Islamic preachers in the Kingdom need to make the best use of modern technology to keep up with the pace of change in the world, said Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Dawa and Guidance Dr. Saleh Bin Abdul Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh. Aal Al-Sheikh's comments came while he addressed the inaugural session of an international symposium on the role of literature and arts in the service of Islamic Dawa (or call), organized by the World Assembly for Muslim Youth WAMY in Riyadh on Thursday. Aal Al-Sheikh said that more than anything, today's preachers need to use the latest tools of the age in disseminating Islamic Dawa and teachings. He warned preachers that if they hesitate in taking advantage of modern-day technology, they will inevitably lag behind the rest of the world. “All of the world's countries, especially superpowers, are racing among themselves to lure the best brains in the world,” he said. “It is divine irony that the world's powers, who uphold the slogans of democracy and freedom, are themselves the ones who tighten their grip on these brains in order to control the world.” “However, this explains the dire need to benefit from the phenomenal developments and progress witnessed in the telecommunications field, which is manifested in satellite channels. It is high time for Muslim preachers, particularly in the Kingdom, and the world in general, to utilize these modern facilities in order to approach people and capture their hearts.” Aal Al-Sheikh pointed out that the topic of utilizing arts and literature in the service of the Islamic Dawa is a modern issue worthy of being discussed and highlighted, because it paves the way for updating the tools being used in the field of Dawa. “That will enable us to cope with the fast tempo of modern life,” he said. Aal Al-Sheikh added that preachers have no other choice but to interact with these changes. Otherwise, they risk running themselves into isolation, “which will lead nowhere but back to square one.” Citing the example of Arabic calligraphy, he said it is an art that has extensively contributed to the dissemination of the Islamic Call in the past and present, adding that this form of art has reflected the creativity of Muslims through the ages. He also stressed the significant role of satellite TV channels in the service of Islam. “The role of these channels in conveying the immortal message of Islam is irrefutable,” he said. He called upon preachers to utilize this powerful means of communication to get their message across to the rest of the world. Dr. Saleh Abdullah Bin Humaid, Speaker of the Shoura Council, addressed the symposium by underlining the principles and ethics governing arts and literature in Islam. In his paper, he tackled the concept of arts in Islam, particularly of the nation and the country, and the stand of Islam towards arts. He said that genuine arts are the product of sound thought and a tool for building societies.” “Those who say that art is for the sake of art strip away the human experience of seeking the truth,” he said. “Some hardliners tried to separate art and literature from the society where they proliferate, which shows that they were concerned only with shape and form rather than meaning and content.” “It sounds odd for art to be separated from its environment and the values of the society and its religion, morals and civilization,” he said. Bin Humaid said that art concepts should be exclusive and comprehensive, combing beauty, facts and content, which will enable preachers to disseminate the noble teachings of Islam. He said that Islam in the Kingdom is not only one of religion and rule, but also one of culture and soul, adding that Islam has always been preserved by God. “Those who have whatever beliefs, theories or principles must be aware that Islam does not threaten them in any way – not their lives, their beliefs, their morals or their principles,” he said. “Those who forcefully attacked the constants of Islam have made a big mistake. Islam and conviction are too strong for them.” __
