ID :
355792
Sat, 01/31/2015 - 04:44
Auther :

Islamic Scholars Must Be At Frontline To Defend Islam - IIUM President

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Islamic scholars have to be at the frontline to defend Islam which has often been associated with violence and cruelty, said International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president, Dr Rais Yatim. He said the role of Islamic scholars is not confined to writing and giving opinions only, they should also speak out against negative accusations in defence of the sanctity of Islam. "I urge Islamic scholars to give a dichotomy for the term IS (Islamic State) brought on by the West. Do not just sit and keep writing thesis that have no relevance to reality. "We need to rise and state clearly that by IS it does not mean all Islamic countries are evil and propogate violence," he told reporters after delivering his New Year Message for 2015 at IIUM Friday. The ceremony was attended by UIAM Rector, Prof Dr Zaleha Kamaruddin and 2,500 students of the university. According to Rais, the term IS often associated with Islamic countries which automatically tarnish the sanctity and image of the religion, as violence propogated by IS militants was contrary to the real tenets of Islam. Touching on IIUM, Rais said, as a highly respected university in the world it should avoid the spread of negative sentiments among its staff and students. "I do not want to see the campus in turbulence with nonsensicle sentiments. We must follow the traditions of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic teachings in our struggles. We have to instil courtesy and mutual respect between us," said Rais, who is also the Socio-cultural affairs advisor to the Malaysian government. Rais said in line with IIUM's motto, 'The Garden of Knowledge and Virtue', there would be a continuous Akar Budi programmes organised to cultivate courtesy and respect among staff and students of the university. The contents of programme would emphasise on aspects of civility and deference in churning graduates with a high level of courtesy and respect for others, he said. Earlier, Rais presented an award to a group of IIUM students who had emerged champions in the 'The Bustan al-Jamiah' design competition, made a new landmark of the university. 'Hijrah Path' team leader Ibrahim Khalid, a final year architecture student, said the eight members of the team took four months to produce the design of the new landmark. "We maintained the word 'Iqra' (read) used in the old landmark and after discussions we added a replica of the keris to give it a royal touch," he said. The team won a cash prize of US$1,376 (RM5,000) and a certificate of participation. -- BERNAMA

X