‘Curb spread of deviant teachings’

I.S. DANGER: Review religious studies education to overcome weaknesses that could lead to extremism, says PM

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has urged Malaysians to return to the true teachings of Islam in combatting the sinister influence of the Islamic State (IS).

In a blog post, Najib said the problem was caused by the widespread influence of deviant ideologies propagated by IS, which directly contradicted what was taught by Prophet Muhammad.

“Islam promotes peace, then why do these people kill? The teachings (adopted by IS members) are not based on the al-Quran and sunnah (the verbally transmitted record of the teachings, deeds and sayings of Prophet Muhammad), but merely based on their emotional interpretations,” he said.

Najib called on the need to review religious studies taught at higher learning institutions to root out any weaknesses in the system that could lead people to extremism.

“We need to make sure that our religious education system is effective in curbing the spread of deviant teachings, consequently giving rise to highly developed and competitive Muslims.”

Najib also stressed on the dangers posed by IS, which had launched attacks in countries all over the world, including Malaysia.

“They had mercilessly murdered a Canadian man. (The man was held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu, the Philippines, before being beheaded last month).

“It was disheartening to see these people, who call themselves Islamic fighters, had also attacked the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, where Prophet Muhammad was buried.

“Do these people follow the teachings of Islam?” he asked.