MAKKAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Saturday described disunity as "the greatest enemy" of Muslims and called upon Islamic scholars across the world to work for unity.
In his keynote speech at the opening of an international Islamic conference here, he commended the Muslim World League's (MWL) efforts to spread the message of Islam and confront extremism and terrorism.
"Disunity is the beginning of downfall ... rather it is the greatest enemy of people ... Muslims should beware of division and improve their relations," he said quoting a speech made by King Abdul Aziz at the first Makkah conference 86 years ago.
Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif opened the three-day conference, organized by the MWL to mark its 50th anniversary, on behalf of King Abdullah and read out the king's speech.
King Abdullah wished success for the conference, which will review the MWL's activities and programs and set out its future strategy. It will also discuss the situation of Muslim minorities in different parts of the world and the problems facing them.
The king urged participating scholars to focus on three important issues: spreading the moderate teachings of Islam, strengthening Muslim unity by improving their relations and trying to solve problems facing the world.
"We are happy over the contributions made by the MWL to treat Muslims’ problems, unify their ranks, spread the true picture of Islam and confront epidemics such as extremism and terrorism that have sneaked into some Muslim societies," the king said.
King Abdullah also noted the organization's efforts in promoting dialogue between religious faiths and cultures. He was apparently referring to the MWL's role in organizing the international interfaith dialogue conferences in Makkah, Madrid and Geneva.
Arab News
