CHRISTCHURCH: Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), visited Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, where 51 worshippers were killed in the 2019 terrorist attacks, and met survivors along with families of the victims.
During his visit, Sheikh Al-Issa, who also serves as Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, reiterated the Muslim World League’s commitment to combating extremist and hateful ideologies while promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and social harmony across the world.
The Christchurch attacks on March 15, 2019, targeted Al-Noor Mosque and the nearby Linwood Islamic Centre, claiming the lives of 51 people during Friday prayers and leaving dozens more injured.
Officials at Al-Noor Mosque informed the visiting delegation that the growing Muslim population in Christchurch has created an urgent need for expansion and reconstruction of the mosque, as well as the establishment of a lecture and dialogue hall. Sheikh Al-Issa assured them that the Muslim World League would support these projects after the completion of the required legal procedures.
Earlier during his visit to New Zealand, Sheikh Al-Issa toured the first phase of a new Islamic Centre under construction in Auckland and participated in a ceremony to plant an “Olive Tree of Peace,” symbolizing harmony and reconciliation.
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He also visited Jamia Masjid Al-Mustafa, the country’s largest mosque, where he met officials of the South Auckland Muslim Association, students enrolled in Qur’an memorization programs, and senior representatives of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.
On Friday, Sheikh Al-Issa officially inaugurated Al-Rahman Mosque in Auckland and delivered its first Friday sermon, highlighting the importance of interfaith dialogue, moderation, and peaceful coexistence.
The visit underscores the Muslim World League’s continued efforts to strengthen global initiatives against religious hatred and support Muslim communities affected by violence and discrimination.
