Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Ministers of Islamic affairs and endowments as well as muftis, heads of Islamic councils, associations and institutions from 60 countries are taking part in the 9th Conference of Ministers of Endowments and Islamic Affairs from Islamic Countries, which began in Makkah on Sunday. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, is hosting the conference under the theme of “the role of ministries of endowments and Islamic affairs in promoting and consolidating the principles and the values of moderation.”

Addressing the conference, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and Executive Chairman of the conference Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh highlighted the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for the conference. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is founded on moderate principles, and praised the leadership for championing moderate Islam and combatting extremism.

The agenda of the conference includes discussions on countering extremism and terrorism, safeguarding platforms from radical rhetoric, fostering coexistence and tolerance, refining religious discourse, strengthening moderation and balance, enhancing the concept of citizenship in Muslim countries, and addressing Islamic identity amidst cultural globalization.

In his speech, Morocco’s Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Toufiq underscored his country’s commitment to preserving religious teachings through mosque neutrality and promoting moderation. Egypt's Minister of Endowments Osama Al-Azhari emphasized the need to combat extremism and violence, and highlighted the need to counter extremist narratives based on common values and belonging.

Gambia’s Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs Hamat Bah commended Saudi Arabia’s endeavors to promote moderation globally, while Oman's Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Dr. Mohammed Bin Said Al Mamari talked about world challenges, including moral imbalances and prevalence of hate speech.

The first session of the conference, chaired by Yemeni Minister of Endowments and Guidance Mohammed Aida Shabiba, focused on the growing concerns in the face of extremism and terrorism, as well as the crucial need to protect platforms from their harmful rhetoric.