SECURITY ADVISER TO ULAMA
Teach ‘correct version’ of Islam
Claims madaris used to recruit extremists
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:16:00 01/09/2009
Filed Under: Religions, Islam, Acts of terror, Government, Security (general)
MANILA, Philippines -- National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales appealed to Muslim religious leaders to ensure that the "correct version" of Islam, centered on peace, is taught in their schools or madaris (plural of madrasah), some of which he claimed are used to recruit extremists.
"What government is appealing to Ulama is for them to have a little bit more responsibility in making sure that our Muslim groups in the Philippines are taught the correct version of the Islamic faith," Gonzales said at a news forum in Manila on Friday.
"We are not asking them to shape their faith into being loyal to the government...authentic Islamic teaching, as far as we understand, is about peace," he added.
Asked if the madaris were being used to recruit extremists, Gonzales replied: "Totoo yun [That's true]."
Gonzales said the government has intensified its dialogues with Ulama or Islamic religious leaders, asking them to distinguish between "responsible" and "irresponsible" members, while making it clear it was not meddling in their religion.
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