Islam a peace-loving religion: Soeharto

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday reminded Moslems across the world that Islam forbade its followers from insulting others, let alone resorting to violence.

"We are obliged to use a way that is good as much as possible," Soeharto said here as he opened the sixth conference of Ministers of Awqaf (mortmain) and Islamic Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Soeharto said Islam was a peace-loving religion and taught its followers to promote a life based on the spirit of brotherhood, compassion and patience.

"In propagating Islamic teachings, the Al Qur'an teaches us to use good manners," he told delegates from 40 OIC member countries attending the conference.

The four-day conference is the first of its kind to be held in Asia.

Soeharto hoped the conference would help restore the image of Islam which he said has been tarnished by a small band of Moslems who gave priority to force and not to compassion.

He also said the conference should work to change the misperception that Moslems emphasized ritual more than social problems.

In a situation of fast-paced global change, Islam, said Soeharto, must provide answers to overcome new challenges in order to take advantage of the opportunities available. He added that the Islamic community must reinforce its spiritual foundations and develop its potential.

He added that even though science and technology were necessary elements of life, they could not solve all problems existing in society. Thus, there must be a balance between modern technology and spiritual tenets.

"The application of both science and technology can be dedicated to the well-being of mankind, and not the opposite for the creation of destruction and misery," Soeharto urged. (09/10/prb)