CAIRO — Ministers of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in countries of the Islamic world stressed that terrorist groups relied on utilizing fatwa to serve their deviated ideologies, noting that speaking in the religious public issues without full realization and awareness jeopardizes the security of homelands.

They also stressed that Islamic countries are now aware of distortions in the religious field and embarked on action to immunize societies from confusion in religious issues and build up capabilities to spread the moderate ideology.

These remarks were made during the 13th session of the Executive Council of Ministers of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs chaired by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh.

The meeting in Cairo was held under the patronage of the Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly with the participation of member states.

Dr. Al Al-Sheikh stressed that the ministries of Awqaf (endowments) and Islamic Affairs, which carry out multiple tasks and responsibilities, must direct their efforts to spread the concept of moderate Islam, and confront the challenges that threaten our intellectual and ideological security, and undermine security, stability, values, and principles in our countries.

He added that collective efforts are capable of countering these intrusive ideas on our societies, ward off their dangers and damages, and restore the true image of Islam; its moderation and tolerance, which are the most important factors of its strength.

The meeting reviewed the General Authority of Endowments’ efforts in Saudi Arabia in managing endowment funds and the experiences of the ministries of Islamic affairs and endowments in adopting technical and urban specifications in building and maintaining mosques, and the exchange of expertise and regulations in appointing imams, preachers, and muezzins, and the responsibilities entrusted to them.

The meeting also discussed the seriousness of issuing fatwas without proper knowledge or specialization, and visions on (confronting the developments of extremism, and terrorism) as well as dealing with common human values including coexistence and tolerance, the various means of social media, and the role of the ministries of Islamic affairs and endowments in that regard. — SPA