Malaysia will host the World Conference of Islamic Scholars from July 10-12 to discuss challenges faced by Muslims in the globalisation era, a senior official said today.

The conference will also seek to enlighten the younger generation that terrorism is not the way to fight oppression, said organising committee chairman Mohamad Nakhaie Ahmad.

Involving over 600 scholars, the meeting is also aimed at uniting Muslims amid confusion caused by different interpretations of Islam, he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Cultural shock

"We hope the conference will mark the beginning of efforts for Muslims worldwide to unite and cooperate in facing global challenges."

"Given the current world developments, particularly the information technology revolution, we find that Muslims are facing a (cultural) shock and pressures from superpowers."

Nakhaie said this seemed to be driving some Muslims to terrorism in a bid to avoid oppression.

"Although their intention is to liberate themselves, is terrorism the way? This mindset o­n terrorism should also be addressed," he said.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will open the conference to be held at the government administrative capital of Putrajaya. - AFP