JEDDAH: Interior Minister Prince Naif has called for efforts to eradicate extremism and propagate the moderate teachings of Islam that promotes tolerance. He criticized those who give precedence to factional interests over the interests of the entire Ummah.
Addressing staff and students at Islamic University in Madinah, Prince Naif said Muslims, who are blessed with the eternal divine message, have a duty to establish peace, justice and stability on earth. He urged all Saudi universities to play a significant role in fighting terrorism.
“I have told King Saud and Imam Muhammad bin Saud universities some Saudis were drawn into terrorism and how we can solve this problem,” said the minister.
Prince Naif launched the university’s Internet video channel designed to combat deviant thoughts and ideas. He also distributed cash awards to families of six Saudi soldiers martired in Madinah.
Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed, Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari and Mohammed Al-Oqla, president of the university, attended the event.
Prince Naif emphasized the role of Muslims in propagating the message of Islam in a wise and convincing manner.
“Islam is a way of life that conforms to man’s nature. It’s suitable for all ages and places,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Prince Naif as saying. He said Muslim scholars and students should make their contributions toward solving the problems and crises facing humanity.
“The success of a person in this world and the hereafter depends on the uprightness of his thought and faith. A person whose faith is shaken may fall victim to deviant ideologies, leading him to total loss and destruction,” he said.
Prince Naif continued: “Intellectual security is essential for preserving and deepening faith.” He stressed the need to correct deviant views and ideas in light of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The prince welcomed a proposal by the wife of a soldier who died fighting terrorists for setting up a national society to support martyrs’ families. “We’ll implement this proposal as part of our efforts to look after the families of our martyrs in the best manner,” he said.
Prince Naif condemned the Al-Qaeda network for killing innocent people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, as well as for destroying public and private property.
He hoped the international counterterrorism center proposed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah would become a reality soon with the support of other countries.
One student proposed a prize for fighting deviant thoughts. “We have considered this idea,” Prince Naif said, adding that the prize would be named after King Abdullah.
Prince Naif said Saudi security agencies have arrested some people who used the Internet to spread deviant thoughts.
