Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, has said that “intellectual security” is as important as public security in the fight against terrorism, describing universities, mosques and scholars as in a position to assist in the fight against the deviant ideology which defames Islam. The Prince, speaking on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the “Human Rights in Higher Education: Intellectual Security” symposium in Makkah, said that the ulema (Muslim scholars), particularly the General Mufti, could contribute positively in the fight, along with the approximately 15,000 mosques in the Kingdom where Friday prayers are held, “providing the ideal forum for guidance”. He said that intellectual security, or the safeguarding of correct thought, was “no less important than the safeguarding of public security and scholars should shoulder their responsibility in this respect.” Prince Naif emphasized the relation between security and knowledge, saying that security depends on correct ideas, adding that even before the increase in terrorism, greater contacts between the interior ministry and the universities had been made. “There is no better reference than the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah. We are as Arabs, feel proud that the Holy Qur'an is in Arabic and that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was an Arab”. “To discuss issues related to human rights in education or life in general, does not mean that our society is ignorant of these rights,” he continued, “or that it lacks them as is widely reported by malicious propaganda campaigns against the Kingdom.” “The discussion of these issues reflects the reality of our country which enjoys the best rights according to Islamic Sharia law.” Vital concern “The issue of intellectual security has become of vital concern for scientists, intellectuals and protectors of security in the world, given the spread of organized crime and terrorism,” Prince Naif continued, calling for “closer cooperation between security institutions and educational ones to better analyze and interpret recent social and economic changes that have brought adverse effects.” He described the Kingdom as confronting terrorism and intellectual deviation with the necessary courage and professionalism. “Saudi security efforts in the face of terrorist action and thought have received worldwide interest and appreciation.”
