‘Focus on What Unites Us’: Malaysian Activist Urges Muslims to Stand Together
Speaking to IQNA on the sidelines of the 39th International Islamic Unity Conference, Zuhri Yuhyi called for stronger unity among Muslim nations and urged greater support for Gaza.
“In fact, what we as an Islamic nation should do exactly is to work together,” said Zuhri, who heads the Strategy and Finance Department of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organization (MAPIM).
He stressed that Muslims must focus on their shared beliefs rather than differences, adding that the shahada, or Islamic testimonies, should be the foundation of unity.
Zuhri argued that emphasizing common ground could bridge divisions within the Ummah. He said gatherings of scholars from different schools of thought help build trust and understanding, and since scholars influence societies, such forums could bring Muslim nations closer together.
On Malaysia’s response to the genocide in Gaza, Zuhri highlighted his country’s long-standing humanitarian work. He said they have provided food aid, winter clothing, and temporary schools for Palestinians. Currently, 45 Malaysians are aboard the International Gaza humanitarian flotilla of 20 ships departing from ports in Spain, Tunisia, Italy, and Sicily.
He noted that Malaysians also hold weekly demonstrations outside the UN office in Kuala Lumpur. “The Islamic Ummah has a duty to defend Al-Aqsa. The Ummah is not complete without Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said.
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Quoting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Zuhri added: “If one part of the body is injured, the whole body suffers. Therefore, I think we should feel the pain of the fathers, mothers and children in Gaza.”
The comments come as since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. A United Nations committee last week recognized the brutal war as a genocide as the Israeli regime continues its relentless ground and aerial attacks while also restricting the aids into the strip. Human rights groups have highlighted that the regime is using starvation as a weapon of war.
Prophetic teachings and challenges
Asked about countering negative cultural influences, Zuhri said the problem comes both from Western pressures and internal weaknesses.
He warned that efforts to distance Muslims from the Quran remain a concern, adding: “The Anglo-Saxons have always had an agenda to remove the Quran from the Ummah because it empowers us in life.”
He emphasized that scholars should play a stronger role in guiding young people, noting that “the role of scholars is to be able to talk to the youth in their language.”
Iran’s self-defense ‘amazing’
Elsewhere in his remarks, the activist praised Iran’s act of self-defense in the 12-day war launched by the Israeli regime and the US in June.
He said the strength shown was “amazing and inspiring” and argued that many Malaysians believe Iran is capable of challenging Israel.
He described Iran’s actions as legitimate self-defense, while slamming Israel for violating international norms.
The Israeli regime launched an all-out aggression on Iranian soil on June 13, targeting various military and nuclear sites and assassinating top-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists, as well as ordinary civilians. The United States also joined the aggression by targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in central of the country.
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The Iranian Armed Forces, in response, pounded the regime and its military and industrial infrastructure, using new-generation missiles that hit the designated targets with precision. Iran also responded to the US by targeting its’s key airbase in Qatar.
After 12 days, the occupation regime was forced to declare a unilateral ceasefire in a deal proposed by Washington.
