Islamic associations condemn Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia

A Middle Eastern journalist touches a missile that the US Defense Department says was manufactured in Iran but that they also claim was fired by Houthi rebels from Yemen into Saudi Arabia in July 2016, as it sits on display at a military base in Washington, U.S., December 13, 2017. (REUTERS)
Updated 15 April 2018
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Islamic associations condemn Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia

  • The criminal aggression of the Houthis isn’t approved by any religion

JEDDAH: Islamic associations in Sweden, India and Cameroon have written to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, condemning the targeting of various Saudi Arabian cities by the ballistic missiles of the Houthi militia, and praising the Saudi defense forces for intercepting and destroying them.
Hussein Al-Daoudi, chairman of the Scandinavian message association in Sweden, deplored the reckless missile attacks against civilians in Riyadh, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jazan but thanked God that all of the missiles were destroyed.
The association condemned this ugly act, saying it was against all religious teachings and international laws. It called for the international community to stand against this “gang” which doesn’t respect simple humanitarian rules, and confirmed its support to Saudi Arabia and King Salman for spreading moderation, world peace and dialogue.
Sheikh Salaheddine Makboul Ahmed, the head of Ahl Al-Hadith association in India (formerly Al-Waqfiya), supported the deeds of Saudi Arabia in putting an end to the aggression against Yemen and restoring its safety and security.
Sheikh Nsango Abdo, the head of the Cameroonian Cultural Association, said that the criminal aggression of the Houthis isn’t approved by any religion, and is against any logic.


Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress 

Updated 4 sec ago
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Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress 

  • Participants in Holy Sites Journey program tour Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, witnessing world-class pilgrim services

JEDDAH: The 11th Holy Sites Journey Program recently concluded in Jeddah, with more than 114 youth from 33 Arab and Islamic countries participating.

The 10-day program was organized by the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.

Participants traveled across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, exploring sacred sites, performing Umrah, and witnessing the Kingdom’s exemplary Hajj organizational practices.

They also visited historical landmarks, experienced modern sports facilities, and observed urban development projects, gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, spirituality, and progress.

At a closing event in Jeddah on Thursday, Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, assistant deputy minister of sports for youth affairs, praised the participants and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting programs that empower the next generation.

He also encouraged those taking part to serve, on returning to their home countries, as ambassadors conveying the Kingdom’s advancements in services for pilgrims.

Al-Ghamlas added: “The program aimed to strengthen cultural and youth communication between Arab and Islamic countries, highlight the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and empower youth by building their capabilities.”

Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, cultural, and social affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in organizing the program for young people from Arab and Muslim countries, noting it as a step to promote cultural dialogue among youth from Islamic nations.

Participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the journey, witness the Kingdom’s transformative projects and world-class facilities, and pledged to share the knowledge, experiences, and insights they gained with peers in their home countries.

Bilal Jabiro, head of the Syrian Ministry of Youth delegation, told Arab News: “It was a great journey, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We sincerely thank Saudi Arabia for giving us this opportunity to strengthen our ties with youth from other Islamic nations and to see firsthand the great services and facilities the Kingdom offers to visitors and pilgrims.”

Youssef Issa Al-Sharifi, a member of the Supreme Council for Algerian Youth, praised the program’s objectives, saying: “Participation is an opportunity for every Arab Muslim.”

Meanwhile, Hussain Saeed from Oman told Arab News that he was happy to see the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, adding: “It was a very informative and educational journey.”

Syrian influencer Azam Al-Khaldi said the program combined worship, knowledge, and history.

“It was an amazing journey, and I had the pleasure of showing my followers every step of the 10-day program,” he added.