Kingdom ‘will not tolerate extremism’

Saudi Arabia yesterday urged the international community to play a decisive role to end the bloodbath in Syria, giving ethics priority over politics.
“If it fails to do so, then the history will record that it had participated in the killing of innocent people,” said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, in a Ramadan message.
The message, which was delivered on Saudi Television by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, emphasized that Saudi Arabia would not tolerate extremism.
“We’ll not allow extremists to misuse religion in order to realize their vested interests.”
While stressing the Kingdom’s stand to defend moderation, the Saudi leaders said Islam rejects sectarianism that creates division and sedition.
“Saudi Arabia will not allow anybody to follow such groups,” the message said, adding that it would weaken the community.
The king and the crown prince congratulated Muslims all over the world on the advent of Ramadan, the month of goodness, mercy and forgiveness.
“We have learned from the great Muslims of the past that Islam is a religion of love and tolerance and it promotes dialogue and peace,” the message said.
It added: “Islam wants its followers to make effective contributions toward strengthening the lofty values of human civilization.
“There is no compulsion in the religion,” the message said quoting a verse from the Qur’an.
“Do not exceed the limits of God, for those who exceed the bounds set by God are transgressors,” another Qur’anic verse said. Extremists disfigure the image of Islam through their offensive activities and unacceptable arguments, the message said.
“Call them to the path of your Lord with wisdom and words of good advice,” it added, quoting another Qur’anic verse.