Dr. Al-Issa Delivers a Lecture at George Washington University on “Hatred… and Islamic Values Toward Followers of Races and Religions”

At the official invitation of the President of George Washington University, Ms. Ellen M. Granberg, His Excellency the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, delivered a lecture followed by a discussion on “the general concept of hatred” and “a comprehensive definition of hostility toward followers of religions and races in ways that undermine their dignity and humanity,” with a particular focus on Islamic values in this regard. The event was attended by a number of academics, students, and research centers.
Dr. Al-Issa emphasized that human dignity is a firmly established principle in Islamic values, and that Islamic legislation does not permit any violation of this dignity. He reiterated that the Islamic stance toward followers of religions and races, and opposition to contemptuous methods and racist practices, is a constant and unchanging position, as it represents the deeply rooted values of Islam.
He further explained that it is a fallacy to regard the condemnation of crimes committed by individuals or institutions, and commentary on their offensive behavior and conduct, as an insult to their religions or hatred toward their races.
He continued “I have not found any model of a responsible Islamic discourse that undermines respect for the human dignity of any follower of religions or races, regardless of differences with some of their followers or those associated with them, due to behavior that reflects their political or non-political agendas or ideologies, matters that have no relation to religion or race. Islamic texts do not allow any justification for racial hostility; rather, they consider it ‘Jahiliyyah’, a state of religious, civilizational, and moral nihilism.” He added “We clarify our convictions and positions through dialogue and facts, not through slogans and practices of hatred and racism.”
He also stated that whoever does not respect the humanity of others is, in the first place, hateful toward himself, even if unaware of it, because humanity, originating from a single essence, is indivisible. This, he noted, is rooted in Islamic belief, citing the Qur’anic verse: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam.” He affirmed that Muslims believe in the right of every human being to dignity simply because they are human, a dignity that includes all races equally, without discrimination or preference.
Dr. Al-Issa explained that hatred is a dangerous negative emotion toward others, often developing into racist behavior. He stressed that its fundamental remedy lies in preventing it from the outset through all platforms of influence, most importantly the family and education, so that awareness becomes an instinctive behavior whose impact and spontaneity surpass even the effectiveness of laws, despite their importance. He concluded that this is an international responsibility requiring solidarity.