ISLAMABAD: Imam-e-Kaaba Dr Saleh Bin Mohammad Aal-e-Talib has said differences between Islam and the West could be eliminated through interfaith dialogue.
During a special meeting with Jang Group representatives here on Saturday, he said that extremism and sectarianism have damaged the Islamic unity and Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been the worst-hit by this menace. He said the Islamic Ummah could be kept united on the basis of Quran and Sunnah teachings.
The Jang Group team which met the Imam-e-Kaaba consisted of Hamid Mir, Salim Safi, Tahir Khalil and Arshad Waheed Chaudhry. During the meeting, Saudi Arabia Ambassador in Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliki, Communications Minister Dr Hafiz Abdul Kareem and translator Hafiz Sajjad Qamar were also present. The Imam said that Jang Group was the biggest media group of Pakistan.
About Islam-West differences, he said difference of opinion in any society is a natural phenomenon; however, an inter-religious dialogue was necessary to paint the true picture of Islam and dispel baseless propaganda against it.
He said Islam is a religion of peace and extremism and terrorism have no link with it all. He said biases against each other should end as it forms the basis of Islam. It could also help overcome extremism and sectarianism.
The Imam said Saudi Arabia policy is very clear, as it wants to promote the message of peace, security and harmony.
He said relationship between different nations should be based on justice and equality. He regretted that such elements are found every where who spread mutual tension and tussle. He said every individual as well as group should aim all our efforts at putting out the flames of sectarianism and extremism. He also stressed the role of the media in this regard also.
Imam-e-Kaaba said Saudi Arabia had made serious efforts for ending sectarianism and extremism in the country and a new law was on the cards through which strict and harsh punishments would be awarded to those involved in such crimes.
In reply to a question, he said that Daesh was a big threat to Islam and Muslims. He said killing Muslims in the name of Islam was the worst crime He said both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have taken effective measures to tackle the Daesh threat. He said he believed that Daesh was close to dying its natural death
He said Muslim are blamed for terrorism but it is a pity that they are the ones who fall victim to the menace. He said Quran and Sunnah form the basis of unity of Ummah and even today, it could be united only through promoting the message of Islam. Imam-e-Kaaba regretted that innocent Muslims were being killed in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. He said killing those who have a different viewpoint, which is really regrettable.
He said Saudi Arabia and Iran had no differences at all, and the government would welcome Iranian pilgrims (Hajis) when they come to Saudi Arabia. He said Saudi Arabia did not want to impose its agenda on others.
About Saudi Arabia-Pakistan relations, the Imam said they are like wings of a bird, and no flying was possible without coherence between them.
He said the relationship between the two countries is an example for others, and peace, security and unity are common goals of the two countries. He prayed to Allah Almighty to give the two countries successes in this regard.
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