Speaking at a gathering of Indonesian religious and political leaders at the Saudi ambassador’s residence in Jakarta, Sheikh Mohammed said Muslims face a range of challenges, from jihadist propaganda to incitement of hatred against Islam, that can only be addressed collectively.
“There is something called Islamophobia today. We must all confront these challenges together,” he said.
He warned that Islamophobia has become a serious global threat and stressed the need for cooperation among Muslim communities.
He added that half of the forces driving Islamophobia come from within Muslim circles pursuing their own agendas.
Sheikh Mohammed said Islamophobia dominated the recent WML meeting in Saudi Arabia, which brought together thousands of Islamic leaders from around the world. The gathering produced key recommendations urging stronger collective action.
The WML, he said, encourages Indonesian Muslims to play a more active role in countering Islamophobia and reinforcing unity.
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Beyond the issue of Islamophobia, Sheikh Mohammed also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and underscored the urgency of pursuing a two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.
He praised Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s speech at the UN General Assembly, calling it a clear display of Indonesia’s firm support for Palestinian rights.
“We thank the President for his strong and courageous words. Indonesia’s contribution is undoubtedly vital,” he said.
Friday’s meeting was also attended by Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Hidayat Nur Wahid, ambassadors from several countries, and His Highness Prince Adipati Arya Mangkunegara X.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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