Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
The conference «The Kingdom's Efforts in Consolidating the Values of Moderation and Civilizational Coexistence: Concepts and Practices,» organized by the university, represented by the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, under the patronage of His Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Meshaal, Governor of Al-Qassim Region, on the 24th and 25th of Jumada al-Awwal 1441 AH, discussed a number of important axes in monitoring Saudi efforts related to consolidating the values of moderation and civilizational coexistence at all levels, and clarifying the impact of Saudi religious discourse on spreading the concepts of civilizational coexistence, at the University City campus, in the presence of a number of speakers and scholars from several Islamic countries.
The first scientific session, chaired by Dr. Khalid Aba Al-Khail, Dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, addressed "The Sharia-Based Foundation of Human Communication Values and Addressing its Challenges." Dr. Mohammed bin Sirar Al-Yami, Assistant Professor at the College of Sharia and Usul al-Din at Najran University, participated with a research paper titled "The Sharia-Based Foundation of Human Communication Values in Light of the Medina Charter and the Makkah Document." He emphasized that Islam came to build social relations among people in a civilized and ethical manner, based on common human values, peaceful coexistence, solidarity, dialogue, and understanding among all segments of society, to achieve a dignified human life for everyone.
Al-Yami added that this document included all the noble foundations and principles that govern the relationship between all sects and groups of society with all its components, pointing out that this document included many high values and noble principles. In affirmation of these great contents that the Charter of Medina contained, the senior scholars of the Islamic world, foremost among them their senior muftis, revived the articles and provisions of this document in a contemporary manner consistent with the vocabulary of the current era. It was named the "Makkah Charter," and this new charter has represented an Islamic guidance that draws its light from the landmarks of the eternal Charter of Medina, which seeks to achieve security, justice, and equality, build foundations for coexistence among people, and reject division and conflict.
Following that, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Askari, Assistant Professor in the Department of Usul al-Fiqh at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qassim University, presented his paper titled "Coexisting with Permissible Disagreement: Etiquette and Examples." In this paper, he explained permissible disagreement and its controls, provided examples, and highlighted the necessity of coexisting with it, stating that it is a legitimate requirement. He then elaborated on the most prominent etiquette that should be observed in dealing with and coexisting with this type of scholarly disagreement, which is based on legally valid evidence. The paper presented texts from the Salaf, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and scholars who came after them, especially the four Imams (may Allah have mercy on them all). He explained the ruling on denouncing those who disagree on these matters and the importance of avoiding the emergence of corruption as a result of these disagreements. He emphasized the need to strive for unity and abandon division and conflict. He cited scholarly texts warning against abandoning prayer behind someone who disagrees on matters of ijtihad, and what is recommended to do or refrain from when disagreeing, in order to conform to and foster affection among Muslims. Finally, he concluded the research with examples of statements and shining examples from some of the Salaf, demonstrating their etiquette in dealing with disagreement and those who disagreed with them. .
Then, Dr. Abdul Sattar Mohammed Wali, a faculty member at the College of Sharia and Law at Al Jawf University, presented his paper titled "Values of Human Communication: An Foundational and Maqasid Study." He explained that it is God's way that man lives in a human society where functions and roles are integrated and interests and benefits are exchanged. Hence, the pursuit of human communication and civilized coexistence has been a general goal pursued by religions and nations, and institutions and states compete to achieve it. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: «The believer is to the believer like a building, each part supporting the other.» For this human communication to be constructive and fruitful, it must be based on moral values and civilized principles.
"Wali" explained that this study sought to achieve the following objectives: defining the values of human communication in Sharia, its principles, controls, and characteristics; highlighting the importance of human communication values in achieving coexistence, cooperation, security, and stability; and emphasizing the strong relationship between human communication values and the objectives of Sharia in terms of influence, impact, connection, and coordination.
Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Husban, a faculty member at the university, participated with a research paper titled "Coexistence with Others in Civil Society: Concept, Guidelines, and Impact." He explained that the civil state founded by the Prophet, peace be upon him, was based on the principles of Islamic Sharia. It established the rules for dealing with the affairs of Muslim society and the relationships among its members, whether relationships among Muslims themselves, or their relationships with others of different faiths. This was for the sake of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual support among citizens living in one state or homeland. The Prophetic civil society represents the exemplary model for Islamic coexistence, especially with others. The need for it becomes apparent in current times with the emergence of ideologies of hatred and racism, which have created many negative perceptions about the Islamic approach to coexistence with others.
