Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has highlighted the importance of strengthening loyalty, belonging, intellectual awareness and shared values as essential foundations for protecting societies from extremism and contemporary intellectual challenges.
Dr. Shaheem made the remarks while delivering an address entitled “Strengthening Loyalty and Belonging and Their Role in Safeguarding Values” at the Conference on “Efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Confronting Intellectual Deviations,” organised by the Islamic University of Madinah.
During his address, the Minister expressed profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims and for supporting moderation, awareness and intellectual security.
Dr. Shaheem said the conference was taking place at a time when stronger cooperation among scholars, intellectuals and academic institutions had become increasingly important in addressing contemporary intellectual challenges and protecting future generations from extremism.
He stressed that societies become more resilient to deviant ideas and extremist narratives when belonging is translated into awareness, loyalty is reflected in responsible conduct, and values are demonstrated through everyday practice.
The Minister also emphasised that confronting intellectual deviation should not begin only after challenges emerge, but must start with prevention through the development of individuals, greater awareness and the cultivation of sound values. He underlined the importance of equipping young people with knowledge that guides them, values that protect their identity and awareness that enables them to make informed and responsible choices.
Dr. Shaheem noted that preserving values should not be interpreted as withdrawing from the wider world. Instead, he said strong moral foundations enable individuals and communities to engage confidently with the international community while maintaining their identity, principles and responsibilities.
He further emphasised that investment in loyalty, belonging, awareness and the protection of values is ultimately an investment in the future security, stability and resilience of society. Such efforts, he said, strengthen the ability of future generations to respond to emerging challenges with wisdom and sound judgement.
Highlighting the importance of social cohesion, Dr. Shaheem said a strong society is built not only on shared interests, but also on shared values, mutual respect, responsibility and the ability to accommodate differences.
The Minister’s participation reflects the Maldives Government’s continued commitment to promoting religious awareness, moderation, intellectual security and constructive international cooperation, while strengthening the values that contribute to social harmony, national unity and the well-being of future generations.
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