As mentioned earlier, the presence of more checkpoints is very noticeable and their efforts appreciated. This article is particularly relevant to us here in Riyadh. Enjoy!
Imams, preachers urged to help fight extremism
ref: http://www.arabnews
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Saleh Al-Asheikh lauded the efforts made by the Ministry of Interior to round up deviants and terror suspects.
“The discovery of terror plots and pre-emptive strikes on militants by the Interior Ministry have succeeded in protecting people's lives and properties. The ministry`s action nipped in the bud terrorists` plan to create chaos," Al-Asheikh said in a statement commenting on the arrest of hundreds of Al-Qaeda cadres during the past several months who were plotting terror attacks on oil faci-lities and other vital installations.
The minister also emphasized the need for the society and religious establishments to join the fight against terrorism. He said not just the Kingdom but several other Muslim countries, were facing the problem.
“Some of our young people have taken to branding people, including religious leaders as heretics,” the minister said. “Their negative propaganda and undue criticism of religious leaders should be countered effectively. We should also protect our young people from the reach of the proponents of deviant ideologies before they are influenced by them.” The minister underlined the role of the society in countering extremism.
“The first responsibility lies with the family and then the imams at mosques,” he said. "It is the duty of the imams and preachers to revive the role of mosques in protecting the youth from deviant ideologies. The mosques should take up the task of neutralizing the extremist ideologies. Extremism is, undoubtedly, far removed from the teachings of Islam,” he said.
“The imams can protect the young people from being influenced by evil ideologies, and the preachers should take steps to guide them. The preachers should inform their parents, relatives and religious scholars about them so that they can be saved from the clutches of extremists. Our young people should love their Lord and obey Him and follow the Prophet (peace be upon him). They should adhere to the constructive social norms.” The minister also cited the examples of the early Muslims who kept themselves aloof from extremist tendencies and movements.
The grand mufti had on Thursday urged citizens and residents to take the Al-Qaeda threat seriously and join hands with the Kingdom`s security forces in defeating the group.
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