Sheikh Ayed Al-Qarni speaks to journalists in Alkhobar, during a lecture tour of the Eastern Province on the dangers of extremism.

A leading Saudi scholar has urged the government to set up awareness programs on extremism for young citizens studying abroad, to counter the influence of terrorist groups such as Islamic State.

Sheikh Ayed Al-Qarni, who has 7.5 million followers on Twitter, made the proposal in an interview with Arab News on Monday, on the sidelines of a lecture tour of the Eastern Province on the dangers of extremism.

Al-Qarni proposed that Saudi embassies run these programs and use scholars, educators and journalists to warn students about these groups. They should be similar to the awareness programs currently run in the Kingdom. He said some young people are easily swayed by the rhetoric of terrorists.

Al-Qarni also praised Saudis for condemning the recent attacks in Al-Ahsa that resulted in the deaths of several citizens, security officers and terrorists. He said the reaction by the country’s citizens showed that the majority of the nation’s sects and tribes are united against such acts, which are not supported by Islamic law as contained in the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

He said Islam is a religion of peace and moderation, and protects the rights of all people. He also visited Irtiqa, a nonprofit organization that rebuilds old computers for needy people. “I’m happy to see such wonderful youngsters doing such a nice job,” he said.

 
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