MASJID TANAH: Upholding the values of Islam must go hand-in-hand with respecting other religions, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
He said such a balanced approach is more important than ever now, in the wake of a wave of terrorist attacks in the region, driven by extremists whose appreciation of religion is twisted.
"(It is learnt) that 87 per cent of those involved in extremism do not even have strong basic religious education, but instead, they are looking for shortcuts to heaven," said Zahid.
He was speaking at the launch of the Salmah Khamis Floating Mosque in Kampung Durian Daun here, which is named after his in-laws.
Officiating the launch was Melaka governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaacob, in the presence of Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
Zahid urged Muslims to follow the teachings of Islam, which promotes respect for other religions – which in turn, would earn Islam the respect of people of other faiths.
"The deeds of extremists are tainting us all, causing a rise in Islamophobia.
"At the root of this is the lack of respect for the beliefs of others. This is not the way to uphold Islam," he added.