Ahmad Zahid: Understand true meaning of Islam

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Zahid (centre) signs on the plaque as others look on. —  Photos by Jeffrey Mostapha

Zahid (centre) signs on the plaque as others look on. — Photos by Jeffrey Mostapha

KUCHING: Muslims in this country are urged to understand the true meaning of Islam, especially in the wake of rising Islamophobia in the western world, so that the religion would not be viewed in a skeptical or suspicious manner, or be feared.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, with Muslims making up about one third of the  world population by 2050, it was equally important for them to be tolerant to each other.

“Islam is growing rapidly worldwide. We must be smart in practising the religion. Respect is earned and we need to give respect to others if we want them to respect Islam,” said Ahmad Zahid at the opening ceremony of Masjid Al-Abyad in Matang Jaya here yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid added that Muslims must also be wary of individuals or groups who tried to taint the image of Islam, adding that the inability to understand what the religion was all about had caused confusion and misconception towards Islam.

The mosque, built on a 3.78-acre site, is the second largest in Sarawak.

It can accommodate up to 5,000 people.

It is built at a cost of RM11.6 million.

Ahmad Zahid then performed Friday prayers at the mosque, together with, among others, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.

Ahmad Zahid, who is on a working visit here, is scheduled to join Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters in Lundu today for nomination of candidates for the Tanjong Datu by-election.