giving and achievements
This honor comes as a culmination of Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa's long career in government and Islamic outreach. He has held several vital positions, most notably serving as Minister of Justice and as a member of the Council of Senior Scholars. Since assuming the role of Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Al-Issa has spearheaded a broad global movement to correct misconceptions about Islam, combat hate speech and extremism, and build bridges of dialogue between followers of different religions and cultures.
The Makkah Document: A Historical Turning Point
Among the most prominent milestones in Dr. Al-Issa's career, which solidified his deserving of this high honor, was his pivotal role in drafting and launching the "Makkah Document" in 2019. This historic document, sponsored by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, brought together more than 1,200 muftis and scholars from various Islamic schools of thought and sects across 139 countries to sign a progressive Islamic constitution that establishes the values of coexistence and global peace. This document has garnered widespread international acclaim and is considered a fundamental reference in contemporary Islamic thought.
Regional and international impact
Al-Issa's efforts extend beyond Saudi Arabia's borders to the international arena, where he is considered a pivotal figure in religious diplomacy. His initiatives align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which centers on a "vibrant society" and the values of moderation, thus enhancing the Kingdom's soft power as the heart of the Islamic world and a champion of international peace. The awarding of this honor sends a powerful message about the Kingdom's support for an enlightened religious discourse that unites rather than divides, and builds rather than destroys.
