World Islamic Scholars Discuss Issues Facing Muslims

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, July 11, 2003

World Islamic Scholars Discuss Issues Facing Muslims

Some 900 Muslim scholars and thinkers from 33 countries are gathering in Malaysia on Thursday to discuss in-depth challenges faced by Muslims in the era of globalization.

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Some 900 Muslim scholars and thinkers from 33 countries are gathering in Malaysia on Thursday to discuss in-depth challenges faced by Muslims in the era of globalization.

Speaking at the opening of the World Conference of Islamic Scholars in Putrajaya near here, Malaysian Prime Minister MahathirMohamad said Muslims could regain their past glory if they were orientated toward having all the skills and knowledge to make the Islamic way of life respected by others.

"We must prove to the world that Islam is not an obstacle to progress, that Islam is a religion for all times, that Islam is a religion of peace and stability, that Islam can co-exist in a world where Muslims make up only one-sixth of humankind," he added.

The three-day conference is regarded as timely in view of the pressing needs for the Muslims to face the challenges of globalization and the correct interpretation of Islam.

The event is the brainchild of Mahathir, who wants a specific program to educate Muslims on the real meaning of Islam so that they will not be confused by the views of irresponsible parties.

The conference, themed "Islam in the Era of Globalization," is being attended by some 900 participants and observers from all over the world.

Twenty-two working papers on the religion, politics, social issues, economy and development is being tabled at the conferencewhich is aimed at bringing forth resourceful ideas so that the Muslims can be the driver and catalyst of their own success.

On the dialogue between civilizations in the world, some participants indicated the need for Muslims to understand Islam first before engaging in dialogue of civilization with others.

"Some people say that it is wrong even to talk to non-Muslims. It is wrong to be in contact with them, to work and to play with them...I think, this is a myth that has to be removed," Mahathir said in responding to a question from a foreign participant at theconference.

It was important for Muslims to have an open view that Islam was no hindrance toward their interaction with the non-Muslims, headded.

Concerning poverty in many Islamic countries, Lebanese Global University Board of Trustees President Sheikh Houssam Karakira said Islamic scholars worldwide could play a key role in helping Muslim communities overcome poverty.

"With their extensive knowledge, scholars can stimulate the people to work hard and seek knowledge to better themselves and improve their economic condition," he said.

Scholars must explain the true meaning of Islam and eliminate deviationist teachings for the progress of Muslims, he said, adding "a big problem is that people are narrow-minded about religion. There are Muslims who do not venture into new things like technology or even drive a car. They consider these things asforbidden in Islam."

By hosting this event, Malaysia hopes to share its experience with others in developing Islam, economy and politics.

This will be done through the presentation of working papers byMalaysian National Economic Action Council executive chairman Mustapa Mohamed and corporate leader Mohd Hassan Merican of Petronas, the national petroleum company.

Standing against a backdrop of declining Islamic civilization, the participants stressed the need of sticking to the correct interpretation of Islam, so that the Muslims in the world can bring back the glory of the past days and make progress in line with new world conditions.

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