Riyadh - A senior Saudi cleric Wednesday lashed out at those who join the fight against the US-led coalition forces in Iraq, describing them as "preachers of viciousness."Speaking at the Saudi Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University, Saleh Fawzan al-Fawzan, a member of the Saudi Senior Council of Clerics, said those wanting to join insurgents in Iraq needed guidance.
The council of clerics is the highest religious authority in the kingdom.
The cleric urged Saudis to inform security bodies of anyone who is planning to go to Iraq.
The kingdom's grand mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Azizal-Sheikh had sharply criticized Saudi Islamists who left their country to join the jihad, saying they were tricked into committing "filthy" acts that cause harm to Islam.
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz had urged Saudi religious figures to do more to stop potential jihadists.
Al-Fawzan urged university professors to provide guidance to students through lectures revealing the dangers of extremist ideas for Islam and the nation.
