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Arroyo Seeks Muslim Leaders’ Aid Against Crime

At Islamic conference in Marawi

Saturday, July 27, 2002
By Edd K. Usman & Ali G. Macabalang
The Manila Bulletin

Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Sharief, senior adviser of Libya's President Moammer Qaddafi, another conference speaker, said aside from the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, "Muslims should also know the other sciences and the knowledge of the times. There is no better time than now [ ... ] to emphasize that Islam, like the other great religions of the world, is a fountain and sanctuary of peace," he said. "Islam is the religion of peace and forgiveness."

MARAWI CITY -- MB
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday enlisted the help of Muslim religious leaders in building a strong republic, asking them to join the government’s fight against criminality.

The President stressed that the government is not going after ordinary Muslims, only those who are engaged in criminal terrorist practices, for "criminals are criminals whether they are Muslim, Christian, or pagan."

She cited the Muslim scholars as key to a strong republic, saying she relies on them as the government's partners in achieving peace, enlightenment, and progress.

"I ask every ulama present here to participate in our war against crimes, our war against criminals, our war against kidnapers, drug-pushers, smugglers, and murderers," the President said. "I ask every ulama to guide the Muslim faithful to wage their own great jihad (holy struggle)."

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said there are two kinds of "jihad," the lesser jihad with the use of arms and the greater jihad which is struggle against one's evil desires.
(More: MB.com.ph News Source)
2002 © The Manila Bulletin Online.

Gee -- could the planet actually be on the verge of healing itself...?

Dan