Muslims Should Clean Up Tarnished Image of Islam – Malaysian Deputy PM

TEHRAN (IQNA) - Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the image of Islam has been tarnished by actions taken by certain quarters with wrong perception of jihad.

In fact, he said, reports on the alleged involvement of Malaysians in the so-called ISIL militant group had also given negative impact to the country's image.

"As such, we (Muslims) should be responsible to clean up the wrong perception and portray the true image of Islam as brought to us by Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]," he said when opening the 58th National Quran Recital Assembly in Kuala Lumpur  Monday night.

In tackling these challenges, he said, Muslims need to use their wisdoms in order to avoid racial conflict that could destabilize the country's economy, political environment and inter-racial relations.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Malaysian Islamic Development Department director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha, Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Albakri and Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department director Paimuzi Yahya.

The six-day Quran Recital Assembly sees the participation of 28 Quran reciters, comprising 14 Qari and 14 Qariah from each state.

The winners of the national titles will also represent Malaysia at the International Quran Recital Assembly to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre from June 9 to 14.

Source: Bernama