Islam a religion of peace, compassion: Chinese scholar

Beijing, NU Online
The president of the China Islamic Association said on Monday that Islam is a religion of peace and compassion and is known for its humanitarian activities.

Sheikh Halaleddin's remarks came during a meeting with visiting members of the Iranian parliament's (Majlis) Cultural Commission, during which he also said that closer ties between Iranian and Chinese Muslims can bolster exchanges of the two countries.<>

Referring to the motto of `Unity and Islamic Solidarity' coined by Iran's Supreme Leader Seyed Ali Khamenei for the new Iranian calendar year 1386, he said the motto was most appropriate for the year and meets the requirements of Islamic communities.

He said the need to achieve solidarity among Islamic communities and Muslims was most urgent at this time in view of the growing conspiracies of enemies to sow discord among Muslims.

Halaleddin, who is currently the highest official of Chinese Muslims, described the current situation of the world as "crucial," and called for vigilance among Islamic communities in the face of conspiracies and threats of foreign enemies.

Touching on the cultural and religious activities of students of Islamic sciences in China, he said that there were currently good reasons for the growing activity of Muslims in the world and that Muslims in his country had the support of the government.

For his part, MP Abbas Ali Akhtari said that the divine religion of Islam believes human beings are born of God and have dignity, and Islamic scholars ought to preach the pure Islamic beliefs to all nations.

Akhtari, who represents Tehran in the Majlis, appreciated the Chinese government's support for Muslims in China, saying Islamic scholars are considered voices of Islam.

MP Mohammad-Taqi Rahbar, for his part, referred to the good and growing ties between Iran and China, adding that those who try to sow discord between Shias and Sunnis are the enemies of Muslims and not their friends as they would have others believe.

Recalling Imam Khomeini's observation that "the world is thirsty of pure Islam," the MP from Isfahan called on scholars and thinkers of all Muslim nations to grasp the opportunity to introduce Islam to the world.

Members of the Iranian parliamentary delegation also held discussions with outstanding scientific, cultural and Islamic figures of China and conferred on possibilities for expansion of mutual cultural ties. (irn/dar)