MINA: Participants in a Muslim World League (MWL) conference in Mina thanked the Saudi king and crown prince for the provision of outstanding services to pilgrims, which enabled them to perform their Hajj rituals in safety and peace. The conference, titled “The Concept of Mercy and Consideration in Islam,” was attended by more than 500 scholars and intellectuals from 76 countries across the Muslim world. It stressed the need to develop mechanisms and methods of moderate religious discourse while preserving the fundamentals of Islamic identity. The conference, which was inaugurated by MWL Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, called for the introduction of the subject of Islamic values and human rights as an academic requirement for all disciplines in Arab and Islamic universities. Participants stressed the need to encourage, highlight and disseminate research and studies that instill the principle of mercy and consideration in Islam. They also noted that mercy and consideration are the most influential features of Islamic jurisprudence. The conference underscored that the disorder and chaos being witnessed in some Muslim countries, leading to cruelty and extremism, do not reflect the heritage and deep cultural history of these countries. Participants urged the media to produce and broadcast programs aimed at highlighting the value of mercy in Islam. The conference began with a speech by Saudi Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, who said Islam “echoes the meanings of goodness, benevolence, mercy and consideration.” He added: “When God made this religion, it made it valid for all times and places, and for different environments and countries.” Islam is a religion of mercy, consideration and compassion, casting off extremism, insolence and intransigence, he said, adding that it “sends a message of tolerance.” The mercy and consideration of Islam are manifested through the good treatment of non-Muslims who reside in Muslim countries, Al-Asheikh said. “They live in these countries in safety, security and tranquility, enjoying their full rights and practicing their everyday life, because Islam has safeguarded their blood, money and dignity,” he added. Saudi Arabia “is a good model for… the adoption of the concept of Wassatiyah (a middle way), where all Muslims and even non-Muslims can live and work safely and tranquilly,” he said. Dr. Ahmed Saeed Salman, director of the University of the Holy Qur’an in Sudan, said: “We have seen the impact of the MWL’s work in every corner of the world.” He lauded its “sincerity of faith,” its “dedication of work,” its “clear vision,” its adoption of a “scientific approach to planning,” its trust in God, and the “great enthusiasm” of its leaders. He called for the spreading of the value of mercy in society, and the provision of aid and assistance to those in need.