RIYADH, 25 December 2005 — Saleh Al-Hussayn, chairman of the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue (Saudi Arabia), and Yousuf Al-Haji, chairman of the International Islamic Charity Organization (Kuwait), were declared the joint winners of the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam.
This was announced by Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and Minister of Defense and Aviation, at a press conference held at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall of Al-Faisaliah Hotel here last night.
Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, governor of Asir and director general of King Faisal Foundation, was among those present.
Al-Hussayn was declared the joint winner of the award for promoting the moderate face of Islam and for confronting extremism in the Saudi society.
Recently, he chaired the national dialogue meeting on “Us and Others” held in Abha for encouraging a spirit of tolerance in dealing with foreigners.
Al-Hussayn said that in dealing with non-Muslims, Islam requires at the very least both justice and sympathy. And when it comes to Muslims’ relations with fellow Muslims, the relation must be based on loyalty to Islam and governed by a bond of brotherhood.
Al-Hussayn pointed out that the United States only banned racial discrimination in the 20th century whereas Islam applied the principle of equality over 1400 years ago.
Al-Haji was cited for his support to charitable works and for his role in promoting social reforms. Since 1976, he has been playing an active role in confronting the challenges facing the Islamic nation. His organization, the International Islamic Charitable Organization, set up several vocational training centers for underprivileged children in Kuwait.
Answering questions from newsmen, Prince Sultan said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has appointed specialized Gulf bodies for undertaking a study to boost the Peninsula Shield forces.
In reply to another question on the jets deal with Britain, Prince Sultan said the Kingdom will purchase over 200 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. “We shall disclose the details by March next,” he added.
