RIYADH: Malaysia is a great example of national harmony in the world despite its multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, the head of the Muslim World League said.
The Malaysian success also reflects the moderation (wassatiyah) approach as espoused by the true teaching of Islam, Mohammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the grouping’s secretary-general, said.
“Without any doubt, Malaysia is an example of wassatiyah,” he told a group of visiting Malaysian editors.
Issa said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made a wise move in introducing wassatiyah, which would ensure there was no element that could threaten the nation’s harmony.
“Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are together in this endeavour. We should not allow any extremist thoughts in our countries. Malaysia is one of the countries with an advanced stage of moderation.”
“Malaysia, if it is not a moderate country, will not be as successful as it is today.”
He said moderation had given rise to wisdom and peaceful co-existence in social, political and economic and other aspects.
Peaceful co-existence can be achieved by adopting moderation as a way of life steeped in the search for justice, equilibrium and equity.
Issa said Muslims and non-Muslims could co-exist peacefully, respect each other and be united, as shown by Malaysia.
He also said extremism and terrorism had no place in Islam.
He said young Muslims supporting or joining the cause of the Islamic States had no awareness of the religion.
“They don’t even know how to read the al-Quran properly. These 20-25-year olds just accept ISIS blindly.”
Issa said Western society had a misconception of Islam.
“It is against the tenet of Islam to encourage terrorism and extremism.”
He said Saudi Arabia wanted to live a modern life and would sustain the concept of moderation.
Saudi ruler, King Salman, has won praises from the Muslim world in serving and defending Islamic causes.
They appreciated his generous stances in highlighting the moderate approach and cultural dimension of Islam through the establishment of the King Salman Centre for Global Peace, the Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology and the Saudi Ideological War Centre.
Moderation, justice and tolerance were key features reflected by Islam and Prophet Muhammad, Issa said.
He said the Muslim World League not only bears the concerns of the Islamic world, but of humanity at large as Islam’s message is global.
Issa also spoke strongly against Iran, which he said tried to “create chaos” in the guise of Islam to seek political expansion in the region.
“It is clear that Iran is a danger to the world,” he said.
“A very good example is Yemen. The world should be united to counter the onslaught.”
Teheran has repeatedly denied that it has any involvement in the war in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition in support of Yemen’s legitimate government since 2015, during which thousands of people have died and three million displaced.