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.



KSrelief: 1,960 Tons of Assistance Delivered to the Syrian People

54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
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KSrelief: 1,960 Tons of Assistance Delivered to the Syrian People

54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)

More than 1,960 tons of Saudi aid have been delivered to the Syrian people through both land and air bridges. This assistance includes food baskets, rice, flour, shelter kits, personal care packages, dates, winter clothing, blankets, and medical supplies.

On Sunday, the 13th Saudi relief plane landed at Damascus International Airport, coinciding with the entry of 54 new trucks through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital. These efforts are part of the air and land relief bridges organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to assist the Syrian people, carrying essential food, shelter, and medical supplies.

The recently arrived relief plane carried approximately 30 tons of aid, according to Syria’s official news agency, SANA. Previously, Syria had received 60 aid trucks via the Saudi land bridge.

According to the King Salman Center, the total aid delivered to Syria thus far amounts to 1,969.66 tons, with 114 trucks crossing the Syrian Nasib border as part of Saudi Arabia’s land relief efforts.

This aid reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to supporting the Syrian people during times of crisis, alleviating their hardships.

The Kingdom’s efforts date back to the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, providing refuge to millions of Syrians and offering free education, healthcare, work opportunities, and integration into Saudi society.

Information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that 40 of the trucks were loaded with flour designated for Syria’s General Establishment for Bakeries, aimed at mitigating the economic crisis, particularly the bread shortage, and ensuring continued access to food for Syrian families.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Mubarak Al-Dosari, Director of Branches at KSrelief, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued support for providing flour supplies. He stated: “We work tirelessly to bring smiles to the faces of the Syrian people, which is our greatest reward.”

Saudi Arabia had emphasized that there is “no fixed limit” to the aid being sent to Damascus via the air and land bridges. These efforts will continue until the humanitarian goals are achieved, as directed by the Kingdom’s leadership, to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

During an official visit to Damascus on Friday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated his country’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its solidarity with the Syrian people. He stated: “This visit reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s stance in supporting Syria to ensure its security, stability, and resurgence.”

In total, over 1,960 tons of Saudi aid have been delivered to Syria, including food baskets, rice, flour, shelter kits, personal care packages, dates, winter clothing, blankets, and medical supplies as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing relief efforts.