Islam not militant and extreme, says Najib

BY ONG HAN SEAN

PEKAN: Muslims should avoid getting involved with extreme ideologies as Islam is a moderate religion that does not condone the thoughtless taking of human life, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"Islam is not militant and extreme in nature. Being involved in mass killings of innocents in the name of religion is forbidden in Islam," he said after performing tarawih prayers at Masjid Al Muhajirin in Kampung Batu 8 Lepar here on Saturday.

Najib said involvement in such extreme activities would not only leave a negative impact on a person's family but ruin the image of Islam as well.

"Every time I meet leaders from Saudi Arabia, they always praise our haj congregation for their exemplary behaviour. If we respect others, obey the law and follow the tenets of Islam, others will respect us too," he said, adding that it would be impossible to develop the country without peace and stability.