KUALA LUMPUR: Muslim ulama or religious scholars can play a role in promoting moderation by advocating tolerance and guiding believers into avoiding extremism, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He added that more engagements between ulama and policymakers are vital in promoting policies grounded in moderate Islamic values that aim for inclusive and equitable societies.
During his closing speech at the Asian Ulama Council 2024 meeting yesterday, Ahmad Zahid said the council actively counters extremist ideologies and fosters social cohesion through dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups.
“The active participation of scholars, thinkers and leaders in this conference underscores the potential of collaboration, which could be used to face global challenges.
“As we conclude this conference, let’s recommit to upholding the values of compassion, tolerance and empathy in all interactions, serving as shining examples of the positive impact of dialogue and collaboration,” he said.
The conference, organised by the Office of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) and the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia in collaboration with the Muslim World League (MWL), was launched by Ahmad Zahid in the presence of MWL secretary-general Sheikh Dr Mohammad Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who is also the Organisation of Muslim Scholars chairman.
MWL, founded in Saudi Arabia in 1962, is an international non-governmental Islamic organisation that focuses on promoting the worldwide understanding of Islam. It is headquartered in Mecca and maintains offices around the world.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia is committed to stability through values and unity among its diverse societies based on sustainability, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust.
Those values are not just for Malaysians but universal aspirations for peace and harmony as unity among nations should go beyond borders, he added.
“Ukhuwwah Islamiyah (Muslim brotherhood) transcends borders, embracing racial and cultural differences without discrimination based on skin colour or language,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said an action plan by Muslim religious scholars is crucial in promoting religious unity and harmony to facilitate discussions among scholars and leaders across borders.
“Scholars should advocate tolerance and guide a middle path for their followers while promoting moderation.
“The Asian Ulama Council should foster social cohesion and collaborations among diverse groups. Engagement with policymakers is vital to advocate moderate Islamic values for an inclusive and equitable society,” he said.
The meeting saw participants from more than 17 countries gathered to unite efforts to address extremist ideologies.
At the event, Mohammad Abdulkarim responded to allegations that he was an Israeli supporter.
The former Saudi minister has been in the news for having had ties with Israel in the past.
Mohammad Abdulkarim said his dealings with Jews do not mean he has ties with Israel or that he acknowledges Israel.
“I have no relationship with Israel at all. The only relationship I have with (those in Israel) is to engage the people of the book as mentioned in the Quran (Muslims, Christians and Jews). As mentioned in Islam, we have a greater mission in this world and welcome all the people of the book; my engagements with them have nothing to do with politics.
“I reject all violence against Muslims and even if there are Muslims committing violence against Muslims in Gaza, I reject them,” he said.
In 2020, then a Saudi justice minister, Mohammad Abdulkarim took part in a trip with the US Zionist group American Jewish Committee to visit the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz, the site of the Holocaust.
His attendance at the meeting in Malaysia, which adopts a strong anti-Israel stance, has been questioned amid the escalation of violence against the Palestinians in Gaza.
