Islamic scholars agree on greater cooperation, reject terrorism
A world conference of Islamic scholars in Kuala Lumpur agreed that Muslims should reject "narrow-minded interpretations, extremist ideologies and acts of terror".
"Wrong and deviated interpretations must be rectified by refuting it," said Malaysia's Nakhaie Ahmad, the conference's organising chairman.
One of the most influential Islamic leaders, Sheikh Mohamad Syed Tantawi of Cairo's Al-Azhar University has also condemned attacks by suicide bombers.
He said groups who practised extremism and carried out suicide bombings were enemies of Islam.
A world conference of Islamic scholars in Kuala Lumpur agreed that Muslims should reject "narrow-minded interpretations, extremist ideologies and acts of terror".
"Wrong and deviated interpretations must be rectified by refuting it," said Malaysia's Nakhaie Ahmad, the conference's organising chairman.
One of the most influential Islamic leaders, Sheikh Mohamad Syed Tantawi of Cairo's Al-Azhar University has also condemned attacks by suicide bombers.
He said groups who practised extremism and carried out suicide bombings were enemies of Islam.
Build military might
However, the scholars agreed Muslim countries must build up their military might, without depending on foreign powers. They resolved at the end of their three day conference that Muslim countries should cooperate on military research and development, intelligence, military technology and training.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad earlier called for Muslim countries to arm themselves to "put fear in the hearts of their enemies... not as aggressors but to defend ourselves".
Malaysia's Brigadier General Najmi Ahmad urged Muslim countries to become arms manufacturers to reduce their dependence on imports from developed countries.
The scholars also agreed that "serious efforts must be carried out to free Muslims from backwardness, poverty and oppression."
Mahathir had said false religious teachings had left Muslims backward and easily oppressed.
In a statement after the conference the scholars said an awareness must be created amongst the Muslim community about the dangers of globalisation, which had been "designed by the superpowers which are the new colonialists or neo-imperialists".
Role of women
They also resolved women must be allowed to play an important role in the Muslim community.
A permanent secretariat based in Kuala Lumpur is to be set up as a think-tank for Islamic scholars and intellectuals worldwide.
Some 800 participants from 33 countries attended the conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia's administrative capital near Kuala Lumpur to discuss issues facing Muslim nations. - AFP
