Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, has stressed the need for moderation to contain the current crisis in the Muslim world.
“Moderation is not something that can be achieved through words. It is not a mere slogan but a total path and commitment to a principle that will achieve general welfare aimed at the goodness and growth (of the people),” Prince Salman said during a series of lectures on “moderation in the life of King Abdul Aziz” at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah on Saturday.
He said moderation encompasses all aspects of life including eating, talking, education, spending and dealings with people.
He said it was by sticking to the principle of moderation that King Abdul Aziz managed to sidestep the schemes of colonial powers who were tracking his activities and trying to foil his effort to re-establish the kingdom.
“The late king succeeded in establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia far removed from regional calculations or foreign influence and in keeping his people and country away from woes of the world wars,” the prince said.
Prince Salman said the late king adopted a moderate policy filled with wisdom, patience and reason at a time when some citizens were skeptical about the need to adopt beneficial modern technology.
“The late king pardoned his rivals and then they became his closest men. He was patient with his opponents because their views about the future were flawed. The king explained to them and convinced them how his views were better for their welfare,” he said.
Prince Salman said the king was also moderate in his religion. “He was not extreme or negligent in religious matters.”
“A life devoid of religion but filled with various other forces is not a real life. On the other hand, real life starts with religion, adherence to it and establishing the law of Allah,” King Abdul Aziz said, according to a report published by the Umm Al-Qura daily in 1937.
The prince continued: “To learn the significance of the moderation followed by King Abdul Aziz, we should read the history of the leaders who adopted an extremist stance in their policies and decisions which exposed their countries to wars and turmoil or because of their following personal whims or fleeting man-made ideologies.”
The prince also called on students to adhere to a moderate path in their thinking and activities “because it is the right way.”
“King Abdul Aziz engaged in dialogues to convince his rivals and opponents. On such occasions the king was committed to Islam and he was content with following the ways of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He did not go to extremes or create split, nor was he harsh,” the prince said.
The path followed by the Saudi government is based on the principles of moderation adopted by King Abdul Aziz because the rulers are keen to protect citizens from any kind of injustice, Prince Salman said.
“The founder of the Kingdom used to say that every citizen who feels that he has been unjustly treated should come forward with his complaint even if it is against any of my sons or grandsons,” the prince said.
“The moderation is the principle that governs our religious and worldly matters and that is because our straightforward religion of Islam says in the Holy Qur’an “we thus established you as a nation pursuing the path of moderation,” the crown prince said.
He also quoted the saying of the Prophet (pbuh) reiterating the importance of moderation in Islam. “The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Beware of excesses because those before you were destroyed because of their excess’,” Prince Salman quoted another authentic hadith warning against taking an extreme positions in any matter.
“The founder King Abdul Aziz implemented the path of moderation following in the footsteps of our Prophet (pbuh) and the succeeding generations. The king was moderate in his stands, views and policies. This great unity that we all enjoy today is because of that,” he said.
“The king kept to the path of moderation while re-establishing the Saudi state on the same principles upon which the first Islamic state and first Saudi state and the second state were established,” he added.
The crown prince continued: “The king never took risks or was reckless with the lives of others whether they were his companions or rivals.”
Despite his success in the unification of the country with the blessings of the Almighty, and the support of men in different parts of the country, he never took revenge or was spiteful to any one. “He was moderate and content with what he achieved, keeping himself busy with maintaining the law and order and ensuring welfare for all,” he said.
The late king also appointed people who had qualities of outstanding moderation at responsible positions. “Today, we are badly in need of moderation to withstand the floods and currents of the changes and attempts to change our concepts disfiguring facts, and influencing others with misleading and deceptive information that are in reality against the public interest and untrue,” the crown prince warned.
Prince Salman also stressed the need to apply the principles of real moderation in our culture and views and not to be overcome by emotion.
“The official gazette Umm Al-Qura quoted the late king as saying: ‘I am very much pained when I see people deviate from the straight path and listening to devil’s whispering. But no doubt the public welfare is above all other interests’,” the prince said.
“Our interests today are the same interests we had yesterday because our fundamental principles did not change even though some people’s thoughts and style of interacting with the affairs of their life have undergone changes,” he continued.
“Our moderation today is not less important than our moderation yesterday in the backdrop of increasing challenges and temptations. Some people are groping aimlessly and some are imitating other people outside our environment, society and religion,” he said.
Moderation is needed because it helps us to benefit from modern scientific advancements but within the framework of our religion and values, the crown prince said.
It is also required to preserve the country where the revelation to the Prophet (pbuh) occurred and the Qiblah (direction of prayer) of the Muslims is situated, he said.
