MADINAH — Emir of Madinah Prince Salman bin Sultan affirmed on Sunday that Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to raising awareness, safeguarding intellectual integrity, and consolidating the values of moderation while confronting extremism, radicalism, and intellectual deviation. “This stems from the Kingdom’s belief that sound thinking is fundamental to the security, stability, and prosperity of societies,” he said. The emir made the remarks while inaugurating the “International conference on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to counter intellectual deviations,” organized by the Islamic University of Madinah. Several dignitaries, representatives of fatwa centers and institutions from Islamic countries, as well as researchers and specialists from within and outside the Kingdom, are participating in the two-day conference.Prince Salman stated that the Kingdom, with the support and guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, has contributed to promoting the values of tolerance and moderation, enhancing intellectual awareness, and confronting extremist and radical discourse through an integrated system that brings together the efforts of religious, educational, security, and media institutions. This contributes to protecting society, serving the causes of the Islamic world, and promoting dialogue and coexistence among peoples and cultures. He underscored the importance of fortifying Islamic societies with awareness, knowledge, and sound doctrine in light of the rapid transformations the world is witnessing and the growing sources of intellectual influence through various modern means. This requires developing awareness, strengthening the ability to discern, and protecting future generations from the claims of extremism, radicalism, and intellectual deviation. Prince Salman emphasized that the conference serves as a scientific platform for showcasing the Kingdom’s efforts and pioneering experiences in confronting intellectual deviations, facilitating the exchange of expertise among scholars, researchers, and specialists, and enhancing integration among relevant institutions. “This collaboration aims to develop effective visions and initiatives that contribute to strengthening societies, raising awareness, and enhancing their security and stability,” he added.Addressing the conference, Saudi Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan affirmed that confronting deviant ideology is not the responsibility of a single entity, but rather a shared responsibility for all.In his address, delivered on his behalf by Secretary General of the Council of Senior Scholars Sheikh Fahd Al-Majid, the Grand Mufti said that parents have a duty to monitor their children, protect them from harmful influences and suspicious websites, and raise them to love their religion and country. Teachers, preachers, and media professionals must fear God in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them, clarify the truth for young people, and warn them against this deviant ideology. “Among the most dangerous deviations are those perpetrated by misguided and deviant groups that target the unity of nations, embrace aggression, and spread corruption and destruction. Foremost among these groups is the terrorist Houthi militia, which has rebelled against the legitimate authorities in its country, shed Muslim blood, and desecrated their holy sites. Their heinous attempt to attack Makkah is a recent example. But God Almighty is watching them, and so are the protectors and leaders of this nation.”He prayed to God Almighty to humiliate the Houthi militia, eradicate them completely, and preserve Yemen, its security, and its stability under its legitimate leadership.The Emir also toured the pavilions of the exhibition held on the sidelines of the conference. He honored the participants in the exhibition, the heads of the committees, and the donors of the conference.