Islam's place in the modern world of terrorism and globalisation will come under scrutiny by some 800 international Muslim scholars at a conference in Putrajaya tomorrow.

The meeting will be opened by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who regularly criticises Muslims for failing to keep pace with technological and economic developments in the West.

Mahathir's religious adviser and conference chairman, Abdul Hamid Othman, set the tone for the talks by telling local media that Muslims must strengthen themselves to protect the honour of Islam.

"In the era of globalisation, such strength is derived not just from military might, but through knowledge and technological achievement," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Many Islamic countries are rich in resources, such as oil, but they lack the ability to manage their wealth, he said.

"That is why they are easily invaded and defeated as in the case of Iraq.

"Not only that, but other Islamic countries were powerless as to what to do when Iraq was attacked," he said.

Rivalry between factions

Other issues high on the agenda included terrorism, pluralism in Islamic societies and the role of Muslim women.

The scholars would try to find solutions to the spread of extremism and the rivalry between factions in the Muslim world over who was more "Islamic".

"Muslims have been taught that jihad means to go and fight and die in the streets. But actually, jihad is about strengthening oneself, about building one's technological and economic strength," he said.

The keynote address will be given by the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Mohammad Sayyed Tantawi, while other speakers include Zaki Badawi from Britain, Fathi Othman from the United States and Ali Al-Shuayby from Syria. - AFP