It is no surprise that many terror-hit countries want to learn from Saudi Arabia's successful efforts in providing counseling to militants as part of its nationwide campaign against terrorism and extremism. As a result, many foreign delegations have visited The Muhammad Bin Naif Counseling and Care Center (MNCC) to learn from its programs and activities. The center is considered a correctional rehabilitation institution intended to develop knowledge and behavioral skills through a set of programs delivered by advisors specialized in different areas of related sciences. The center aims to counter terror and extremism, highlight the moderate teachings of Shariah (Islamic law), promote social integration, cooperate with public and private agencies and participate in international conferences and seminars. More than 400 experts including psychologists and Shariah pundits have participated in its programs during the past 10 years. The center, located on the dusty outskirts of Riyadh, continues its counseling programs for militants with the support of Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, to confront terrorism and extremism. It conducts a variety of programs to correct wrong ideas and notions among militant youth who have been enticed by terror groups spreading deviant thoughts and ideologies. MNCC, which is a kind of reformatory, enhances knowledge of militants and corrects their behavior with the support of experts including psychiatrists, sociologists and Shariah scholars to deepen the moderate teachings of Islam and strengthen their patriotism. Its educational programs and humanitarian approach were instrumental in changing the militants' way of thinking. The Crown Prince introduced this dynamic program after understanding the fact that terrorism is the byproduct of heinous thinking. He believed that terrorism cannot be confronted just by security forces and that it should be dealt with intellectually by convincing militants that they were following a wrong and destructive ideology that does not conform to Islamic teachings. Since it was formed in 2006, the counseling center has been successful in changing the mindset of several militants who had sympathized with Al-Qaeda and Daesh (the so-called IS) terror groups. Experts were able to convince the militants that they were following a wrong path and that they have to return to society as useful and productive citizens, getting rid of their un-Islamic ideology. "The center's programs are not mere lectures or classes. They include open dialogue with militants inside their cells. Some sessions focus on different topics such as terrorism, patriotism and Islamic teachings related to jihad," said an official who requested anonymity. The center provides care and rehabilitation programs for militants to ensure their intellectual security, and develop their various capacities and capabilities to work as normal citizens to earn a living to support themselves and their families. "This strategic program includes educational sessions, vocational training, sports and cultural activities," he explained. Educational programs cover classes on Shariah to educate militants about the moderate Islamic teachings and correct their misconceptions about Islam. "Experts also work to develop positive thinking among these militants and remove their fears," he added. The social programs focus on removing fears of militants to merge with the society. They are given training to develop their artistic skills such as painting. Classes also focus on human history and its linkage with modern developments. The vocational training aims to qualify militants to get a suitable job soon after release. The sports and cultural programs enable the militants to make their spare time usefully. They are also given lectures by experts to enhance their knowledge and remove misconceptions. "We try our best to correct the misconceptions of militants in a scientific way with the support of experts," the official said, adding that its success story has won international applause.
