‘Mosque officials should promote national values’

Imams and preachers have a major responsibility to promote a sense of national loyalty, the Kingdom’s values, and a proper understanding of Islam at the nation’s mosques, says Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.
Prince Turki made the comments at the Riyadh Forum on the Role of Mosques, being held under the theme, “Our Homeland is a Trust,” on Tuesday night.
The three-day event, jointly organized by the Riyadh Governorate and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, brought together prominent scholars, imams and preachers to revive the historical role of mosques as places spreading knowledge of Islam as a religion of moderation and wisdom.
Prince Turki said officials must play a major role in helping to reject extremist ideas. He said mosques were the places where Muslims first learned about their faith, and produced companions of the Prophet, (peace be upon him). It was an important educational incubator because of its impact on the hearts and minds of Muslims.
“We have been honored by God to serve the Two Holy Mosques, which is in the birthplace of Islam,” said Prince Turki. He said Saudi Arabia, since its foundation, has focused on spreading the true message of Islam based on the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, (peace be upon him).
The use of modern communication technology by preachers and imams as part of their outreach program, was another important issue to be tackled by religious scholars and representatives of the government and private sector at the conference. They will also explore the possibility of using mosques as part of a program to reach out to non-Muslims.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh and other scholars will deliver lectures on various themes, including the role of mosques in bringing about reconciliation, and their relationship with civil society.