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.



Saudi Arabia Optimistic About Lebanon’s Future

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Optimistic About Lebanon’s Future

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah expressed on Thursday the Kingdom’s optimism over Lebanon’s future.

Prince Faisal was in Lebanon on Thursday on an official visit, the first by a Saudi FM in 15 years.

He held separate meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, caretaker PM Najib Mikati and parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the quintet that helped end Lebanon’s presidential vacuum earlier this month when Aoun was elected. Lebanon is passing through a transition that requires serious support to consolidate its international commitments in implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, deploying the army to the South, reconstructing the country after the war between Israel and Hezbollah and carrying out reforms.

Meeting with Aoun, Prince Faisal underscored the Saudi leadership’s keenness on Lebanon returning as a model for the region and an example of coexistence and prosperity.

He hailed Aoun’s leadership and inaugural speech which set Lebanon on the right path.

“The Kingdom will stand by Lebanon and follow step by step as it moves along this new path,” he added.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Lebanese parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, January 23, 2025. (Lebanese Parliament/Handout via Reuters)

Moreover, he underlined the importance of the reforms that the new government will carry out upon its formation, conveying the openness of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to suggestions that would lead Lebanon to a prosperous future.

The Saudi leadership is looking forward to meeting with Aoun to set the foundations for cooperation between their countries, remarked Prince Faisal.

“Despite the challenges we are facing in the region, the Kingdom is looking at Lebanon's future with optimism under the reformist approach that came in the president's speech after his inauguration,” he stressed.

“These reforms will boost the confidence of Lebanon's partners and open space for the country to regain its rightful place in the Arab and international spheres,” he added.

“We are confident the Lebanese leadership will seize the opportunity and work seriously to bolster Lebanon’s security and sovereignty and safeguard its institutions,” he remarked.

For his part, Aoun hoped relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon will become stronger in all fields and for Saudis to return to visit Lebanon once again.

He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia in helping Lebanon, especially in ending the presidential vacuum that stretched for over two years.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, at Salam's house in Beirut, Lebanon January 23, 2025. (Reuters)

He described Prince Faisal’s visit as a message of hope to Lebanon, recalling the historic bonds between their countries.

Before his departure, the FM conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed over his election, wishing him success and that he would meet the aspirations of the people in achieving stability and progress in Lebanon.

Furthermore, he stressed to Aoun the importance of committing to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, including the implementation of resolution 1701 and relevant international agreements.

Meeting with Berri, Prince Faisal discussed with the speaker the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations between Riyadh and Beirut.

Prince Faisal is set to leave for Syria later on Friday.