PETALING JAYA: The concept of tasamuh (tolerance or open-mindedness) can be a tool to unite Muslims and the world, and should be inculcated among countries with multiracial and multicultural societies, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic).
The Prime Minister said tasamuh which emphasised the value of togetherness, was in line with the Malaysian Family concept that was able to make Malaysians appreciate and understand differences (among the multiracial society).
"This concept, which also means being accepting and peaceful in any situation faced, has been emphasised by the (Malaysian) government to be part of the Keluarga Malaysia way of life in multi-racial and multireligious Malaysia," he said when opening the 2022 Southeast Asia Ulama Seminar here on Thursday (June 30).
Also present was Muslim World League secretary-general Sheikh Dr Muhammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa.
Ismail Sabri added that the Malaysian Family concept could be perfected by Islamic scholars by adopting an approach to the meaning of unity based on Islam.
"The government is aware that ulama (Islamic religious figures) and scholars play an important role in ensuring that the path chosen follows the straight path, siratul mustaqeem.
"Therefore, we always welcome the views and advice of ulama and Islamic scholars for the well-being of the Malaysian Family in this world and in the Hereafter," he said.
Ismail Sabri also said the unity and solidarity of the ummah should be their priority, as stressed in the fiqh awlawiyyat principle.
He said this was due to the increase in threats to the sanctity of Islam of late.
According to him, the strengthening of unity and solidarity of the ummah should be based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
"This approach is important to ensure that the dakwah (propagation) and delivery of Islamic teachings follow the requirements of Islam.
"Muslims need to be made aware that the effort to realise this unity must transcend the walls of various streams of thought and ideologies. The main focus is on the welfare of the ummah as well as rejecting extremism.
“As such, all ulama and Islamic scholars need to discuss, agree, unite and harness their thoughts to produce solutions to the challenges faced by Muslims around the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister hoped the gathering of the ulama and Islamic scholars would be able to reach a consensus and play an effective role towards forging unity for the good of the ummah.
"I also hope that all the inputs and views discussed during this meeting can be translated into an effort that can further strengthen unity among Muslims around the world," he said.
The inaugural seminar, which brought together 44 speakers from 17 countries, aimed to raise awareness and education to face extremist ideologies and replace differences between people of various political backgrounds through cooperation and unity. - Bernama
