Muslims must show noble traits to attract non-Muslims: Malaysia’s PM

PETALING JAYA, Nov 30, 2019, FMT. Muslims must show noble traits to attract non-Muslims towards Islamic teachings, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Free Malaysia Today reported.

He said negative practices such as being inconsiderate, insulting other races and religions, and squabbling over differences in opinion must be cast aside to achieve the objectives of Muslims as propagators.

“The acceptance from non-Muslims will diminish if we display negative characteristics and fail in life.

“We have to show good characteristics, Insya Allah they will be drawn to our deeds and believe in Islamic teachings, “ Mahathir, who is also the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (Perkim) president, said during a dinner held in conjunction with Perkim’s 58th annual general meeting here yesterday.

Also present were Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and Perkim secretary-general Mohd Yusof Noor.

Mahathir also wanted Muslims to live with the spirit of consensus without being influenced by self-centredness which would cause unease among other communities.

“Humans live in communities, not alone in isolation. Do not be influenced by our emotions which could lead to chaos as this will be a loss,” he said.

He said a nation would lose if its people were fighting among themselves, giving others the chance to worsen the situation.

“When we fight among ourselves, others can take advantage, and the country will not be peaceful. We have to be good at controlling our emotions and curb our hatred and anger, and accept the opinions of others,” he said.

Mahathir wanted Perkim to move as a body actively carrying out its responsibilities in spreading the message of Islam to all communities.

“Perkim is already 58 years old. Perkim’s role is to carry out dakwah (propagation) and uplift the image of Islam.

“I feel Perkim can carry out the responsibility of this mission by focusing on its original objectives,” he said.