The Muslim World League

The Muslim World League (MWL) is an international Islamic non-governmental organization headquartered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Its primary mission is to promote Islamic unity, propagate what it describes as the true message of Islam, and foster interfaith dialogue and humanitarian aid (Wikipedia, n.d.-a). From Iran’s perspective, the MWL is often seen as an instrument of Saudi religious and political influence, promoting a Sunni-centric (and specifically Wahhabi) interpretation of Islam that contrasts with Iran’s Shia ideology (Wikipedia, n.d.-b).

Location

Headquarters: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Website: https://themwl.org
Contact:
Phone: +966 12 5309444
Fax: +966 12 5601319, +966 12 5601267
Email: info@themwl.net
Postal Address: P.O. Box 537, Makkah 24312, Saudi Arabia (Muslim World League, 2025)

History

The MWL was established in 1962 following the General Islamic Conference in Mecca, which convened 22 prominent Islamic scholars and leaders. The founding was supervised by then-Crown Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s intent to lead and unify the global Muslim community under its religious vision (Wikipedia, n.d.-a; Britannica, 2025). The organization has since expanded its activities globally, focusing on religious outreach (dawah), humanitarian relief, mosque construction, and the distribution of Islamic literature (Khan, 2023).

Establishment and Founders

The MWL was founded on May 18, 1962 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1381 AH) by a resolution of the Islamic World Conference, with King Faisal bin Abdulaziz playing a central role. The founding council included 22 leading Islamic scholars from different countries (Al-Jabri, 2021; Wikipedia, n.d.-a).

Financial Sponsors

The MWL has been predominantly funded by the Saudi government since its inception, with annual contributions reaching approximately $13 million by 1980 (Wikipedia, n.d.-a). The Saudi royal family and government remain its main financial sponsors, enabling the MWL to support mosque construction, humanitarian aid, and the global dissemination of Islamic literature in line with Saudi interests (Khan, 2023).

Website and Contact Information

Website: https://themwl.org
Phone: +966 12 5309444
Fax: +966 12 5601319, +966 12 5601267
Email: info@themwl.net
Postal Address: P.O. Box 537, Makkah 24312, Saudi Arabia (Muslim World League, 2025)

Iran’s Perspective

From Iran’s perspective, the MWL is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s religious and political objectives, particularly in promoting a Sunni (often Wahhabi) interpretation of Islam that contrasts with Iran’s Shia doctrine (Wikipedia, n.d.-b; The Indian Express, 2024). Iranian officials have often criticized the MWL’s activities as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to counter Shia influence and propagate its own religious doctrine, especially in the context of the ongoing Iran–Saudi Arabia rivalry (Wikipedia, n.d.-b; The Indian Express, 2024). ________________________________________ References Al-Jabri, M. (2021). Muslim World League: A Historical Look at Establishment, Goals, and Activities. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 11(1), 60-72. https://ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_11_No_1_January_2021/7.pdf Britannica. (2025, January 13). Muslim World League (MWL). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Muslim-World-League Khan, S. (2023). Muslim World League, Origin, Development, Goals and Services. Journal of Political Science and Public Affairs, 11(2), 45-59. https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/download/16367/10417/20194 Muslim World League. (2025). Contact. https://themwl.org/en/contact The Indian Express. (2024, May 21). How the Islamic revolution isolated Iran from the Muslim world. https://indianexpress.com/article/research/how-the-islamic-revolution-isolated-iran-from-the-muslim-world-9320586/ Wikipedia. (n.d.-a). Muslim World League. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_World_League Wikipedia. (n.d.-b). Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Saudi_Arabia_proxy_conflict

Prominent Research Figures

The Muslim World League (MWL) is led by senior Islamic scholars and clerics who promote Saudi Arabia’s interpretation of Sunni Islam. The current Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim al-Issa, is a prominent figure known for advocating moderation and interfaith dialogue (AAWSAT, 2024). However, from Iran’s perspective, the MWL’s leadership is seen as aligned with Saudi religious-political interests, promoting a Sunni Wahhabi ideology that contrasts with Iran’s Shia theology (Wikipedia, n.d.-a; Wilson Center, 2025).

Key Fields of Concentration (Research)

The MWL focuses on:

Promoting moderate Islam and combating extremism and terrorism
Interfaith dialogue and coexistence among different religions and Islamic sects
Islamic education and scholarship, including women's education in Muslim communities
Humanitarian aid and refugee assistance, especially through partnerships with international organizations such as UNHCR
Issuing Islamic legal opinions (fatwas) to guide Muslim communities worldwide (AAWSAT, 2024; Gulf Times, 2025; UNHCR, 2023).

From Iran’s viewpoint, these efforts are often interpreted as Saudi-led attempts to counter Shia influence and promote Sunni dominance in the Muslim world (Wikipedia, n.d.-a; Wilson Center, 2025).

Relations to the Islamic World

The MWL maintains extensive relations across the Muslim world, including cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and various Islamic universities and councils. It seeks to unify Muslims under a moderate Sunni framework and engage in religious diplomacy (AAWSAT, 2024; Gulf Times, 2025). However, Iran views the MWL as a Saudi instrument that exacerbates Sunni-Shia sectarianism and regional rivalries, especially given the ongoing Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflicts and ideological competition for leadership of the Muslim Ummah (Wikipedia, n.d.-a; Wilson Center, 2025).

Publishing / Significant Reports

The MWL issues reports, fatwas, and publications promoting moderation, condemning extremism, and advocating for peaceful coexistence. It publishes research and organizes conferences on Islamic jurisprudence, education, and humanitarian issues. For example, the MWL’s Islamic Fiqh Council issued a fatwa endorsing the distribution of zakat funds to refugees via UNHCR, enhancing its role in humanitarian Islamic jurisprudence (UNHCR, 2023). The MWL also publishes statements condemning violence, such as its denunciation of attacks on the Iranian consulate in Syria, signaling its official stance on regional conflicts (Muslim World League, 2023).

Impacts and Partnerships from Iran’s Perspective

The MWL has significant impact through its global network of partnerships:

Cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to combat extremism and promote Islamic values of tolerance and coexistence
Launching initiatives like the Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities, supported by a platform involving over 20 global agreements with Islamic academies, UN agencies (UNICEF, UNHCR), and universities (Gulf Times, 2025)
Strategic humanitarian partnerships with UNHCR, including funding refugee programs in Africa and Greece, and pledging multi-million-dollar contributions to support displaced Muslims (UNHCR, 2023).

From Iran’s perspective, while the MWL’s humanitarian efforts are acknowledged, the organization is often viewed as an extension of Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical strategy to counter Iranian influence in the Muslim world and assert Sunni dominance (Wikipedia, n.d.-a; Wilson Center, 2025). Iran’s own alliances with Shia groups and militias contrast with the MWL’s Sunni-centered initiatives, reflecting the broader sectarian and political rivalry in the region (Wikipedia, n.d.-a; Wilson Center, 2025).