KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Al-Azhar scholars who met here agreed on the Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam) approach as a way of solving problems that contribute to backwardness, especially of Muslim communities.

Head of the Muslim Missionary Foundation Malaysia (Yadim) Datuk Mohd Nakhaie Ahmad said in several discussions during the World Al-Azhar Alumni Multaqa here, the delegates agreed that Islam Hadhari could be the foundation for a new Islamic civilisation as it was comprehensive and encompassed knowledge of this world and the hereafter.

"All the scholars agreed that acquiring knowledge of this world is important in developing a civilisation," he told reporters after the closing of the four-day conference here today.

Mohd Nakhaie said although the Islam Hadhari approach had been disputed by some quarters in this country, viewing it as a political ploy, it was not an obstacle as Muslim intellectuals had recognised it.

"Most of the conference delegates have also accepted Malaysia as a model Islamic nation. So there should be no dissenting voices as the terminology is not important but the implementation of the (Islam Hadhari) concept is."

He said the delegates also accepted that the Islam Hadhari approach introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as a special guideline for Muslims as it could move along with the times.

"For example, Islam has never rejected scientific and technological advancement as it will benefit mankind for as long as it is not misused.

"Islam also accepts knowledge from the West provided it does not contravene the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah (practices of Prophet Muhammad," he said.

-- BERNAMA