Kuala Lumpur - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the selection of Malaysia as host for the World Al-Azhar Alumni Conference 2008 signifies the world`s recognition of the country as a model Muslim nation.
The Prime Minister said he was made to understand that it was the first time that the conference was being held outside Egypt.
"On behalf of all Malaysians, I wish to express our gratitude that Malaysia was selected as the host. I thank the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar (for the honour)," he said when opening the conference here Friday.
He said Malaysia was committed to and concerned about the problems faced by the ummah not only in the country but throughout the world.
"As the chairman of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Malaysia had endeavoured to play an important and meaningful role in tackling the problems faced by the Muslims in a holistic manner.
"This includes introducing measures aimed at enhancing the economic capacity and human capital of the member countries. However, we are aware that this is a heavy responsibility and needs a concrete strategy and implementation plan as well as strong support from the member countries," he said.
Also present at the conference was the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Dr Sheikh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi. More than 1,000 participants from within and outside the country are attending the four-day conference.
At a press conference later, Abdullah said the Al-Azhar University had made great contributions to Malaysia because besides providing education to the young people of this country, the institution had also played a role in Malaysia`s history particularly in the struggle for independence.
"If we look at the history of the nationalism movement in demanding the country`s independence in the past, we will find that students from West Asia particularly from Al-Azhar had started the struggle.
"Their role in the initial stage was most significant because they had spread the spirit of nationalism in demanding for the country`s independence," he said.
Abdullah said Al-Azhar graduates had also made great contributions to the development of Islamic studies in the country.
"In other words, this group is most influential especially among the Malay community," he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Sheikh Muhammad said Islam Hadhari or Civilisational Islam was a concept that encompassed all aspects of the Islamic teachings that emphasised on the importance of balancing worldly pursuits and the hereafter.
It was not a new concept as the principles that were emphasised encompassed the Islamic requirements that all Muslims must adhere to, he said in Arabic which was interpreted by Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia president Datuk Mohd Nakhaie Ahmad.
The Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh said this when replying to questions from reporters who claimed that there were some Al-Azhar University graduates who rejected the concept.
Source: www.bernama.com.my (16 Februari 2008)