At the conclusion of the first session, Dr. Mohamed Khalil Al-Haj, a faculty member at the university, spoke about his research titled "Obstacles to Civilizational Coexistence: Misunderstanding Loyalty and Disavowal as a Model," a descriptive and analytical study in light of the Islamic Da'wah methodology. The study aims to identify the most significant obstacles to civilizational human coexistence, namely the misunderstanding of loyalty and disavowal in Islam, in terms of both extremism and negligence in understanding them. It also addresses their most prominent manifestations and effects on civilizational coexistence among nations and peoples, especially since this issue has recently led to negative consequences for societies in general, for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and particularly for the course of Islamic Da'wah. These consequences include the spread of Islamophobia in Western countries, the marginalization of the role of Da'wah and service institutions, and the constriction of these institutions, especially in regions with Muslim minorities.
On the second day of the conference, the first session of the day was held, titled "Saudi Religious Discourse and its Impact on Consolidating and Spreading Concepts of Coexistence." It was presided over by Professor Dr. Ahmad Al-Turki, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research. Dr. Nabil Ahmed Bellehi, Associate Professor at Prince Abdel Kader University for Islamic Sciences in Algeria, participated with his research titled "The Efforts of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz in Consolidating the Religious Concepts of Civilizational Coexistence." This research aimed to demonstrate the efforts of Sheikh Ibn Baz (may God have mercy on him) in consolidating the values of civilizational coexistence in dealing with non-Muslims, and to extract living examples from his books, speeches, and stances that address this aspect. This is to present to generations a clear picture and an ideal model of moderate thought filled with the values of moderation and positive engagement with others.
Dr. Ajlan bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ajlan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Da'wah and Islamic Culture at Qassim University, then spoke on "Saudi Religious Discourse and its Role in Achieving the Principle of Civilizational Coexistence through the Minbar of the Two Holy Mosques." He stated that the world we live in today with its new civilization requires us to activate the principle of dialogue as a primary basis for relations with others, in order to reach a common human vision capable of conveying the tolerance of the Islamic religion and the greatness of Islamic civilization, which is founded on the principles of truth, justice, and equality. Therefore, we realize that Islam possesses solutions to humanity's crises today, and the Islamic nation, with its pioneering civilizational experience, is capable of coexisting with the realities of contemporary civilization and safeguarding its development with Islamic ethics and laws.
Al-Ajlan emphasized that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, since the era of its founder, has strived to spread the principle of coexistence. King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman – may God have mercy on him – was keen to achieve harmony and coexistence with others by establishing a comprehensive approach that comprehends the needs of his time, based on a sound Islamic perspective, leading to comprehensive unity. The Kingdom always seeks to serve this religion and strive to spread it and the culture of tolerance that Islam calls for. From here, we find that the Kingdom has a pioneering role and precedent in establishing the concept of dialogue and coexistence on a global level, aiming to contribute to formulating the correct Islamic discourse based on moderation and tolerance.
Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz bin Muqrin Al-Qaseer, an associate professor at the university, also presented a paper on King Abdulaziz's efforts to promote values of moderation and coexistence in Saudi society. He emphasized that His Majesty King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is considered an outstanding political figure of the modern era due to the wisdom, shrewdness, and genius with which he united this great entity under one banner and state, with God's success. Many intellectuals and those interested in history and politics admired his personality, prompting them to document his biography and deeds. Subsequently, various scientific studies were presented, covering many aspects of his life and achievements. Many of these sources mentioned multiple facets of his condition and times, including his efforts to promote values of moderation and civilized coexistence. However, these efforts have not been addressed in an independent study and have not appeared in a separate publication.
On his part, Professor Zakaria Ayoub Doula, a researcher at the Muslim World League, presented his paper on "Civilizational Coexistence from the Perspective of Islamic Sharia." He explained that this Sharia has regulated all relationships with precise controls, in accordance with human nature and reason, and proceeding according to a just methodology in coexistence, peace, cooperation, righteousness, and reform. Among the important matters that the wise Sharia has given great attention to – through the guidance of the Noble Quran and the enlightenment of the pure Sunnah – is civilizational coexistence with all components and various societies, and the regulation and organization of relationships within and with them. There is no wonder in this; indeed, Islam does not compel people to be Muslims, nor does it prevent coexistence, rapprochement, and the exchange of benefits and interests with those who differ from it. It is not a prerequisite of faith to sever ties with people or to refuse to live and share common interests with them.
Dr. Nawal bint Hassan Al-Ghanam, Associate Professor in the Department of Hadith and its Sciences at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qassim University, then participated with a research paper on the legacy and biography of Sheikh Saleh Al-Hussain. In it, she addressed the issue of coexistence through a Saudi personality, a global figure with significant weight, knowledge, status, and vision. I am trying to trace his vision on the issue of coexistence, a matter for which he did not dedicate a specific chapter with this title, nor did he present a paper or give a lecture on it. Rather, these are scattered insights and analyses in his various works. I found it most fitting to try to gather these scattered ideas, not merely to quote them, but to strive to explain the significance of these insights, whether through Al-Hussain's personality or through his texts.
