THE Muslim community the world over continues to face challenges in terms of violence and terrorism in many guises but the most important thing is to understand and reject them on the basis of the Islamic teaching itself.

This was conveyed recently during the launch event of two books in Kuala Lumpur by renowned Pakistani-Canadian scholar Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri.

The books were Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombing and A Real Sketch of The Prophet Muhammad. The books were originally published in English but have since been translated into Bahasa Malaysia and Indonesian by Minhaj Ul Quran International (MQI).

The launch of the books in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia represents Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri's important contributions to the international discourse on Islam and peace.

The book Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombing has become a key reference in global discussions on Islam and peace, continuing to have a positive impact on the global effort to combat extremism since its publication in 2010.

This book is deemed crucial in addressing the issues of extremism and violence often associated with Muslims. It boldly asserts that certain acts of terrorism, including suicide bombings, are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

Through an in-depth study of religious texts and fatwas issued by prominent scholars, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri rejects any form of violence in the name of religion, emphasising that Islam values peace, love and the wellbeing of humanity.

He specifically emphasises that acts of violence have no basis in Islam and instead represent a violation of the fundamental principles of the religion.

The book also guides Muslims and the international community in understanding the true teachings of Islam. It has received praise from various international figures, including Dr John Esposito, who described Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri's fatwa condemning terrorism as "an important statement from one of the most influential and globally recognised Islamic thinkers".

Similarly, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, referred to the book as "a clear and unequivocal call against extremism" and praised Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri for his contribution to promoting peace and countering radicalisation.

The second book, titled A Real Sketch of The Prophet Muhammad, is also a significant work that introduces the world to the personality and character of Prophet Muhammad S.W.T, emphasising his love, compassion, justice and integrity, which were key aspects of his life.

The writer highlights that Prophet Muhammad was the perfect example in promoting peace, harmony and tolerance among communities, urging Muslims to emulate his noble character in their daily lives.

The book presents Prophet Muhammad as the best role model for all of humanity in seeking a more peaceful and harmonious life.

In addition to the book launch, the event was graced by academic lectures from two of the writer's sons, Prof Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Deputy Chairman of Minhaj University, Lahore, and Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of MQI.

In his lecture, "The Standardisation in Islamic Banking and Financial System," Dr Hussain explained the importance of standardisation in the Islamic banking and financial system to ensure justice, transparency and efficiency in its operations.

He also discussed the challenges faced in achieving global standardisation in Islamic banking, including differences in jurisprudence between countries and institutions, which require closer cooperation among Islamic countries and institutions.

He emphasised that with strong standardisation and ongoing research and development (R&D), Islamic banking will not only be able to compete with conventional banking systems but will become a more ethical and just alternative.

Dr Hassan's lecture, "The Constitution and Systems of the State of Medina," explored and explained the Charter of Medina and the systems of governance established under Prophet Muhammad in the city of Medina (Madinah).

The Charter regulated relations between Muslims and non-Muslim communities based on principles such as justice, equal rights, freedom of religion and social responsibility, which are the foundations of a peaceful and stable society.

Dr Hassan pointed to the relevance of the Charter of Medina in the modern world which can serve as a guide in building a society based on justice and humanity, especially in countries with diverse ethnicities and religions.

Representatives from non-governmental organisations, academics from public higher learning institutions and public servants felt privileged to listen to the message of peace from MQI and Minhaj University, Lahore, mindful of the current developments involving Muslim countries in world affairs today.

AIDA ROZITA MOKHTAR
Secretary, Organisation for Empowering the Ummah (BERDAYA)