PM Najib: Value life, reject all forms of extreme teachings

Referring to the Manchester suicide bombing and Malaysian militants killed in Marawi, Najib says among the pillars of Islamic teachings is to protect one’s own life and the lives of others.

PUTRAJAYA: Muslims in Malaysia must reject all forms of extreme teachings which could lead to destruction, such as animosity with each other or taking their own lives in the name of Islam, said Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Commenting on the suicide bombing incident in Manchester, England, and recent clashes between Philippine security forces and militants in Marawi, Mindanao, which involved Malaysians, he said among the pillars of Islamic teachings was to protect one’s own life and the lives of others.

“Let us not forget, one of the principles of Islam is to protect lives, not to kill ourselves or other people.

“Our lives are not ours but belong to Allah who determines to take it or to let us live a long life.”

Najib said this at a buka puasa event with ulama (scholars) and umara (leaders) of Islamic NGOs at his official residence, Seri Perdana, here tonight.

His wife, Rosmah Mansor, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki were also present.

Najib also stressed the importance of Muslims uniting to uphold Islam and ensuring the future of the ummah (faithful).

He said unity was the foundation for all dreams and noble aspirations as the agenda to uphold Islam could no longer be borne by the government alone.

“If we are faced with enemies who are united and have a strategy, but we isolate each other, ignore each other and do not seek ways to unite, we will surely be defeated by the enemies of Islam,” he said.

“A large number of Malaysians are Muslims and the government cannot meet the Islamic agenda unless the NGOs, as partners of the government, fight for the sake of Allah. So unity is the most effective weapon to attain our aspirations.”

He also stressed the need for the ulama and umara to continue their efforts with honesty and lead with fairness and trustworthiness to uphold Islam and for the good of the people.

“According to the Prophet’s hadiths, if these two groups of people (ulama and umara) are good, then all will be good, but if they are not, then everything will be destroyed,” he said. -FMT