The second session of the second day, chaired by Professor Dr. Khalid Bani Al-Harbi, head of the conference's organizing committee and Vice President for Planning, Development, and Quality, discussed the role of Saudi institutions in building bridges with others. The Moderation of Extremism Administration, under the Presidency of State Security, participated by presenting its role in building bridges with others, using the "Moderation of Extremism Administration as a model." Dr. Fahad Al-Ghafili, Director of Strategic Communication at the General Administration of Moderation of Extremism, spoke about the role of the security institution in building bridges with others. He provided a comprehensive definition of the administration's work, which includes combating extremism in all its forms and manifestations, promoting the values of moderation, national unity, and national development. He also outlined the administration's objectives, such as protecting society from intellectual deviations and threats, anticipating and addressing them, integrating with relevant and concerned parties to combat extremism, and highlighting the Kingdom's efforts in combating extremism both inside and outside the Kingdom.
The Center for Intellectual Warfare at the Ministry of Defense participated in a discussion about the efforts of the "Center for Intellectual Warfare" in establishing values of moderation and coexistence through a descriptive analytical study presented by Brigadier General Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Breithen. He presented the efforts of the center, affiliated with the Ministry of Defense, in establishing values of moderation and civil coexistence. He spoke about the Kingdom's efforts in combating extremism and terrorism. The study presented a comprehensive vision of the center's launch and expansion, its objectives, the importance of in-depth reading of details, and a insightful vision to confront the most prominent thorny intellectual debates. These include addressing how extremist thought distorts religious texts and manipulates them to serve its offensive goals. He discussed thorny intellectual debates, positive coexistence, jihad not being aggression or coercion, moderate Islam, the concept of patriotism, rejecting extremist views, the difference between extremism and terrorism, difference, diversity, and pluralism, the self-immunization program, and presented the integration initiative undertaken by the center.
Following that, Professor Dr. Ahmed bin Suleiman Al-Khudair, Director of the Center for Research in Sharia and Linguistic Sciences at Qassim University, spoke about the Misk Charitable Foundation and its role in consolidating the values of moderation and civilizational coexistence. He emphasized Saudi Arabia's significant and distinguished role in charitable work since its establishment by the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, up to our auspicious era under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him. This sector is given great importance, recognizing its value and its active role in strengthening Arab and Islamic identity, and its resulting impact on the cultural and social levels, in order to achieve the nation's future aspirations within the groundbreaking and historic Vision 2030.
Then, Dr. Hatem Mohamed Mansour Mazroua, Assistant Professor of Tafsir and Sciences of the Qur'an at the College of Arts, King Faisal University, spoke about his paper titled "Publications of the Intellectual Security Administration of the Grand Mosque; and their Role in Consolidating the Values of Moderation and Coexistence." The idea of this research is to demonstrate the role of publications from the Intellectual Security Administration of the Grand Mosque in consolidating the values of moderation and civilized coexistence. The researcher followed the descriptive methodology and, where possible, the analytical methodology. The introduction included: a definition of the "Intellectual Security Administration of the Grand Mosque," "moderation," and "coexistence." The first section presented an overview of the publications of the Intellectual Security Administration of the Grand Mosque, while the second section provided a detailed examination of the most prominent of these publications and their role in consolidating the values of moderation and coexistence.
Dr. Walid bin Abdullah Al-Othman, a faculty member at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, presented a paper titled "The Role of Saudi Universities in Bridging the Relationship with Others (Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University as a Model)." The paper aimed to highlight the reality of what Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is doing in bridging the relationship with others, evaluating this role, and seeking to rectify any shortcomings. This was achieved by qualitatively analyzing the curricula of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University's colleges, studying the university's contributions in this field through research centers and chairs, and showcasing the activities of university staff that serve the field of civilizational communication. The study seeks to address a number of themes, including: the legitimacy of civilizational dialogue, a historical overview of the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of civilizational communication, and the role of Imam University in bridging the relationship with others through its curricula.
Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Saeed Al-Zaqard and Dr. Mohammed Abdel Sattar Abdel Wahab, from the Systems Department – College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qassim University, participated with a paper titled "Social Aspects and Civilizational Coexistence in the Saudi Labor System." The research aimed to analyze the social aspects within the Saudi Labor System that provide protection for workers in general, and those related to special categories requiring treatment consistent with their specific needs. It also highlighted the extent of their impact on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to consolidate the values of moderation and civilizational coexistence.
At the conclusion of the second session, Dr. Mahmoud Abdel Rahman Alwan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Da'wah and Islamic Culture at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies - Qassim University, presented a research paper titled "The Role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Systems in Consolidating the Values of Coexistence." The research indicated that although media systems do not explicitly mention the term coexistence, its concept is present in their texts. The systems have consolidated the values of coexistence and made them integral to media work, regardless of the medium used. They have adopted two approaches to safeguarding these values: preservation through existence and preservation through non-existence. The research also highlighted the general characteristics of the values of coexistence.
