KUALA LUMPUR: Chairman of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia Prof Dr Maszlee Malik has sent letters to 19 esteemed global religious leaders, appealing for their collective wisdom and moral authority to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Maszlee said these letters were addressed to influential figures, including the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Pope Francis, Dalai Lama, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Canterbury, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, among others.
He noted that the letters urgently implore them to utilise their influence to pursue peace and humanitarian relief in Gaza.
“The gravity of this humanitarian crisis demands a unified effort to stop the killing of children and civilians, end the bombings of hospitals and schools, and cease the ongoing genocide in Gaza,“ he said in a statement Wednesday.
Maszlee said IAIS Malaysia is dedicated to advancing religious diplomacy as a means of promoting global peace and sustainability.
The organisation understands the significance of interfaith collaboration and the indispensable role that religious leaders play in fostering unity and tolerance among diverse communities, he said.
Maszlee pointed out that the call for a ceasefire is rooted in the principles of compassion, dialogue, and the pursuit of justice – pillars that resonate deeply with the national MADANI agenda, championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that IAIS Malaysia is committed to advancing this agenda, where ‘Compassion’ holds a pivotal place among its pillars.
“The promotion of compassion and empathy, central to the MADANI agenda, lies at the heart of our call for a ceasefire in Gaza. We firmly believe that these values are essential in building bridges, fostering understanding, and ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious world,“ he said.
IAIS Malaysia remains unwavering in its commitment to advocating peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue, Maszlee said, adding that it strongly encourages the engagement and cooperation of religious leaders worldwide to create a more compassionate, harmonious, and peaceful world. – Bernama