Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Al-Sheikh has slammed the heinous campaigns launched against Islam by certain quarters. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Al Al-Sheikh, who is participating in the 17th international Islamic conference, currently in progress here, said Islam respects human rights, adding that 'before the advent of Islam there were no legalized human rights'. He noted that Islam believes in the freedom of faiths, and it has never tried to impose its doctrine by force on others. Underscoring the importance of adherence to the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah (the Prophet's teachings), Al Al-Sheikh said Islam advocates dialogue and coexistence. 'Islam is the religion of justice, tolerance and mercy', he said. Al Al-Sheikh urged Muslim scholars and callers to preach Islam in "a wise and rational manner." He said Islam runs counter to extremism, fanaticism and all forms of terrorism.
