The Kingdom's Grand Mufti and the Head of Integrity: Strengthening anti-corruption efforts
In a move reflecting the convergence of national and religious efforts, His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, along with His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, received in his office His Excellency the President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), Mr. Mazen bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous. This strategic meeting aimed to explore ways to enhance joint cooperation in combating corruptionand to solidify the principles of transparency and integrity in society, in accordance with sound Islamic values.
Institutional and historical developments in anti-corruption efforts
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia derives its approach to governance from the tolerant principles of Islamic Sharia, which places great importance on safeguarding public funds and prohibits all forms of misappropriation. Historically, the Kingdom has undergone fundamental transformations in the structure of its oversight institutions, culminating in the establishment of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha). The Authority's role has expanded significantly with the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, which has made transparency and integrity cornerstones of sustainable development. Integrating Sharia principles with institutional oversight practices represents a continuation of a long history of reforms aimed at building a vibrant society and a thriving economy free from abuses.
Establishing shared values of integrity and transparency
During the in-depth meeting, a number of topics of mutual interest to the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) were discussed. The discussions focused on effective mechanisms to enhance cooperation in promoting integrity and combating corruption, in full accordance with the teachings of Islamic Sharia. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of establishing the principles of transparency and accountability in all sectors of the state, which contributes to creating an institutional work environment that respects regulations and safeguards the nation's resources.
The expected impact of enhancing transparency and combating corruption locally and internationally
This collaboration between religious and oversight bodies is of paramount importance and far-reaching impact. Domestically, raising awareness of the seriousness of financial and administrative misconduct within Islamic law contributes to strengthening individual self-regulation, thereby reducing the incidence of such misconduct and increasing trust between citizens and government institutions. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's firm commitment to combating corruption enhances its standing in global transparency indices and makes the Saudi market a safe and attractive investment environment for foreign capital, thus bolstering the national economy and reinforcing the Kingdom's leading role as a model of good governance.
Integrating efforts and spreading community awareness
For his part, His Eminence the Grand Mufti emphasized the paramount importance of integrated efforts among all relevant parties in raising religious and societal awareness of the dangers of corruption and its devastating negative effects on individuals and society. He commended the vital and tangible role played by the Integrity Commission in protecting integrity and enhancing comprehensive oversight. In turn, His Excellency the Chairman of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority expressed his deep gratitude to His Eminence the Grand Mufti for his wise guidance and ongoing support, affirming the Authority's commitment to utilizing this guidance in its oversight work.
This important meeting was attended by a number of prominent figures, including the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, the Secretary-General of the Permanent Committee for Fatwas, and the General Supervisor of the Office of His Eminence the Grand Mufti, Sheikh Dr. Fahd bin Saad Al-Majed. Also present were the Head of the Criminal Investigation and Research Unit, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdul Latif Al-Tariqi, and the Deputy Head of the Authority for Executive Affairs and General Supervisor of the Office of the President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood. This reflects the high level of interest and close coordination among the various departments to achieve the desired goals.
