Different interpretation of Islam has caused a rift among different Muslim groups in the Middle East, said former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Today we see Shias blowing up Sunni mosques, Sunnis blowing up Shia mosques, we see a lot of antagonism between the different sects and yet they all claim to be Muslims," he said.

Mahathir said that different Muslim sects can reconcile their difference in interpretation of the holy scriptures, should they refer to the fundamental teachings of Islam.

"In that way I think we can be united, and of course unity is strength, and at the same time we can utilise the whole potential of the Muslims," said the former premier, according to Bernama.

For a start, Mahathir suggested that Muslims scholars should use the Organisation of Islamic Countries as a platform as a forum or ishtihar (to settle a question through discussion) to bring back Muslims under one umbrella.

Learn from history

Looking back in history, said Mahathir, Islam seems to be experiencing a phase that Christianity had weathered through.

He said that while there were differences among Christian groups today, their differences were not divisive.

"In the past, they used to kill each other, they used to burn at the stakes because of differences of understanding and they tend to condemn others as heretics. But today they are much more liberal.

"They don't question each other on the interpretation of the religion. What has happened to the Muslim religion is the same. There is fragmentation due to different interpretations," said Mahathir.