The third and final session of the conference discussed the Kingdom's diplomatic efforts in deepening the meanings of common communication. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Khalid bin Saad Al-Mutrafi, Professor of Quranic Studies at Qassim University, and included participation from Mr. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Tuwaiyan, a lawyer and legal advisor. It addressed the Kingdom's role in consolidating the values of global coexistence, with a reading of the Kingdom's institutional role in establishing the United Nations.
Next, Professor Imad bin Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Mudifer spoke about his paper, titled "Saudi Diplomacy Efforts Towards Deepening the Meanings of Joint Communication: A Reading of Contributions and Challenges." {O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.} With this noble verse, which views the human component with a perspective full of equality and fairness, and urges acquaintance among different ethnicities, sects, races, ideas, cultures, and religions, through this acquaintance, dialogue, understanding, and joint communication become its requirements. The main gate of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs was adorned, and the Ministry adopted it as a slogan and beacon, representing this noble verse as a title for the ancient and authentic Saudi Arab-Islamic diplomacy.
"Al-Mudaifer" explained that the foreign policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based – as is well-known – on the principles of moderate and tolerant Islamic doctrine, open to all, close to all, and calling for cooperation for the good of all humanity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is proud to be one of the founding members of the United Nations in 1945, stemming from its deep belief that world peace is one of its foreign policy objectives. It constantly calls for more transparent foundations for justice in dealing and common communication between nations in political, economic, social, cultural, and other fields.
Then, Dr. Ibrahim bin Attiyatallah bin Hilal Al-Salmi, Associate Professor of History at Umm Al-Qura University, presented his paper titled "Saudi-Spanish Diplomatic Communication and its Impact on Global Civilizational Coexistence." In it, he affirmed that the moderate role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia toward global issues, for the purpose of spreading civilizational coexistence on all levels, is evident to everyone. The Kingdom has even gone further by encouraging a number of countries worldwide to adopt a moderate approach toward global issues, in a manner that seeks to serve humanity, including the Kingdom of Spain.
This diplomatic engagement on international issues has been evident since the era of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – up to the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him. This is exemplified in their approach to the Palestinian cause, the problem of terrorism, and the dialogue of civilizations, among other international issues. It affirms the refutation of what is commonly accepted in foreign diplomacy, namely the impossibility of a moderate approach on the international stage that guarantees civilized coexistence for all humanity. It also asserts that delving into such matters would not go beyond theoretical assumptions, especially between entities with creedal, ethnic, or political differences.
Following that, Dr. Abdul Razzaq Mohammed Al-Sagheer, a faculty member at Al-Onaizah Colleges and a visiting professor at the University of Florida, spoke about the role of Saudi cultural missions abroad in spreading the values of moderation and manifestations of civilizational coexistence, using the United States as a model. He emphasized that Saudi cultural missions abroad are responsible for supervising Saudi scholarship students outside the Kingdom and play an important role in spreading the values of moderation and civilizational coexistence. Therefore, the study aims to document the role of these missions in spreading the values of moderation and manifestations of coexistence to highlight the Kingdom's efforts in consolidating the values of moderation and civilizational coexistence. The study's findings indicated that the cultural missions were established in 1927, that their current size reaches approximately 150,000 scholarship students, that the values of moderation reached seventeen values, and that the manifestations of coexistence reached eleven manifestations.
At the conclusion of the session, Dr. Ahmed Abdul Qayum Abdul Rabb Al-Nabi, a researcher at the Muslim World League, spoke about his paper, titled "The Muslim World League and the Message of Civilizational Dialogue." He emphasized that intellectual arenas are vast fields where visions and theories are presented to clarify issues and concepts and offer solutions to problems. Sometimes these are accurate, providing great service to humanity on scientific and practical civilizational levels, and sometimes they are inaccurate, leading to a cascade of disasters and tragedies from which humanity suffers for successive generations. Among these is the thesis that emerged in intellectual arenas and scientific circles late in the previous millennium: the thesis of the clash of civilizations, adopted and published by Samuel Huntington, which became the subject of study, research, and analysis by academics, intellectuals, thinkers, and global research centers.
"Abd Rabb al-Nabi" pointed out that Muslims' views on this thesis varied. Some met the idea of conflict with conflict itself in practice and theory, considering the entire West, with its various countries, peoples, cultures, and civilizations, as warring enemies without considerations, qualifications, or exceptions. They accepted the theory of clash with the other and its annihilation, and the classification and exclusion of opponents. This ignited wars and strife that lacked humanistic meaning in the ethical aspect, logic, wisdom, and good judgment in the intellectual aspect, and jurisprudence and deep understanding when applying rulings to reality. They did not learn from historical events, thus paying the price for those mistakes and gambles, even if they experienced prolonged, false, and temporary victories.
