The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance in Riyadh will be hosting a forum on the role of mosques in the promotion of national values.

The event, to be held in cooperation with the Riyadh Governorate, will take place at Faisaliah Hotel from Sept. 16-18 under the patronage of Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

It is part of the government’s comprehensive campaign aimed at strengthening the country’s national values. Minister Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh will be attending the event along with prominent Saudi scholars.

The grand mufti, Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, and other distinguished scholars, will deliver lectures on various themes, including the role of mosques in bringing about reconciliation and its relationship with the institutions of society.

They will also explore the possibility of using mosques as part of an outreach program for non-Muslims, besides strengthening the intellectual foundation of the youth.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Nasser, general manager of the ministry’s branch in the capital, said the forum is intended to protect the society from negative influences of those seeking to create disorder and anarchy in the Kingdom.

The message of peace and moderation in Islam as the prerequisites for socio-economic growth and development of the community would be delivered by religious scholars and representatives of the government and private sectors.

They will address various issues of national interest in partnership with imams and preachers for the benefit of society as a whole.

According to Nasser, the event will also feature workshops on various topics including; role of the mosque in the development of true citizenship and community awareness (the dangers surrounding the Kingdom); use of modern technology in the mosque as part of its outreach program; memorizing the Holy Qur’an to promote intellectual and moral values; role of the cooperative office for call and guidance in strengthening national security and the challenges for the Kingdom looming ahead.