KUALA LUMPUR (July 4): Muslims in the country need to exhibit Islamic morality more positively and courageously when interacting with followers of other religions in Malaysia and the Asian region, according to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif (Sheikh Al-Azhar) Prof Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad At-Tayyeb.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was among the views shared by the Sheikh during their meeting on Wednesday night, in an effort to realise Malaysia’s aspiration of creating a Madani nation.

Anwar said the prominent religious figure also urged him to work harder and with greater determination to unite the strength of the Muslim community while ensuring there is a spirit of gentleness, goodwill, mutual respect and lita’aruf (knowing each other) among Muslims and non-Muslims in the country.

“Insya-Allah, we will endeavour to fulfil his mandate and ideals to the best of our ability, especially regarding Muslim strength and his urging for the Muslims to acquire expertise in new fields of knowledge and technology,” he said.

The prime minister said this in his speech after witnessing the conferment of an Honourary Doctorate in Quranic and Sunnah Studies from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) to the Grand Sheikh by the university’s Pro-Chancellor Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz during a Special Convocation Ceremony here Thursday.

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

In his speech, Anwar also expressed hope that USIM could help translate the address delivered by Prof Dr Ahmad to ensure it can be widely disseminated nationwide.

“The analysis in Sheikh Al-Azhar’s address demonstrates his eminence and depth of knowledge. I am impressed and captivated by the extensive analysis,” he said and commended USIM for honouring the religious scholar.

The prime minister also said that Sheikh Al-Azhar had made significant contributions to the Islamic world, including the Malay Archipelago.

“In fact, Azharis (graduates of Al-Azhar University) have made great contributions, serving as the main defenders of knowledge, instilling the spirit and essence of Islam within our society against various shortcomings resulting from the influence of Western thought, deviant liberal ideologies and fanaticism leading to division.

“May leading universities like Al-Azhar, along with the educational network in this country, continue the effort to defend the ummah primarily through centres of knowledge,” he said.

Sheikh Al-Azhar, who also holds the status of Prime Minister based on the Egyptian Constitution, is on a special four-day visit to Malaysia until Friday.

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