The country is also the starting point of pan-Arabism and Islam. “The country’s constitution is the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). Moderation in its path, stands and views is based on clear Islamic principles,” he said.
Prince Salman pondered the plight of Arab nationalist sentiments. “They did not survive because they were standing on false foundations and had nothing to do with Islam and its values but was contradictory to religious values.
“Our country is the starting point of pan-Arabism and Islam as the Holy Qur’an was revealed in Arabic to an Arab prophet. The country’s sons undertook to spread the Islamic message to all parts of the world at the Almighty’s orders.
“We have been honored by Allah with the opportunity to serve the Two Holy Mosques,” the crown prince said. “We have been honored by Allah with the opportunity to serve Arab and Muslim people. That service is undertaken with real moderation based on the principles of the religion and not for any personal motives.”
He said all material resources of the Kingdom are not as great as the creed of Islam that prevails in the country and also not as valuable as the devoted men and women who are sincere to their religion and their Ummah.
“Our country has been deploying its material and non-material resources to not only for the welfare of the people in the Arab and Muslim worlds but to the advantage of the world at large,” the crown prince said.
“We have been following a foreign policy of moderation since the time of King Abdul Aziz and his supporters. Our friendship with all people is moderate and our first priority is to the Arab and Islamic Ummah,” he added.
He told the audience that the prosperity, unity, stability and security of the Kingdom was a matter of envy of others. “On this occasion, I call upon students, my sons and daughters, to be committed to moderation in all their thoughts and deeds because it is the right path Allah has paved for us in the world of various ideologies,” the prince continued.
“The country has stood on the principle of moderation since its foundation more than 270 years ago,” the prince said, adding that it has been following the same principle during the reigns of King Abdul Aziz, King Saud, King Faisal, King Khaled, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
The crown prince also stressed the need for the present generation to be committed to the principle of moderation.
He reminded the audience of what King Abdul Aziz had said of injustice and corruption. Any official who attempted to dissuade any citizen who had a complaint or lessen its seriousness will be severely punished, the late king had ordered.
“In my lifetime, I do not wish to hear of an injustice or for Allah to hold me responsible for an injustice or burden of another person, or for not rescuing an unjustly treated man or safeguarding the right of an oppressed man. I have delivered the message. O Allah, be my witness, we will tread on this path and safeguard it by the grace of God,” the prince concluded.
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal; Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities; Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari and President of the King Abdul Aziz University Osama Taib also attended the event.
Prince Salman: Moderation is answer to current crisis
Prince Salman: Moderation is answer to current crisis
Erdogan to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our ties with Saudi Arabia are strategic for regional peace, stability, prosperity
- Turkish president says Ankara is ready to mediate between the US and Iran to prevent a new regional war
- Erdogan tells Asharq Al-Awsat his Riyadh visit aims to deepen Saudi ties, coordinate on Gaza, Syria and security
RIYADH: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed on Tuesday that his country was prepared to mediate between Iran and the US to ease tensions between them, warning against any step that may spark war in the region.
Erdogan arrived in Riyadh on an official visit on Tuesday. In an interview to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said relations between Riyadh and Ankara have strategic importance for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
He revealed that his visit aims to expand bilateral consultations on regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza and Syria, as well as elevate bilateral ties to broader horizons.
Erdogan said: “Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are two friendly countries with deep historical ties, strong state traditions, and a shared sense of regional responsibility. We have never viewed this relationship through a narrow lens confined solely to bilateral matters. This is because the valuable friendship between our two countries also carries a strategic significance for the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region as a whole.”
“As a natural outcome of this understanding, Turkiye-Saudi Arabia relations constitute a line of stability that goes beyond economic cooperation alone, encompassing consultation, coordination, and the strengthening of common wisdom. Indeed, in our previous meetings with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, we addressed not only bilateral relations but also regional and global issues, and reaffirmed our mutual determination to further deepen our cooperation in the period ahead,” he added.
On his visit to Saudi Arabia, he said: “We aim to both deepen consultation on regional issues and advance our bilateral relations in concrete areas. In this regard, the inclusion of the business community in the program clearly reflects our commitment to elevating economic cooperation.
“This visit brings consultation and a positive agenda together at the same table. Our agenda includes Palestine, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and Syria,” Erdogan stated. “There is, of course, also an economic aspect, namely how we can expand our trade, investments, and joint projects, which we will address as well. Thus, we will strengthen consultation while also broadening the positive agenda.”
“Regarding new steps of cooperation, we do not view the matter solely through the lens of signing documents. What truly matters to us are sustainable and concrete projects that deliver tangible results on the ground and generate mutual benefit. We seek initiatives that will open new horizons for our business communities, create employment, and improve the lives of our people,” he went on to say.
