ID :
78571
Sun, 09/06/2009 - 12:45
Auther :

MUSLIMS MUST NOT INSULT OTHER RELIGIONS - PM

MARAN (Malaysia), Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Muslims were reminded to avoid
condemning or insulting other religions and the followers with their actions,
but instead follow true Islamic teachings by respecting other religions.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said their offending actions could
have detrimental effects as those who felt insulted could respond in a worse
manner, hence causing racial disunity.

Quoting verse 108 in the Al-An'am chapter of the Quran, he said Muslims
were
also forbidden from insulting or desecrating anything that the followers of
other religions worshipped so that they would in turn show respect for Islam.

He was speaking after breaking fast and performing Maghrib prayer with about
1,000 residents of Mukim Chenor at the Chenor Jamek Mosque, here, Friday.

Also present were his wife Rosmah Mansor, Pahang Chief Minister Adnan Yaakob
and Chenor assemblyman Mohd Aminuddin Ishak.

Najib said Prophet Muhammad himself, when setting up the first Islamic state
in Medina and drawing up the Constitution of Medina, made Islam the thrust of
his administration but allowed the practice of other religions.

"This enabled the people of Medina to live in peace. In our country too, we
have big minority groups....God willing, we will remain a peaceful country. If
there have been no peace, we would not see rapid development in our country
today."

Najib also called on Muslims to return to the real religious struggle by
avoiding jealousy, hatred, backbiting, confrontation and incitement, and to
address the ills such as poverty.

"We must correct the negative perception of the West about Islam and Islamic
countries by practising true Islamic teachings so that we can be good role
models to others," he said.

-- BERNAMA


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