DHAHRAN, 16 October — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, has called on Saudis to keep away from religious extremism, saying Islam is a faith of moderation.
"I call on our sons, the students of today and the men of tomorrow, and every citizen to stick to their faith without excess, for Islam is a religion of moderation and wisdom," Prince Abdullah said addressing the students of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals here.
"At the same time we must be aware of currents of deviation and decadence on one hand and currents of excesses and extremism on the other," the prince added.
Prince Abdullah warned that religious extremism will lead to catastrophe. "Beware of extremism, because the annihilation of nations that came before you was caused by religious extremism," the crown prince said quoting a saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Saudi Arabia has voiced concern over the security of the Gulf region after the crackdown in Kuwait on a cell with indirect ties to Osama Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda group, blamed by Washington for last year’s attacks on US targets.
Prince Abdullah urged Saudi students to imbibe the qualities of kindness and benevolence.
"God is benevolent and likes benevolence in all matters," the prince quoted Prophet Muhammad as saying.
He criticized the so-called Islamic scholars who give edicts (fatwas) without proper knowledge of the religion.
Prince Abdullah, who is on a visit to the Eastern Province, also called upon Saudi students to participate in the Kingdom’s development and help in solving its problems.
He urged university professors to assist the administration by making available their ideas and expertise.
The crown prince said the Kingdom will continue its efforts to strengthen the economy and, create more jobs for Saudis.
He urged Saudis to stand united to face the challenges. "If we stand together, deepening our faith in God, we can face any challenge, realize our goals and remove the obstacles that stand in our way," he added.
Prince Abdullah came to KFUPM on Monday to attend the university’s 40th anniversary celebrations and inaugurate its development projects. He received an honorary doctorate in administrative science from Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Dukhayyil, KFUPM’s rector.
The degree was conferred in appreciation of Prince Abdullah’s efforts for the Kingdom’s development, his expertise in managing the affairs of the National Guard and his contribution to world peace and security.
The crown prince laid the foundation of the university’s industrial research center, the fifth phase of its campus project and an experimental workshop for new oil refining technology.
