<He said a true Muslim dis not hide in “dark caves. A true Muslim lives openly according to the teachings of Islam and works for humanity like his predecessors.” > These are the words of Saudi Crown Prince, music to my ears I have several times alluded to this phrase about 'dark caves' this is what war on terror is all about, terrorists previously use to plan in Saudi and execute all over, since war on terror official support in the nests of terror is missing the most important of the two nations where these extremists of Islam would find solace are no more sanctuaries of the terrorists. That is the biggest win of this war...War on terror is/will be won by alliances and those alliances today ‘walk the talk.’ Wining them to USA side wasno mean feat and the credit goes to present administration undoubtedly to bring the wayfarers on the right path!
‘Muslims must unite against extremism’
* Pakistan and Saudi Arabia say Muslims must show terrorists’ claims of Islam are wrong
* Abdullah, Jamali vow to jointly fight terrorism
* Musharraf says both countries must promote religious tolerance
By Rana Qaisar
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz said on Sunday “aggression” could not be called jihad as religion had nothing to do with aggression, extremism or terrorism.
“Our religion teaches tolerance and patience and those who deal in hatred and create enmity have no place in our religion,” the crown prince said in a speech after becoming the first visiting dignitary to receive a civic reception at the Jinnah Convention Centre.
President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali, Saudi delegates, ministers, governors and chief ministers attended the reception.
An official joint statement of the meetings Prince Abdullah held here with Pakistani officials said both sides agreed there were serious challenges facing the Ummah, such as terrorism and extremism, that Muslims must unite to fight.
In his speech at the convention centre, the crown prince spoke of these challenges. He said differences between Muslims had led to terrorism and extremism. “It is time to get rid of extremism and hatred and move towards unity and tolerance.” He urged Muslim countries to promote tolerance. “Those who kill the innocent are misguided. They claim to act in the name of religion, but real jihad is against the aggressors.”
Prince Abdullah said a handful of terrorists had tarnished Islam’s image and marred the Muslim world’s relations with others. “We need to fight this small group and prove that their claims are wrong.”
He said a true Muslim dis not hide in “dark caves. A true Muslim lives openly according to the teachings of Islam and works for humanity like his predecessors.”
He called on Muslims to unite. “Muslim society cannot make real progress if it remains divided. We need to learn to live with others and tolerate their point of view and we need to have relations with people from other religions on the basis of mutual understanding.”
He said internal dissention and terrorism had endangered the Ummah. “Those who want to incite us against the world are in fact showing us the way to destruction. We are not here to hurt each other but to co-exist with others and be part of a larger system.” He said an Islamic state could be composed of different groups and sects, but all were equal. “If one feels that what he says should be followed, then he should give the same right to others.”
He said wars only led to destruction and proposed a peaceful solution of the Palestinian issue, saying they could have a state of their own with Al-Quds as its capital.
He appreciated that Gen Musharraf sought a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue, and hoped he would be successful.
In his welcome address, Gen Musharraf said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as important members of the Ummah, should promote a better understanding amongst followers of different religions. He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia concurred on the challenges facing the Ummah. Gen Musharraf paid tribute to the Saudi crown prince and the king for “turning Saudi Arabia into a modern state pursuing higher values”.
Prince Abdullah and Mr Jamali later met and vowed to fight terrorism. Mr Jamali said a distinction must be made between terrorists and freedom fighters. He said Pakistan wanted to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.
Prince Abdullah supported said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were very close and would continue to cooperate with each other.
The Saudi prince returned to Saudi Arabia on Sunday night, seen off at the airport by the president and prime minister. |
