Saudi scholars are increasingly using the Internet – in particular Facebook and Twitter – to communicate their opinions on Islamic law and other issues with all sections of society, including the youth. Some have their own websites where they hold online discussions with members of the public. They also seek the opinion of young visitors about their programs. They also comment on Qur'anic verses and Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Dr. Salman Al-Aouda, a prominent scholar, has a Facebook account. He disagrees with some scholars that the Internet and social networking sites such as Facebook should not be used to communicate Islamic issues. He thinks that it is wrong for some scholars to issue edicts banning the use of Facebook. “This is nothing but a grave mistake. I see the edict or ruling as very humiliating. People should be encouraged and motivated to effectively participate on these pages instead of being misused and exploited by others for their own ulterior motives. This is the same as some scholars who prohibit the reading of books, going to the library and even dealing with different media tools. People should understand that there are invaluable periodicals on the Internet which enrich humankind. We are making a strategic mistake when we prohibit everything.” Al-Aouda encourages people to communicate with him and to feel free to express their views, even if they disagree with him. This has made him one of the most popular scholars on the Internet. Recently he wrote on Facebook that people should never express their views without taking into consideration “the reality of the circumstances”. Dr. Awad Al-Qerni, a preacher who also has a presence on Facebook, said scholars, writers and intellectuals have important leadership and pioneering roles to play in society. Dr. Saad Al-Barak, whose page is oversubscribed, had to apologize to the public for no longer accepting more members and pen friends. His page includes several parts of his program “Faid Al-Khatir”. Al-Barak also offers advice to the public. Ayied Al-Qerni, another scholar, has a page entitled, “The daily journey of contemplation”. He answers questions from members of the public about specific Qur'anic verses. In one of his sermons, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Aal Al-Sheikh, Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Board of Senior Scholars, advised scholars and preachers to use modern technology to spread the message of Islam. __
