TUARAN: Muslims in the state have been urged to play their part in helping to correct the misconception on the part of the Western world that Islam propagates violence or extremism.
In making the call, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said most Westerners have what is known as ‘Islamophobia’ whereby they are misled and treat Islam as a religion which has a tendency towards violence and extremism.
Speaking at the district-level Maulidur Rasul celebration yesterday, the Sulaman assemblyman stressed that it is the duty of every Muslim to help correct this negative misconception towards Islam and its followers, adding that would be the greatest deed a Muslim could do for his or her religion.
“Clarify to them that Islam is a religion which loves peace, that Islam forbids its followers from behaving violently and undermine others.
“Islam in fact urges that its followers should seek knowledge so that they are progressive not only in this world but also the next,” he pointed out.
He suggested that Muslims should therefore follow a few guidelines in order to uplift their image in the eyes of the world.
“Firstly, Muslims should increase their knowledge and interpretation of their religion as a whole.
“The concept and the main basic principle of Islam has to be understood and interpreted without any compromise. For example, the principle of justice and fairness as well as human dignity and freedom,” he said.
He added that what this meant was that the contents of the Quran and its teachings as well as Islamic thoughts and propagation has to be fully understood.
Without a thorough understanding, it would be difficult for Muslims to serve their religion, race and the nation in a more meaningful way, he pointed out.
“Secondly, Muslims must uplift their skill and mastery of all of their endeavors especially those concerning science and technology, including IT, communication, biotechnology and so on.
“In addition, we should observe and benefit from the diversity of civilisation and culture surrounding us and at the same time avoid getting involved in things prohibited by religion,” he stated.
Hajiji said that thirdly, Muslims regardless of race or ethnic background and political leanings should foster unity and understanding among themselves.
“Reduce misunderstanding, avoid bad-mouthing or cursing others, boycotting and thinking negatively of others.
“We should not be easily satisfied with what we have achieved but instead seek to achieve higher goals,” he concluded.
Earlier, Hajiji led more than 1,000 Muslims in a procession starting from the town padang, through Tuaran town and ending at the Seri Sulaman community hall.
Among those in the procession were his federal counterpart Datuk Hj Abdul Rahman Datuk Hj Dahlan, Tuaran district officer A.M. Ibnu A.K. Baba, and Tamparuli community development leader (PPM) Datuk Jahid Jahim.
Also present were Tuaran Member of Parliament, Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau and Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, and Tuaran OCPD DSP Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek.
Rahman who is Urban Well-being, Local Government and Housing Minister gave away the prizes to winners of the various competitions held in conjunction with the celebration.
The Fathul Islam team from Mengakabong won in the Kompang competition with the first-runners-up being the Al-Amin team from Serusop.
The Tuaran State Religious School won in the category of team with the most number of participants with the Tuaran Native Court in second place.
The Best Contingent was won by the Haji Noor Mosque of Serusop.
In the Government Depts/Agencies category of the Sepanduk (banner) competition, the Tuaran District Council emerged champion.
The champions in the other categories are Pertiwisa Tuaran (Private Sector/NGOs), Tuaran State Religious School (primary schools), and Masjid Hj Sedek, Bolong Baru (villages).