ISLAM CAN ACCEPT GOOD ELEMENTS IN OTHER RELIGIONS BUT ISLAM IS STILL DIFFERENT - ABDULLAH

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Bernama) -- Muslims in this country can accept the

good elements in other religions but cannot admit that all other religions are

the same as Islam as it is different, says former prime minister Tun Abdullah

Ahmad Badawi.

According to Abdullah, who is chairman of the Malaysia Institute of Islamic

Understanding (Ikim), Islam is different from other religions in the world as it

involves divine revelation that is complete and it encompasses all aspects of

human life.

Abdullah said this in the text of his speech which was read out by Ikim

director-general Datuk Nik Mustapha Nik Hasan at the opening of a seminar on The

Quran and Religious Pluralism with the theme, "Lessons from the Past, Current

Issues and Future Direction".

However, he said, in administering the country, the welfare of the people of

other religions should not be neglected and that they be given the space in

practising their religions in peace.

"Besides extending goodwill which is enjoined by Islam, it is also incumbent

upon us as Muslims to keep our promises made, including with the people of other

religions," he said.

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ABDULLAH-PLURALISM 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR

Abdullah said all issues involving religion in Malaysia must be resolved

justly and in a spirit of mutual respect.

The two-day seminar from today, organised by Ikim with the support of the

Prime Minister''s Department, also touches on the Quranic approach in resolving

issues in a country with religious diversity.

Eleven papers are being presented and debated by researchers from Ikim and

the higher learning institutions in the country.

At the seminar today, Ikim also launched three books, including one on

creativity and innovation from the Islamic perspective.

-- BERNAMA

IBN KHY MO