Kigali Welcomes Muslim World League Chief for Friday Prayer Sermon

In a moment of spiritual significance for Rwanda’s Muslim community, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, delivered the Friday sermon and led worshippers in prayer at the Grand Mosque in Kigali.

The visit marks a notable connection between the global Muslim community and Rwanda, where Muslims constitute a minority in a nation known for its Christian majority. Sheikh Al-Issa, who also chairs the Council of Muslim Scholars, addressed contemporary Islamic issues during his sermon while extending warm congratulations to worshippers on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

A Message of Values

Beyond the seasonal greetings, Sheikh Al-Issa spoke about fundamental Islamic values that guide Muslims in their interactions with others. He described these principles as reflections of the noble moral teachings of the Prophet Muhammad—emphasizing that faith expresses itself not only in ritual but in conduct toward fellow human beings.

The choice of themes—interaction, ethics, shared values—carries particular resonance in Rwanda, a nation that has devoted three decades to healing and reconciliation following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. In a country where rebuilding social fabric has been a national priority, messages emphasizing ethical conduct across communities find attentive listeners.

The Muslim World League’s Role

The Muslim World League, based in Mecca, works to promote Islamic values and foster dialogue between civilizations. Its engagement in Rwanda reflects a broader commitment to supporting Muslim communities across Africa and facilitating their connection to the global ummah.

Sheikh Al-Issa’s personal presence in Kigali signals the importance the league places on these connections. For Rwandan Muslims, the visit of a senior international religious leader during Ramadan offers both spiritual uplift and recognition of their place within the wider Muslim world.

A Growing Community

Islam has deep roots in Rwanda, dating back to trade routes that connected the region to the Swahili coast. In recent decades, the Muslim community has grown steadily, with mosques and Islamic institutions taking their place alongside churches in Rwanda’s religious landscape.

The Grand Mosque in Kigali, where Sheikh Al-Issa led prayers, stands as a symbol of this presence—a place of worship, gathering, and learning for the capital’s Muslim population.

Ramadan in Rwanda

For Rwandan Muslims, Ramadan this year now includes the memory of a Friday prayer led by one of the Islamic world’s prominent figures. As they continue their month of fasting and reflection, the visit adds a layer of connection to the broader ummah—a reminder that in faith, as in so much else, distances shrink and communities touch.

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