"President Assad said that extremist and Wahhabi thought distort the real Islam, which is tolerant," SANA reported on Monday.

"He underlined the role of men of religion in fighting against Wahhabi thought, which is foreign to our societies."

President Assad on Monday received a delegation from the Gathering of Muslim Scholars in Lebanon, headed by chairman of the Gathering's administrative board, Sheikh Hassan Abdullah.

The meeting tackled the latest developments in the region, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, and the threats posed by the takfiri mentality which targets the history, future and coexistence of the region's people.

Groups affiliated with and loyal to al-Qaeda are now among those fighting on the ground against Syrian government.

Saudi regime is a key backer of the Wahhabi terrorists fighting in Syria and funds terrorists seeking to destroy the Arab country.

RA/NJF