Muslim World League’s leader to address gathering that will fight extremist ideology
Kuala Lumpur: Political and religious leaders from 17 countries are gathering today, Thursday, in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur for the Southeast Asian Ulama Conference – a first of its kind event designed to unite regional efforts to advance moderate Islam and combat extremist ideology.
The event is being held under the auspices of the Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, and includes the Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa. Attendees also include the Minister of Religious Affairs in the Office of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Senator Datuk Haji Idris bin Haji Ahmad.
“The crucial goal of the conference is to develop a civilized vision that establishes the values of moderation in our societies,” Dr. Al-Issa said. “We will also strengthen ties as well as friendships and collaboration among nations and peoples, so that we can enhance awareness of the concepts of unity, peace, and harmony among leaders, intellectuals, and people of influence, with a particular focus on young and emerging leaders.”
Dr. Al-Issa stressed that emphasis will be put on the efforts that Islamic governments are taking to fight extremism and extremist ideology, which has served to distort the image of the true, peaceful Islam. By combatting the forces of intolerance and correcting the misconceptions around Islam and Muslims in general, Dr. Al-Issa said that progress on promoting common values of justice, tolerance and moderate thinking is achievable. He thanked Malaysia for hosting the international event.
Conference participants will develop educational tools to combat extremist ideology and to eliminate artificial differences that sometimes exist in politically diverse societies, so that greater collaboration and solidarity can result. They will also design practical programs, launch initiatives, and issue recommendations to effectively sustain the message of the conference.
Sri Lanka is represented by Director of Muslim Religious Affairs Ibrahim Sahib Ansar, MP Marjan Faleel, Chairman of Hajj Committee Ahkam Uwais, General Secretary of All-Ceylon Jamiyyahtul Ulama, Assheik Arkam Noorahmith, its assistant secretary Dr. Asheikh M S M Thassim and Chief Editor of Colombo Times Mohammed Rasooldeen