“We see significant potential not only in the economy, trade, and investment, but also in fields such as energy, tourism, transportation, and logistics,” he noted. “We have no intention of leaving this potential merely on paper. Our objective is to expand this cooperation through concrete projects based on a mutual win-win approach and to elevate our relations to a more advanced level.”
“In the defense industry, our primary goal is to establish cooperation based on mutual trust that builds capacity and strengthens technological and production capabilities. I believe that steps to be taken in areas such as joint production, technology sharing, and training will not only strengthen the defense capacities of both countries, but also further consolidate the foundations of our strategic partnership,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
On the possibility of the eruption of a war between the US and Iran, he said: “Let me begin by stating that experience has proven that scenarios which fail to grasp the values, identity, history, and future of this geography have inflicted far greater suffering on the region than peace. The wounds inflicted by the implementation of such scenarios in Gaza, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan remain vivid in our collective memory.”
“For this reason, as Turkiye, we categorically oppose a new war or a new wave of destruction in our region,” he declared.
“We advocate resolving issues through dialogue, reason, prudence, and sound judgment. We have openly and consistently expressed our opposition to any military intervention against Iran on every platform. In this regard, we advise our counterparts to refrain from any steps that could escalate tensions, exercising due restraint.
“We informed our counterparts that we are closely following developments in Iran, attach importance to the country’s peace and stability, and do not support any external intervention that would bring suffering to the Iranian people,” he said.
“Moreover, we emphasize that Turkiye is ready to assume a facilitating role between Iran and the US in order to de-escalate tensions and help resolve issues through diplomatic means. In this context, our diplomatic engagement continues. We stand against every step that would plunge the region into flames, and we stand with every step that strengthens peace,” he added.
“We view the consultations and coordination we are conducting with regional countries within this framework. Our contacts with friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, are ongoing,” he remarked.
“We do not view the matter through the lens of bloc alignment or alliances. What our region needs is not new divisions, but a foundation for cooperation shaped by common wisdom and shared responsibility. Our aim is not to manage conflict but to jointly strengthen the diplomatic groundwork that will prevent it from arising in the first place. For this reason, the establishment of regional security mechanisms would be beneficial in preventing crises.”
On the challenges hindering the success of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan after the Israeli Prime Minister’s rejection of Turkish and Qatari involvement in Gaza, Erdogan said: “The main issue in Gaza is to make the ceasefire permanent, to ensure the protection of civilians, to deliver humanitarian aid without interruption or obstruction, and to bring forced displacement to a complete end.”
“Any discussion held without securing these fundamental points would miss the essence of the matter,” he said.
“Moving on to the second phase of the Peace Plan is important; however, the greatest obstacle to this phase is, first and foremost, the continuing fragility of the ceasefire. At this point, it is essential that recovery and reconstruction efforts begin without delay, that urgent and basic needs in Gaza are met, that public services are provided, and that Israeli forces withdraw gradually from Gaza in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. As a member of the Board of Peace, Turkiye will actively contribute to these processes,” he added.
“Without establishing trust on the ground and ensuring lasting calm between the parties, it is impossible for this process to proceed in a sound manner. In addition, the destroyed infrastructure, the collapsed healthcare system, the water and electricity crises, the need for shelter, and the sheer scale of reconstruction all represent serious obstacles to the second phase. Therefore, success depends on establishing a framework that addresses both the security and humanitarian dimensions.”
“As for the debates on a peacekeeping force or an international mission, our approach is clear. Such mechanisms only make sense if they serve to protect civilians, guarantee humanitarian assistance, and support lasting peace. Regardless of the label attached to it, any arrangement that fails to serve peace on the ground lacks real meaning,” he continued.
“Once the necessary conditions are in place, Turkiye is ready to shoulder responsibility in contributing to peace in Gaza, including the possibility of a military contribution. And let me repeat: reducing this matter to a debate over ‘which country should or should not be involved’ will not produce a solution. The solution lies in a peace architecture shaped by the right conditions, the right mandate, and the right objectives,” he stressed.
“In any arrangement concerning Gaza’s future, the source of legitimacy is the will of the Palestinian people. A lasting solution cannot be established without taking into account the consent and expectations of the Palestinian people,” he stated.
“For Turkiye, our goal in Gaza is to contribute to establishing the conditions necessary for a lasting ceasefire, a just peace, humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and a fair political solution,” he added.
