“We don’t want the definition of “Islamic country” to be the cause of a fight among Muslims because it is a peaceful religion.
“Islam is not a ruthless religion. Islam respects other religions,” he said while performing prayers at a mosque in Kuching.
He said arguments over the definition of “Islamic country” had led to fights and killings between Muslims in other countries.
He said that was the reason for the Syariah index project which aimed to achieve an objective definition of “Islamic country”.
“This won’t lead any quarters to claim that their own definition of Islam is right and, we don’t want the definition of “Islamic country” to be a cause for Muslims to fight each other.”
Najib also reminded those at the mosque of the importance of leadership in Islam, ahead of the 11th Sarawak state election.
“It is the leadership that determines success. Leadership cannot be separated from Islam. If we want to take care of Islam, we must emphasise leadership. Because if we choose a leadership that’s anti-Islam, then the consequences won’t be good.
“So think carefully. I do not wish to campaign in a mosque, but the principle of it is important. It must be based on what is in the best interests of Islam,” he said.
Najib announced that a new mosque would be built in the area sometime soon, replacing the current mosque that’s too small to accommodate the increasing number of Muslims performing prayers.