Several Saudi intellectuals have condemned the terror attack on Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Qatif that resulted in the death of 21 citizens and injuries to over 100.

Novelist and writer Mohamed Ali Quds said the behavior of the suicide bomber, a fellow citizen, violated the tenets of Islam and was meant to foment sectarian strife in the country.

He said those sowing divisions in the Kingdom are behaving just like the Zionists and various other terror groups including Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and Al-Nusrah Front. Their operations are based on instigating sedition to divide people, he said.

Dhafir bin Abdullah Al-Shihri, head of the Al-Ahsa Literary Club, slammed those who were trying to “undermine the country’s unity and stability.” He said the attack was a “heinous crime” that can never be justified because it took place in a place of worship.

It was further proof that these terrorists do not believe in God and are only intent on mayhem and destruction. Saudi society rejects this behavior, he said.

Tawfiq Al-Saif, a writer, said that Saudi society faces many challenges including tribalism, regionalism and racism, which must be criminalized by the government. He called on Saudis to unite against forces trying to stir sedition in the country.

Mujib Al-Zahrani, an intellectual, said the entire country has condemned this “criminal act” which had nothing to do with Islam. He said the nation was facing a new threat where the targets are now “innocent children and adults.”

“This new war is threatening the fabric of our nation and the response should not be to keep silent but to stand united against this enemy, which operates covertly,” he said.

Abdullah Al-Ghareeb, head of the Baha Literary Club, said that everyone across the Kingdom stands with Qatif’s residents. “We are ready to sacrifice our lives, money, children and everything we possess to fight those who are trying to terrorize the Kingdom.”

Abdullah Al-Hamid, a professor of literature at King Khalid University, said the goal of the attack was to break the unity of the people and cause chaos. “But they will not succeed because the Kingdom is very strong and will not succumb to their ill-fated attempts.”

Mifrih Al-Shaqiqi, a poet, said the entire country feels the pain of all those weeping over their losses in Qatif.