Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, warned Saturday against secular campaigns calling for a separation of the religion and the state and said that Imams who deliver Friday sermons must play a crucial role in educating people. While addressing a workshop, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs at the Clock Tower Hotel here, titled “The Mosque and the Friday Sermon”, Prince Khaled said that Saudi Arabia – its people, values and government – is facing attacks because “it is the only country that implements Allah's Shariah on its people”. “Those who believe in secularism are trying to convince our youth that sticking to the religion will not lead us to progress or advancement. Unfortunately many Muslims and Arabs have accepted them,” the Emir said. “The so-called Arab Spring surprised the world with the success of Islamic (political) parties in Arab countries. But now these parties are under pressure to separate the religion and the state. And this has become a condition for acceptance, cooperation and international aid. “There is no country left in this part of the world that can openly proclaim that its constitution is the Qur'an and its approach is the Sunnah except this country. “You have been swimming against the tide, but with your faith, you have been victorious till today. “If revisionism means abidance by the objectives of the true religion, then we are proud to be revisionists. King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, underscores in all his speeches that we will not leave the constitution with which we started. “So how can we be protected from this secular tide that is pushing us back? The only way is to prove that Islam is the religion of civilization and advancement, a religion of progress and knowledge, and that we can become the first world. In fact, we can reach the most advanced position in this world.” Prince Khaled then emphasized the important role of Khateebs who deliver the Friday sermon. He said all Khateebs are partners in the country's development. “(A Khateeb) speaks to the society without interruption,” he said. “To achieve development, we must show the real values of Islam and explain to our youth that Jihad is not about suicide bomb blasts or destruction of streets and buildings. Jihad begins by improving oneself. If we want to carry out Jihad for Allah's sake, then we must uphold Allah's word and prove to the world that our religion is the religion of the truth, civilization and advancement, through deeds and not just words.” He stressed that Islam is a religion of order, cleanliness, work, sincerity, integrity and truth. He pointed out that there were over 60 unplanned districts in Makkah. “How can we accept shortcomings in the work of our government administrations when the people working are Muslims? How come traders cheat when they are Muslims? How do we violate the regulations when Allah created the universe in order?” The Emir added that religion is not just appearance but deeds.
