RIYADH: Al-Sakeenah, an online organization that promotes moderate thinking by spreading Islamic knowledge and strengthening concepts of loyalty and belonging, claims that more than 1,170 deviants have rejected violence and extremist ideologies through its efforts.
“It was an idea that came to the mind of three volunteers as a result of what they witnessed in chat rooms and on websites,” said Khaled Al-Mashlooh, the brain behind the Sakeenah website.
“In 2005, we started a campaign using suitable and effective means to defy, through private and public messages, the beliefs of deviant groups and individuals by promoting the correct understanding and interpretation of Islam on the Net, particularly in chat rooms,” said Al-Mashlooh, who works in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
In six months, the volunteers were able to establish a presence in chat rooms, something that led to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs taking the campaign under its wing. “Due to the nature of our activity, it was not possible to be registered as an independent body. Therefore, we needed to be under an official umbrella for the purpose of compiling statistics and communicating with various official bodies,” he said.
Al-Mashlooh, who is also a writer, stressed that the site is completely independent and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs does not interfere in its discussions.
According to Al-Mashlooh, his group has been successful in getting 1,170 people to repent over the Net. “Many Al-Qaeda sites, followers and groups sent out warnings to avoid engaging in discussions with Al-Sakeenah, fearing our influence. This has led to a large number of retreats,” he said.
He said deviants fear his group’s efforts. “Our discussions make a large impression and influence the beliefs of Al-Qaeda followers ... The power of the Internet and its vast reach for the young is what made us exclusively use this medium rather than establishing centers or physical locations,” he said.
Campaigners for Al-Sakeenah regularly hold online debates, which are conducted and guided by scholars and specialists. The organization concentrates on the biggest and the most widespread of misgivings.
Al-Sakeenah also posts messages, impressions and declarations by participants.
“Although some may not reject all wrongful ideologies, they would still reject some and declare a change of heart. We have 1,170 messages expressing repentance,” said Al-Mashlooh.
Campaigners are involved in over 400 sites. “Although moderation is an undefined expression, as each individual sees it from a different angle, group members, who originally numbered six and are now over 60, are chosen according to their balanced views.”
Al-Mashlooh added that there are various contradicting ideologies invading society. Followers of each, in his opinion, are trying to erase the other and gain more influence.
“The majority of our population is young and, therefore, we are in great need of forums that promote moderation and instill a true understanding of Islam. This is the only way to defeat extremism completely,” he added.
