MWL chief calls for unity during Albania’s Eid sermon

Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, delivers the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana, largest in Albania and the Balkans. (Supplied)
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Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, delivers the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana, largest in Albania and the Balkans. (Supplied)
Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, delivers the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana, largest in Albania and the Balkans. (Supplied)
2 / 3
Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, delivers the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana, largest in Albania and the Balkans. (Supplied)
Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, delivers the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana, largest in Albania and the Balkans. (Supplied)
3 / 3
Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, delivers the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana, largest in Albania and the Balkans. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 March 2025

MWL chief calls for unity during Albania’s Eid sermon

Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, delivers the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana.
  • Al-Issa urges Muslims to uphold Islam’s reputation

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, visited Albania at the invitation of President Bajram Begaj.

During his visit, he delivered the Eid Al-Fitr sermon at the Great Mosque of Tirana, the largest in Albania and the Balkans.

A large crowd attended, including prominent scholars like Sheikh Boyar Spahiu, chairman of the Islamic Sheikhdom and grand mufti of Albania.

Al-Issa began with heartfelt Eid greetings, calling it a time of joy and divine grace, as well as an opportunity to embrace Islamic values and faith-based brotherhood.

He stressed that Eid strengthens bonds of forgiveness, unity, and friendship, extending beyond Muslims to all humanity.

Focusing on the Qur’an’s virtues, he described it as “a guide to what is most upright,” leading believers in faith, worship, and conduct.

Al-Issa also reflected on the Prophet Muhammad’s role in spreading Islam with justice and high moral values. Despite attempts to undermine the faith, nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide continue to practice it with pride, he noted.

Al-Issa urged the crowd to uphold Islam’s reputation, stating that true pride lies in actions. He emphasized that Muslims must be good ambassadors of Islam, embodying its core principles and high values, regardless of circumstances or provocations.

Praising Albania’s social harmony, he described Albanians as a model of faith, coexistence, and peace, noting that their commitment to forgiveness and morality strengthens both their nation and the global community.

He highlighted the family as society’s foundation, calling it every nation’s hope and safety net. He also stressed the vital role of Muslim women in nurturing children and instilling correct religious beliefs. 


UK govt orders poultry restrictions as avian flu spreads

Updated 3 sec ago

UK govt orders poultry restrictions as avian flu spreads

UK govt orders poultry restrictions as avian flu spreads
The risk to human health remained “low” and that “properly cooked” poultry and eggs were safe to eat
The virus can spread through droppings and saliva or contaminated food and water

LONDON: The UK government on Tuesday ordered all poultry in England to be kept inside due to escalating cases of avian influenza.
The order takes effect from Thursday.
“The new measures mean bird keepers across the whole of England must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50... or if they sell or give eggs away,” a statement said.
Similar limited restrictions were made in parts of north, central and eastern England last week.
“Given the continued increase in the number of avian influenza cases in kept birds and wild birds across England, we are now taking the difficult step to extend the housing measures to the whole of England,” said UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss.
The risk to human health remained “low” and that “properly cooked” poultry and eggs were safe to eat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said.
There were 85 recorded avian flu outbreaks in poultry farms in Europe between August 1 and late October with 28 in the last week of that period, according to the Europe-wide ESA animal health monitor.
Of those six outbreaks were in Britain.
In January, following an uptick in cases, the UK government ordered mandatory culls in England of birds within a three kilometer (1.8 mile) radius of a confirmed case, as well as stepped up hygiene measures and controls across wider areas.
The virus can spread through droppings and saliva or contaminated food and water.
Vaccinations against bird flu are currently not allowed in the UK, except in zoos.