Saudi Arabia to Host Int’l Islamic Conference on Moderation, Extremism, Terrorism, Tolerance, Coexistence

Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Int’l Islamic Conference on Moderation, Extremism, Terrorism, Tolerance, Coexistence

Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)
Aerial View of Makkah City Center with the Grand Mosque (AP)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is organizing an Islamic conference in Makkah. The two-day conference titled “Engaging with Religious Affairs, Fatwa, and Clerical Administrations Worldwide and Their Implications,” is set to take place on August 13-14.

The convening of the conference was approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The conference brings together 150 scholars and clerics representing 85 countries. Among them are esteemed religious leaders, heads of Islamic associations and institutions, thinkers, and academics from various global universities.

Over the course of two days, they will engage in seven working sessions, delving into topics of moderation, extremism, decay, terrorism, tolerance, and coexistence among nations.

The conference aims to strengthen communication and collaboration among religious affairs, fatwa, and clerical administrations worldwide.

Its overarching goal is to uphold the principles of moderation and balance, promoting values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among diverse populations.

The event seeks to underscore the pivotal role of these institutions in adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet’s Sunnah, serving Islam and Muslims, fostering Islamic unity, combating extremist ideologies, safeguarding societies from atheism and moral decline.

The conference also highlights the unique experiences of Saudi Arabia in spreading mercy and preserving values while simultaneously advancing in all fields for societal progress and development.

Moreover, the event encompasses seven key themes. The first theme examines the efforts of religious affairs, fatwa, and clerical administrations worldwide in serving Islam and Muslims, as well as enhancing Islamic unity.

The second theme explores the current state and desired future of communication and integration among these entities.

The third theme highlights their endeavors to promote values of tolerance and coexistence among different populations.

The fourth theme underscores the fundamental commitment to the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, both in terms of foundational principles and practical efforts.

The fifth theme delves into the concepts of moderation and balance within the context of the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, examining their roots and practical applications.

The sixth theme addresses the roles of these administrative bodies in combating extremism and terrorism.

The seventh and final theme focuses on their contributions to safeguarding society from atheism and moral decline.

The organization of this conference falls within the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to establish the principles of moderation and balance.

These efforts entail constructive collaboration with global religious leaders, aiming to contribute to the reduction of violence and animosity among the world’s populations.



MWL Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Afghanistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
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MWL Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Afghanistan’s Capital

The Muslim World League (MWL) logo
The Muslim World League (MWL) logo

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned on Thursday the terrorist bombing at a restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul that left several killed and wounded, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement issued by the General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa reaffirmed the MWL’s firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism in all forms and under any pretext.

He expressed solidarity with Afghanistan in confronting all threats to its security, stability, and the safety of its people.

Al-Issa expressed the MWL’s sincere condolences to the Afghan people and the families of the victims.


Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with British, French Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Meets with British, French Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate meetings with his counterparts from the UK and France on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday.

He met with Yvette Cooper, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs where they reviewed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, as well as joint efforts to address them.

The Saudi minister also held talks with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. Discussions highlighted the latest regional developments and joint efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region.


Al-Wali to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Talks a Pivotal Moment for Yemen’s Southern Cause

Former Yemeni minister and veteran southern politician Abdel Nasser Al-Wali speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Former Yemeni minister and veteran southern politician Abdel Nasser Al-Wali speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat.
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Al-Wali to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Talks a Pivotal Moment for Yemen’s Southern Cause

Former Yemeni minister and veteran southern politician Abdel Nasser Al-Wali speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Former Yemeni minister and veteran southern politician Abdel Nasser Al-Wali speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat.

Former Yemeni minister and veteran southern politician Abdel Nasser Al-Wali described the meeting of Yemen’s southern leaders in Riyadh for consultations and dialogue on their cause on Sunday as a pivotal moment in its history, calling for the opening created by Saudi Arabia to be channeled into a political process that delivers lasting peace.

Speaking on the Asharq Al-Awsat podcast with Gulf affairs editor Badr Al-Qahtani, Al-Wali said Riyadh was not merely a diplomatic stop, but a place close to the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, offering a chance to correct past shortcomings in conveying the southern voice.

The veteran Yemeni politician said southerners now faced a “huge opportunity” under Saudi sponsorship, noting that Riyadh had taken the initiative to invite discussions on the issue and “left the matter in our hands.”

He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s role in bringing the parties together without imposing guardianship and in supporting whatever they agree upon without interference.

He said Saudi assurances had been explicit: “The opinion is yours, the decision is yours. We are sponsors and will not impose anything on you. Raise your ceiling to the sky.”

Al-Wali said a message from Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was clear and direct.

“The southern cause is just, with historical and social dimensions, and the Kingdom will not abandon the people of the south and will stand with their will,” he remarked.

“It is enough for the southern voice to reach Saudi Arabia, and for it to understand the justice of the pain that has accumulated since unification,” he stressed.

On preparations for the Riyadh Conference for Yemeni southern dialogue, Al-Wali said discussions would address the shape of the state and its system “with an open ceiling,” to be decided by consensus without exclusion.

The focus was on restoring the state as a path toward dignity, security, stability, development, and prosperity for people, he went on to say.

“The South has room for everyone. There are no intentions of marginalization or exclusion. Any other projects are not sidelined, but discussed,” he assured.

Al-Wali addressed a message to the southern people, saying: “Trust us. We represent in Riyadh those who authorized us,” in a reference to not compromising the cause or taking decisions that contradict popular will.

In another message, he said: “The Saudis will find from the southerners only what pleases God and pleases them, while preserving the bonds of neighborhood, blood, kinship, and shared interests.”

Turning to the roots of the issue, Al-Wali said Yemeni unity had not been an “invasion” or imposed by force, but a voluntary move toward Sanaa “with open hearts,” in the hope of a larger state, a broader economy, and deeper development.

He said that if the price of stability, calm, and development were Yemen’s return to two states, then it would be better, in his view, to have two neighboring states bound by affection, with flexible and smooth economic and social relations and strong fraternal ties, rather than antagonism that “paralyzed both peoples.”

Outlining his vision for a future state, Al-Wali presented the contours of a “federal southern state” that would grant governorates room to contribute to development, investment, and wealth, with equality in rights and duties and fairness in the distribution of resources so that they reach all who deserve them.

He reiterated the centrality of Saudi Arabia’s role, saying the Kingdom’s weight was “very balanced” regionally and globally, and that its engagement represented a historic opportunity to achieve peace “without it being followed by war.”

Asked how he found Riyadh, Al-Wali replied: “As I have always known it. A country of security and stability. Calm and serenity. Love and peace. You come to it, your soul settles, and you feel reassured.”

“Their promises are sincere and are not broken,” he stressed.