JEDDAH — A number of prominent scholars underscored the media's pivotal role in effectively combating deviant thoughts and extremism. They emphasized the need for working out a joint charter by eminent scholars and media figures aimed at presenting the true image of Islam and a rejection of extremist ideas.
The scholars commended Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh for his recent clarification that Islam upholds principles of moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. They underlined the principles of Islam that call for peace, security, interaction and cooperation among different sections of society.
Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid, adviser at the royal court and former chairman of the Shoura Council, said there should be a comprehensive view in confronting problems like terrorism and extremism at the grass roots level. He said quick solutions to address this phenomenon would prove to be ineffective.
“The concept of intellectual security represents protecting individuals as well as society from impacts of behavioral, cultural and intellectual deviations, in addition to standing united against those who try to undermine the fundamentals of religion, values and capabilities of the nation, and Islamic traditions and customs. It also encompasses all aspects of social, moral and behavioral reform,” he said.
Saleh Al-Sadlan, professor of Islamic jurisprudence at the Shariah faculty of Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University, underlined the need for disseminating the fundamental principles of Islamic ideology in its true meaning without room for any wrong interpretation. He urged scholars to present Islamic ideology in the proper manner so that each member of society can be protected from destructive deviant ideologies and extremist ideas.
Abdullah Al-Muslih, general secretary of the International Commission on Scientific Signs in the Qur'an and Sunnah, said Islam is a religion of moderation and its symbol is mercy. All followers of Islam should hold fast to these fundamental concepts of moderation and mercy.
Echoing the same view, Hassan Safar, professor at Shariah faculty of King Abdulaziz University and member of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, said Muslims should follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that are based on moderation.
"Muslims are ordered to work toward achieving cohesion in society," he said.
