Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh

Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh lauded the wisdom of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his frankness in dealing with the media on matters of national interest.

Al-Asheikh was commenting on the meeting of the king with the local media, the country’s intelligentsia and Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Toraifi.

The grand mufti said that the king’s message during his meeting with media personalities should be spread to male and female students, because it is a good approach in clarifying any misconception among the people. He said that Saudi Arabia is a blessed nation whose people are governed by the rule of the divine law of Shariah. It is not based on any partisan or sectarian approach dealing with any wrongdoings “as we have the Book of Allah, and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him).”

In his weekly radio program, Akl-Asheikh said that the king always reminds us of the strong foundation of this blessed country which is built on a sound doctrine.

He also called on journalists and writers to work for the cause of Islam by promoting virtues and fighting vice. He said “our media cannot be compared with those of other countries, since Islam has its own identity which the Islamic media can follow.”

“All the representatives of the media must cooperate in promoting righteousness and piety and use their pens in serving this faith,” the grand mufti said, adding that they should confront some corrupt media arguments and refute them as they are based on gossip, lies and slander.

Meanwhile, The Department of Mosques and Da’wah at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance said here on Monday that it has organized 150 seminars to promote moderation and intellectual security.

The move is part of the department’s effort to educate its staff members and the community on the risk of extremism and deviant ideology to which some youngsters are being exposed through various communication channels, the ministry said.

Prominent scholars, imams and preachers at the ministry in cooperation with the authorities concerned took part in the program in addressing extremism and deviant ideology.

The head of the department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Fares, said that such program was in line with the MIA under the guidance of Saleh Al-Sheikh, minister of Islamic Affairs. Citing one of the recent events, Al-Fares said more that 50 ulema and heads of various Islamic Da’wah across the Kingdom attended the forum that dealt with the security aspects of terrorist groups organized by Prince Naif National College for Security.

Related articles across the web

• Militants disfiguring Islam's image to undermine its strength: Grand Mufti
• UN calls for protection of Jerusalem mosque site
• At least 220 die in deadliest haj stampede since 2006
• UN calls for protection of Jerusalem mosque site
• Yemeni Pilgrims Reached Makkah to Extensive Efforts
• ISIS Magazine Criticizes Pope Francis
• Who is responsible for the massacre of Muslims in Yemen?
• Mufti says dialogue, new president will resolve political crises
• Mecca stampede kills at least 450, injures hundreds more
• Putin offers condolences on Mecca tragedy