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 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He 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 the differences within their 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 ‘Malaysian Family’ way of life in multiracial and multireligious Malaysia,” he said when opening the 2022 South-East Asia Ulama Seminar, reported Bernama.
Also present was the secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr Muhammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa.
Ismail Sabri said the Malaysian Family concept could be perfected by Islamic scholars by adopting an approach to the meaning of unity based on Islam.
He added that Muslims within the Malaysian Family were reminded to return to the Quran and the Sunnah as guides when dealing with misunderstandings.
He said differences of opinion must be handled in a respectful and ethical manner, and that the seeds of disunity can be dealt with if Muslims were to return to the most basic of teachings by holding steadfast to the Quran and Sunnah.
“The miracle of the Quran highlights the spirit of unity, and among the philosophical choices where unity is concerned is the ‘Malaysian Family’, which is in line with teachings of the Quran and the Prophet’s Sunnah.”
