King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud

JEDDAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd yesterday called upon Muslims to promote dialogue with other communities and nations and support efforts to foster mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence among countries, peoples and cultures.

In his opening address to the 38th session of the Muslim World League’s Constituent Council in Makkah, King Fahd also said that Saudi Arabia would go ahead with its battle against terrorism.

He emphasized the right of every nation to defend its rights and adhere to its culture.

He said devious interpretation of Islam had led some of its followers to violence against their own nation. He commended MWL’s efforts to promote moderate Islamic teachings and bolster Muslim unity. “The Kingdom has been making relentless efforts to introduce Islam and explain its moderate character,” he said, adding that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism.

The address, which was read out by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, emphasized the need for cooperation and coordination among Islamic organizations to address various Muslim issues and engage in activities that would help restore the Ummah’s glory.

King Fahd said Saudi Arabia would continue its efforts to support just causes of Muslims all over the world and defend their legitimate rights. He urged Muslim countries to support the Palestinians to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Referring to Iraq, the king said Saudi Arabia would continue its efforts to restore the national unity of the war-ravaged country and reinforce peace and stability there.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, the grand mufti and chairman of the constituent council, denounced allegations that Saudi Arabia showed enmity toward other religions.

“Muslims respect non-Muslims living in the Kingdom and we consider attacking others as a crime. Islam has a distinguished position in the Arabian Peninsula where there is no room for religions other than Islam,” the mufti said. He urged MWL to confront enemy onslaughts on Islam, the Qur’an and the Prophet (peace be upon him) and correct distortions of the divine religion.

Maldives President Maamoun Abdul Qayyoom, a member of the constituent council, called for efforts to defeat the dubious plans of Zionists and colonialists to weaken the Islamic nation and control its wealth. “I believe that MWL can play a big role in this respect with the help of scholars and intellectuals attending this conference,” he added.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Turki, secretary-general of MWL, urged Muslims to close their ranks, concentrate on reforms and comprehensive development and introduce Islam in a way that would remove misunderstandings and attract others to its lofty teachings. He also denounced foreign intervention in the Sudanese region of Darfur as well as the killings and destruction going on in Iraq.