Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, has said that everyone is responsible for promoting the moderate Islamic religion the Kingdom is based on. He also said every citizen has a duty to fight those who want to deviate from this path. The Emir made the statement during a lecture at the Islamic University in Madina which was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Majed, Emir of Madina region, and a number of intellectuals, writers and students. Prince Khaled outlined his vision on moderation, and how to protect and apply it in the Kingdom's domestic and foreign policies. He defined Saudi moderation as a balance between religion and modern life without violating the principles of religion. He also pointed out that the Kingdom was founded by King Abdul Aziz on the principles of Shariah. However he warned: “There are some people who want to violate the principles of our religion, our traditions and norms in the name of full freedom. These groups want to discard Islamic values and emulate the West. All these claims are false because they do not take our particularity into consideration.” The Kingdom, Prince Khaled said, the land of the Two Holy Mosques, is the cradle of revelation and has its own particularity. “It is a country which was founded on Islam,” he said. He also pointed to some current developments in the Arab World and the steady rise in people turning toward Islam. He said: “The Saudi moderation method can be used as a model for the success of this Islamic country, which holds Islamic values in high esteem and at the same time is opening up to modern technology and changes that do not contradict these Islamic values.” He spoke about the Kingdom's foreign policy which has been consistent and moderate since the time of King Abdul Aziz. He said: “This is manifested in the fact that the Kingdom does not allow any country to intervene in its affairs and it does not intervene in the affair of others.” Prince Khaled also highlighted the Kingdom's constant efforts in combating terrorism. He said: “This makes the Kingdom a successful contemporary model of an Islamic country. All those who wish good for the Kingdom should help it face the ferocious attacks launched against it by its enemies and should join forces with the Kingdom to support and advocate moderation.”
