Modernity, authenticity are ‘main pillars’ of Islamic thought

Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa speaks during a conference in Dakar. (SPA)
Updated 06 July 2019
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Modernity, authenticity are ‘main pillars’ of Islamic thought

  • MWL conference in Dakar called for building a mind capable of comprehending Islamic sciences and confronting extremists

DAKAR: The Muslim World League (MWL) concluded its international conference on “Islamic thought: Approach and message,” which took place in the Senegalese capital of Dakar.
The conference was attended by African scientists and intellectuals, who argued the importance of people being guided by faith, the values of civilization, human progress and seeking to live a carefree and dignified life.
They called for building a mind capable of comprehending Islamic sciences and confronting extremist and violent ideas and their negative developments.
Moustapha Niass, president of the National Assembly of Senegal, praised the MWL for launching their programs designed to promote scientific and intellectual communication with different people and cultures.
The secretary-general of the MWL, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, underlined the league’s keenness to promote the true principles of Islam that call for moderation and confronting hatred and extremism.
He pointed out that Islamic thought has enlightened the world with its mercy, humanity, justice, openness and tolerance, stressing that modernity and authenticity are the main pillars of Islamic thought. Al-Issa underscored the importance of Islamic moderation to fight ideological extremism. 
He also called for raising awareness about the importance of understanding religious texts and their significance, saying that Shariah rules and fatwas change with times and circumstances. He invited scholars to support the formation of a good Muslim personality, especially for Muslim youths.
Sheikh Mbaye Niang, minister of religious affairs, noted that Islamic thought is characterized by open and flexible creations and properties guided by Islam. 
He said that the conference is held within a global context marked by the escalation of violence in its various forms. “Many scientists and researchers have become more aware that this is the result of an intellectual crisis that has escalated and resulted in extremism and terrorism,” he added.
Soham El-Wardini, mayor of Dakar, thanked MWL for organizing the conference, hailing its pivotal role in promoting the values of moderation, especially in the face of extremist ideas. “Islamic thought extends bridges of communication with everyone confidently and capably,” she said.
A cooperation agreement was signed between the MWL and the High Authority of Waqf in Senegal covering the activation of endowments to promote and develop charity activities and the culture of philanthropy in Senegal.


Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.

Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.

In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.


Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

  • Move aligns with aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi signed a cooperation agreement on Monday aimed at achieving their respective goals.

The agreement will also work to develop human capital in the culture and arts sectors.

It is hoped the partnership will lead to the development of local cultural identity; the growth in local economic interaction; an increase in job opportunities and social development; and the creation of a legislative and regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation in the cultural sector.

It is expected this will lead to increased economic activity and new job opportunities, targets which form part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministries will study ways to encourage and motivate the participation of the private sector in developing the culture and arts sectors as part of the agreement.


Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week to highlight Saudi talent to a global audience, official says

Updated 06 May 2024
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Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week to highlight Saudi talent to a global audience, official says

  • ‘Initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent,’ says Fashion Commission’s CEO

RIYADH: The head of the Saudi Fashion Commission said on Monday that the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week later this month will highlight the talent in the Kingdom to a global audience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the commission, said: “With Red Sea Fashion Week we set out to forge a distinctive and dynamic platform that not only highlights the vast creativity and skill within Saudi Arabia but also elevates our nation as a key player on the global fashion stage.

“This initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent and integrating them into the international arena, resonating deeply with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enriching our cultural fabric and broadening our economic horizons.”

The first edition of Red Sea Fashion Week, the latest initiative from the Saudi Fashion Commission to promote the Kingdom’s fashion industry, begins on May 16 at the new St. Regis Red Sea Resort. It runs until May 18.

A fashion show will be held on the first day, followed by two days of side events and further shows featuring a collection of luxury fashion, jewelry, ready-to-wear items, and resort wear collections from Saudi and international designers.

Saudi Arabia hosted its first fashion week in 2023 in Riyadh, and hosted a pop-up event in Milan last year on the sidelines of the city’s fashion week.


Saudi crown prince offers condolences to UAE president after death of uncle

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi crown prince offers condolences to UAE president after death of uncle

  • Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his condolences to the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Monday after the recent passing of his uncle Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan.

During a phone call, the crown prince prayed that God forgive the deceased who was the representative of the Abu Dhabi Ruler in Al-Ain Region.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen.


Saudi justice minister opens International Conference on Judicial Training

Updated 06 May 2024
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Saudi justice minister opens International Conference on Judicial Training

  • Experts from around world will attend 2-day event in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Saudi justice minister on Monday opened the International Conference on Judicial Training in Riyadh.

Walid Al-Samaani made the opening speech at the two-day event, which has attracted more than 600 experts and 45 speakers from around the world.

He highlighted the strides made by the Kingdom in the judiciary sector since the launch of its Vision 2030 initiative.

He also outlined the ministry’s commitment to improving the efficiency of the judiciary and “pivotal role of training, qualification and legal knowledge management in achieving justice.”

The Judicial Training Center was dedicated to improving the skills of the Kingdom’s judicial and legal personnel through collaborations with its partners and had been instrumental in qualifying judges and training lawyers, judicial assistants and notaries, the minister said.

Al-Samaani also commented on the transformation of the justice system, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which has focused on fortifying legal principles, embedding values of transparency and ensuring legal certainty.

A key area for development was the digital transformation and integration of artificial intelligence, which the ministry was advancing to enhance judicial quality, he said.