On the efforts to reach an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Erdogan replied: “For many years, Syria has paid the heavy costs of war and fragmentation. The positive developments now emerging both on the ground and in diplomacy show that a new political horizon is possible.”
“This path seeks to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity, consolidating national unity, and re-establishing state authority across the country. The way towards a lasting and just peace lies in strengthening a partnership that nurtures common wisdom and common will and acts with a sense of responsibility.”
“The narrowing of conflict zones in Syria, along with the agreements reached and the steps taken toward integration, shows that progress can be made in the right direction. However, for these gains to become permanent, developments on the ground alone are not sufficient; social reconciliation must also be established by strengthening a shared sense of belonging around the central government. Whether in the northeast, the south, or the coastal region, the same applies across Syria,” he noted.
“Our benchmark is clear: a Syria that does not threaten its neighbors, denies safe haven to terrorist organizations, and embraces all segments of society on the basis of equal citizenship is essential for regional stability,” Erdogan told Asharq Al-Awsat
“For Turkiye, we state that Syria’s future will be shaped by the will of the Syrian people. In this vein, alongside friendly and brotherly countries, foremost among them Saudi Arabia, we will continue to stand by every constructive step that strengthens Syria’s unity, integrity, and stability, both on the ground and at the negotiating table,” he stressed.
On Sudan, Erdogan noted: “The war there has reached its 1,000th day. Unfortunately, our Sudanese brothers and sisters are entering yet another Ramadan amid conflict. Sudan has suffered heavy losses due to this war. The brotherly people of Sudan are striving to survive under the devastating conditions brought about by the civil war.”
“We have supported every diplomatic effort to bring an end to this dire situation as soon as possible and to help Sudan achieve stability and prosperity. We have expressed our readiness to mediate between the conflicting parties,” he said.
“As a highly trusted external actor in Sudan, Turkiye has chosen not to launch separate diplomatic initiatives or add new tracks to existing efforts, but rather to strengthen ongoing processes and contribute to a peaceful resolution. However, I regret to say that, to date, no outcome has been reached that would put an end to the bloodshed and ongoing suffering,” he lamented.
“The Sudanese government and the brotherly people of Sudan have expectations from us. In response to these expectations, and with the participation of all relevant institutions, we have taken steps to restore peace and stability in Sudan and normalize daily life, ensuring the reopening of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency office and the Ziraat Bank branch in Port Sudan.”
“To strengthen our Sudanese brothers’ and sisters’ connection with the outside world, we have launched Turkish Airlines flights to Port Sudan. Since 2024, nine aid vessels that we have dispatched have delivered a total of 12,600 tons of humanitarian aid and 30,000 tents to our Sudanese brothers and sisters. Our cooperation in the fields of agriculture, mining, and energy continues. We are also conducting the necessary assessments regarding the reconstruction of destroyed cities, particularly the capital, Khartoum,” Erdogan said.
“We undoubtedly value the constructive efforts of Saudi Arabia, the US, and Egypt within the established mechanism, and Turkiye will stand by every step taken towards peace and prosperity and will do whatever is necessary in this regard,” he vowed.
“Furthermore, we will steadfastly continue to advance our concrete proposals and diplomatic initiatives in all international and regional organizations, including the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union.”
“Africa’s problems should be solved by Africans. Turkiye will do its utmost under all circumstances to foster constructive dialogue. The people of Sudan can rest assured that Turkiye stands by them,” he added.
Commenting on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Erdogan told Asharq Al-Awsat: “During President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia’s visit to our country at the end of last month, we clearly and unequivocally expressed our views on this matter. We emphasized that preserving Somalia’s unity under all circumstances is a priority for us.”
“I would like to underscore that our position remains unchanged,” he added.
“Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is an illegitimate one and, in our view, null and void. Turkiye will continue to fully defend Somalia’s territorial integrity in accordance with UN resolutions,” he vowed.
“Our stance on this matter is entirely principled. Decisions regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region should be made in a way that reflects the will of all Somali people.”
“The Netanyahu Government, committing genocide in Gaza, and, after its attacks against Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, and Syria, now intends to destabilize the Horn of Africa. This is a major threat not only to the Horn of Africa but to the entire continent,” warned Erdogan.
“Any step that fails to contribute to resolving the disputes in the region only exacerbates the crisis. For this reason, I highly value statements by regional countries, foremost Saudi Arabia and Egypt, promptly rejecting this decision,” he added.
“Similarly, it is important to note that international organizations such as the EU, the OIC, and the Arab League, as well as officials such as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, have expressed their rejection of the decision. I would like to reiterate that we attach great importance to these statements, which highlight Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
* This article originally appeared on Asharq Al-Awsat English, click here to read it.
