U.A.E. seeks to promote peace, rejects terrorism, extremism: Awqaf

Abu Dhabi (WAM): U.A.E. seeks to promote peace in Muslim societies and rejects all forms and manifestations of extremism and terrorism as it embraces moderation, tolerance and respect, and statements like those made recently by scholar Ahmad Al Kubaisi against Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab are not acceptable, said Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) on Saturday. "The teachings of our righteous religion and our wise leadership inculcate in us respect of religious personalities, love of scholars, appreciation of their stature and acknowledgment of their favours and good deeds which we should follow. The people of U.A.E. do not accept any offense against to any religious scholar or Muslim preacher regardless of their nation or country," said Al Mazrouie in his comment on recent statements made by renowned Muslim scholar Ahmed Al Kubaisi in which he harshly criticised Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab, the Arabian Peninsula 18th century Muslim preacher and scholar who is widely respected in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries. "Such statements are not acceptable and tear the ranks of Muslims into shreds at a time when they most need unity, closed ranks and harmony of minds and hearts against the dangers threatening all the sects and parts of the whole Muslim World," Al Mazrouie added noting that Al Kubaisi yesterday published an apology for his previous statements on the online newspaper Elaph. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general-emirates-arab/1395269076907.html