KUALA LUMPUR: Muslim scholars, leaders and scientists need to work together to achieve the goal of ummah unity and resolve any conflicts that occur in society, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
In his welcoming speech at the Asian Ulama Council 2024 here today (May 8), he said that in making the mission of ummah unity a success, scholars, leaders and scientists need to set an example by showing unity among themselves first.
"Thus, the organisation of the Ulama Council 2024 is part of an effort to bring unity among Islamic leaders and scholars and then reveal it to Muslims so that it can be adapted into the community lives," he said.
Mohd Na'im said Muslims need to be made aware that efforts to achieve unity need to cross the walls of various schools of thought and ideologies with the goal of achieving the welfare of the ummah and rejecting extremist and extreme beliefs.
He noted that differences should be viewed as advantages instead of weaknesses, while similarities should be used as a source of strength.
"Indeed, the glory of the Muslim Ummah and the ups and downs of a community, nation or country lies in its unity," he said.
Mohd Na'im expressed hope that the Asian Ulama Council 2024, which convenes 200 Muslim scholars from across Asia, can open a wider scope of cooperation, agreement and better understanding among Islamic scholars, leaders and scientists in the future.
He emphasised that agreement among Islamic scholars, leaders and scientists in dealing with extreme actions and rejecting all forms of ideology contrary to Islamic teachings will help foster unity in society.
"It is hoped that this council will be able to achieve the objectives that have been outlined. Thus, it will become the basis for the harmony of life, understanding, the spirit of cooperation, the value of simplicity (wasatiyyah) and a stronger unity among the Muslim community.
"It will become the foundation of the unity of the community of multiple religions and races in line with the civil society idea highlighted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he said.
The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the presence of Muslim World League (MWL) secretary-general and Organisation of Muslim Scholars chairman Sheikh Dr Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
It was organised by the Office of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) in collaboration with MWL. — BERNAMA