JEDDAH: Prince Faisal bin Salman, the governor of Madinah, said that “centrism and moderation have been a strategic choice for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its founding by its founder King Abdul Aziz Al- Saud.”
As the patron of the third “Ambassadors of Centrism” program organized by Taibah University in Madinah, yesterday evening, Prince Faisal added: “Since then, the leaders of this nation have strived to uphold this noble mission up to this day during the reign of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the reign that has witnessed the inauguration of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) in the Saudi capital Riyadh. It is now a global guiding light in combating extremist thought, and enhancing the culture of centrism and moderation.”
“This great step fulfills the Kingdom’s ongoing mission in promoting and disseminating these values, as part and parcel of its efforts to confront violence and extremism, based on the Kingdom’s religious, political, economic status and influence in both the Arab and Islamic worlds.”
The prince went on to say that “pushing for joint efforts toward centrism and moderation through the enlightened discourse of religious learned men and thinkers when talking to youth, will ensure the achievement of the true teachings of Islam in every walk of life.” He then pointed out that “this is what the Saudi government has been diligently doing in its continuous endeavor to stress that moderate Islam is the religion of tolerance and peace, which respects human dignity, and strengthen the principles of togetherness of all, and secure the rule of law and justice.”
Prince Faisal concluded his speech by saying that “extremist ideology must be confronted by moderate thought based on the teachings of our true religion. The Kingdom, for this reason has led, in the sphere of foreign relations, several international humanitarian initiatives as part of its continuous efforts in the cause of peace,” adding that “such initiatives and programs, sponsored by the Saudi government inside educational institutions, are yielding an ever stronger partnership with society in fighting extremist ideology, and creating a culture of tolerance and centrism in future generations.”
Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman: Centrism and moderation are Saudi Arabia’s strategic choice
Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman: Centrism and moderation are Saudi Arabia’s strategic choice
‘Cake not hate’ campaign becomes ‘Dates not hate’ in Madinah
- Dan said he was very impressed by Saudi hospitality and that his family was warmly welcomed
- He said being in Madinah exposed him to the true diversity of Islam
LONDON: A British autistic and non-verbal boy who has been visiting UK mosques and distributing cakes to promote solidarity amid an increase in far-right support in the country has taken his message of love to Madinah.
Joshua Harris, or “The Joshie-Man” as the 12-year-old is known to his social media fans, has handed out hundreds of his baked goods to worshipers at mosques in major British cities over the last few months.
The “Cake not hate” campaign came about after an Islamophobic attack on a mosque in his home city of Peterborough in October 2025.
Harris and his father visited Masjid Darassalaam, the mosque that was targeted, with cakes that the boy had baked and distributed them to the congregation soon after the attack. Since then, Harris has visited dozens of mosques in the UK.
On a recent trip to the Middle East, he and his father visited Madinah. In a local twist that pays tribute to the holy city’s famous date varieties including ajwa and ambar, Harris handed out dates to people in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque. The “Cake not hate” campaign became “Dates not hate” for Saudi Arabia.
“He was greeted really, really warmly. There were some really touching moments where people were kissing his hands and his head. It was really lovely,” his father, Dan Harris, said.
Dan, the founder of global charity Neurodiversity in Business, said being in Madinah exposed him to the true diversity of Islam.
“We met people from all around the world. It was amazing. It’s like the United Nations there, you get people from different countries and it just goes to show you that the Muslim community, or the Ummah more generally, is not a homogeneous group,” he said.
“We saw people from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and it was really interesting for us.”
Dan said his visit to Madinah, considered the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah for Muslims, was “profound and life-changing.”
He added: “I would say it’s my favourite city in the world due to the peace and tranquillity I felt there.”
Dan added that he was very impressed by Saudi hospitality: “Everywhere we went, people were taking down my number and insisting that we come for dinner, insisting they pick us up from the location. They were extremely attentive to Joshie as well, making sure his needs were met. We felt a great sense of welcome, something Saudi Arabia is known for.”
