Working for Muslim unity

KUALA LUMPUR: They may have different political ideologies but yesterday Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang shared the same stage and spoke about Muslim unity.

Najib, who is Umno president, and Abdul Hadi, who donned the same shade of pink baju Melayu at the Regional Conference for Al-Azhar Graduates here, were all smiles and exchanged pleasantries as they delivered their speeches.

An official with the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed this was the first time both leaders shared the stage. The event is being closely watched as Najib in his speech at the Umno general assembly last week had extended an offer to foster close ties with PAS.

“I am representing my kabilah (clan) and Tuan Guru (Hadi) represents his kabilah. Let us hold on to the teaching of the Quran,” he said to the cheers of supporters during the Regional Conference (Multaqa Serantau) for Al-Azhar Graduates yesterday.

Najib renewed his call for stronger unity between different political groups as he said such calls were demanded by the religion.

He said Islam had highlighted the importance of Muslim unity and the danger of being in discord.

Face to face: Najib extending a warm welcome to Hadi upon his arrival at the Multaqa Serantau Alumni Al-Azhar Malaysia 2015 in Kuala Lumpur.

He stressed that Muslim unity was not an option but compulsory for all Muslims.

“The Quran has clearly outlined the principles of unity like in verse 103 of Surah Al-Imran.

“The verse noted that hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you).

“These principles can be easily understood by all and those ordinary people just like me.

The event was aimed at fostering unity among Muslims in the country.

Najib said the unity calls should also be made based on the concept of “ta’awun (friendship) between Muslims”.

“From what I understand, it shows that the prerequisite to unity is the development of a positive community with an exemplary lifestyle and attitude.

“However, we must also note that Islam also celebrates differences in opinion, especially with regard to worldly matters,” he said.

Najib also recalled the cooperation between the Government and Abdul Hadi when he was given the responsibility to form a truce between warring factions in Yemen.

“This is among the practical examples on how unity can go above political ideology and unite based on agendas,” he said.

Malaysia, said the Prime Minister, understood the importance of ­having a multicultural country and the big challenges to maintain the harmony between diverse races which was built upon the concept of wasatiyyah (moderation) from the teaching of Al-Quran.