ID :
195763
Tue, 07/19/2011 - 10:20
Auther :

ISLAM CAN ACCEPT GOOD ELEMENTS IN OTHER RELIGIONS BUT ISLAM IS STILL DIFFERENT

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Bernama) -- Muslims in this country can accept the good elements in other religions but cannot admit that all other religions are the same as Islam as it is different, says former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

According to Abdullah, who is chairman of the Malaysia Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim), Islam is different from other religions in the world as it involves divine revelation that is complete and it encompasses all aspects of human life.

Abdullah said this in the text of his speech which was read out by Ikim director-general Datuk Nik Mustapha Nik Hasan at the opening of a seminar on The Quran and Religious Pluralism with the theme, "Lessons from the Past, Current Issues and Future Direction".

However, he said, in administering the country, the welfare of the people of other religions should not be neglected and that they be given the space in practising their religions in peace.

"Besides extending goodwill which is enjoined by Islam, it is also incumbent upon us as Muslims to keep our promises made, including with the people of other religions," he said.

Abdullah said all issues involving religion in Malaysia must be resolved justly and in a spirit of mutual respect.

The two-day seminar from Tuesday, organised by Ikim with the support of the Prime Minister's Department, also touches on the Quranic approach in resolving issues in a country with religious diversity.

Eleven papers are being presented and debated by researchers from Ikim and the higher learning institutions in the country.

At the seminar Tuesday, Ikim also launched three books, including one on creativity and innovation from the Islamic perspective.

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