Turkey's Diyanet Hosts 1st Asia & Pacific Countries Muslim Leaders' Summit

From Harlina Samson ISTANBUL, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) is hosting the first Asia and Pacific Countries Muslim Religious Leaders' Summit here to discuss and asses possible solutions to the challenges faced by Muslims living in this continent. The first of its kind, participants of the four-day summit are expected to to deliberate the thoughts and suggestions for their future strategies in tackling issues affecting the ummah and the Muslim world. "The Diyanet is regularly conducting consultative meetings with Islamic countries and Directorates of Muslim minorities. In this connection, with the participation of Muslim religious leaders to discuss the challenges that the Islamic world is facing and to find solutions, counselling meetings at international level," according to Diyanet, the Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate. The summit is also aimed at considering and assessing cooperation opportunities in the field of religious education and services, to achieve collaboration and solidarity and to share expertise and know-how in the field of religious affairs in different continents such as Europe, Africa and America. About 130 participants from 38 Asia and Pacific countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Hong Kong, Japan, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tonga and Kiribat among others will be attending the summit, themed 'Unity in Multiplicity: Rethinking Wisdom and Peace Together'. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Religious Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr Abdullah Muhammad Zin will be among the leaders presenting a speech during the opening session Tuesday. Speaking to Bernama, Abdullah said the summit organised by the Turkish government was a positive initiative whilst the Muslim world was facing serious challenges amidst negative perception. "In line with the theme 'wisdom' and 'peace' towards the ummah, Malaysia welcome all efforts, especially those related to violence and how to promote peace," he said. Meanwhile, Prof Dr AbdelAziz Berghout, Deputy Rector (Internationalisation & Industry and Community Relations) International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) will present a paper on challenges faced by religious education and services in the possibility of cooperation. He said that educational and learning institutions play a crucial role in building a balance, moderate mind and personality. "We are hoping educational institutions can provide platforms for dialogue and space for constructive debate and engagement for all. The educational institutions need to provide balanced religious education through enhancing crucial and creative thinking skills, exposure to social realities, ways and techniques of dealing with sensitive religious issues, best ways of differing and solving conflicts and differences among individual and groups," he said. Dr AbdelAziz also hoped that educational and learning institutions assist in renewing the religious discourse based on the real foundations of Islam, the prophetic practices, the best practices of the ummah and the new realities, circumstances and human achievements. Educational and learning institutions need to disseminate the culture of peace, dialogue, tolerance, cooperation, respect as part and parcel of the curriculum development and learning process, he added. -- BERNAMA