The Role of Islamic Centers and Chairs of Islamic Studies in Serving Islam

Q: The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (may Allah preserve him) has established a number of Islamic centers and chairs of Islamic studies in the West. How do you see, Your Eminence, the impact of these centers? And how can they be utilized in a way that brings benefit to the Islamic da'wah in those countries?

A: These centers can be utilized by the people of knowledge. For example, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs can appoint scholars to oversee these centers, care for them, inspect them, and appoint good people to lead them, so that they can carry out da'wah, guidance, and counseling. It is necessary that the government appoint people from among the scholars who are known for their trustworthiness and integrity, so that they can observe, monitor, and guide them through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the embassies of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in these countries. This is so that they remain on the straight path, and so that they guide people to the Salafi creed indicated by the Book and the Sunnah. It is also to prevent any matters or actions that may occur in the center that contradict the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Furthermore, the officials responsible for these centers should be monitored so that their conduct remains upright.