Sheikh Ayed Al-Qarni

A senior Saudi scholar has called for the creation of youth cafes that offer jobs and various activities to keep them away from extremist individuals and groups.

Sheikh Ayed Al-Qarni, who is also an author, said that youth cafes could play an important role in realizing the importance of work, earning money, and the sacrifices made by their parents.

He urged the public and private sectors to get involved in these initiatives because young people are the future of the country. The home and school environment, and the role of the media, play important roles in shaping the characters of young people, he said.

Al-Qarni said that “we need a unified discourse involving educators, Islamic scholars and the media to reject violence and extremism.” However, he said young people are ultimately responsible for determining their own future.

“Channel your energies into meaningful activities and acquire skills in various fields of endeavor not only to avoid extremism but also to pursue your dreams,” he said.

He said young people must not neglect their prayers; and urged parents to ensure they are involved in teaching their offspring good morals that would “mold their minds and shape their lives.”