Islam in Malaysia at a crossroads, says Anwar

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said certain groups have tarnished the sanctity of Islam by sowing hatred through the religion. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Islam in Malaysia is at a crossroads because of certain groups that are using the religion to sow hatred, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said these groups have tarnished the sanctity of the faith by promoting Islam with hatred and only considering those aligned with them as 

good

, Bernama reported.

“Everyone else is not good. If the government is evil, then only their own tribe and group are good. This kind of tribalism will destroy society.

So, we must face these two issues: on the one hand, Islamophobia, and on the other hand, those who consider themselves as the only (true) Islamic group,

 he was quoted as saying at the 

24,000 Huffaz Gathering

 at the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar said this was why he wanted tahfiz school students to be equipped with true Islamic teachings that would prepare them for both Islamophobic groups as well as those who sow hatred in the name of Islam.

That’s why these children continue to be our focus,

 he said.

“(I’m) confident that our future is bright. Hold firm to the belief that the message of Islam is the truth, and that the message of Islam is a message of justice. One that unifies with compassion and love… this is what we must stand for.

We understand the rights of non-Muslims, but they should not bring in Western Islamophobic views. We must oppose these parties. - FMT