Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, is briefed on a project during his visit to King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Saturday evening. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal (2nd right), Emir of Makkah region, and Prince Mishal Bin Majed (extreme right), Governor of Jeddah, can also be seen in the photo. — SPA Talib Bin Mahfoudh and Muhammad Al-Misbahi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Moderation is a great policy which governs our religious and worldly affairs and promotes the common interests of the general public, said Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, in a keynote speech Saturday on “Moderation in King Abdul Aziz's Life.” Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, welcomed the attendees and followed it with a brief introduction of the speech before the Crown Prince's address. The Crown Prince called upon young men and women to be moderate in their life and use this approach in their daily routine. He also said that since the time of King Abdul Aziz, the founder of the Kingdom, this country has laid down strong foundation and pillars in line with this policy. The late King Abdul Aziz followed in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in terms of moderation in approach. The Crown Prince said: “The founder of this country did not take any risks that put the life of other people on line. Despite his successes, he did not take revenge against those who opposed him. On the contrary, he was moderate in the way he dealt with them. He protected the people of this country against wars because he used moderate approaches in dealing with internal and external events.” King Abdul Aziz was very keen to use moderate approaches in governance. He once said: “Any citizen who feels he/she has been treated unfairly should come forward and complain to us and send his/her complaint free-of-charge by telegraph or mail. Officials at the post office should accept any complaint even if it is filed against my sons, grandsons and my family. I warn officials against discouraging citizens from sending their complaints or urging citizens to tone down the language used in the complaint. Those who do that will be punished severely. I want everyone who feels oppressed to come forward because I don't want to be held accountable before Almighty Allah for failing to help the oppressed and return them their rights. I have conveyed the message. O Allah! Be my witness.” Crown Prince Salman reiterated that the Kingdom will follow the same approach used by the late King Abdul Aziz. He said: “Today, we are in dire need of moderation in light of the spread of false information and various channels that seek to distort facts and influence others by using this false information.” Moderation is required by Shariah, especially in light of the turbulent events the Ummah is going through. The constitution of this country will always be based on the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Tradition. The Kingdom's policy is based on Islam. Moderation is not just a word; it is a comprehensive approach “we comply with to achieve the interests of the general public.” Moderation includes all aspects of life such as moderation in food, speech, education, spending etc. The founder of this country applied this approach in his visions, positions and policies. He exerted great efforts to achieve security and prosperity for everyone. When some citizens hesitated in accepting some new ideas that would help in developing the country and which would be beneficial for them, King Abdul Aziz used patience and wisdom and sound judgment to deal with them. King Abdul Aziz also pardoned his enemies, gave them senior positions, and made them advisers. He was patient in dealing with those who opposed him because they failed to envision the future. He talked with them and convinced them of his vision. If anyone wants to know the actual moderation policies used by King Abdul Aziz, one should read about the leaders who used extreme policies and made extreme decisions and engaged their countries in war and chaos because those leaders acted on personal whims and twisted ideologies. King Abdul Aziz once said: “I feel great pain when I see some people go astray and listen to Satan's whispers. Undoubtedly, the public interest is above all interests.” The Crown Prince said: “Our interest today is the same as it was yesterday because our basic foundations have not changed. We are as moderate today as we were yesterday. We will continue to face challenges and we will continue to benefit from sciences and inventions in a way that serves our religion and principles. We should continue to live by the moderation policies of King Abdul Aziz to enhance our unity and strength.” The pompous calls for Arab nationalism and the ideologies adopted by many have disappeared and have not been able to stand the test of time because they have not been based on Islam and its principles, rather they contradicted with Islam. This country has used its rich resources for the benefit of all Arabs and Muslims as well as the entire world, the Crown Prince said. This country has equal and moderate good relations with all countries with priority given to the Arab and Muslim Ummah. “We are moderate because Almighty Allah has bestowed this blessing on us. We have national unity, security and stability and many may be envious for this blessing.” Crown Prince Salman agreed that an energy research chair in his name be established at King Abdulaziz University at a cost of SR6 million.
