Saudi scholars to vet teaching of Prophet to curb extremism

Riyadh : Saudi authorities have taken an “unprecedented” step to tackle Islamic extremism by setting up a council of scholars to vet religious teachings around the world.

A royal order issued this week by King Salman established a global body of elite scholars based in the holy city of Medina to root out and “eliminate fake and extremist texts”.

The King Salman Complex will become a “trusted source of the correct and authenticate [sic] hadith”, said an announcement from the Saudi ministry of culture and information. It described the move as an “unprecedented initiative”.

Hadith are sayings, actions and pronouncements of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that are additional and complementary to the Qur’an, and a source of guidance for Muslims.

The scholars would study hadith “with the purpose of eliminating fake and extremist texts and any texts that contradict the teachings of Islam and justify the committing of crimes, murders and terrorist acts which have no place in Islam, the religion of peace,” said the ministry’s announcement.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abulazis Al Saud has appointed Sheikh Mohammed bin Hassan al-Sheikh, a member of the senior scholars council, as chairman of the complex’s scientific council. Members are to be appointed by royal decree.

The Saudi authorities have been worried about extremism, both as a domestic threat and as a strain on its relations with the west, since 9/11, said Jane Kinninmont, a senior research fellow at Chatham House.

“They would say the accusations are out of date, but they know this issue is their achilles heel. The new leadership in Saudi cares much more about its image and PR than before and is genuinely trying to get to grips with extremism,” she said.