KUCHING: Muslims have been called on to use the Internet and social networks to spread Islamic teachings to those interested to learn and embrace the religion.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said conventional methods through books and classes were just theories, while the latest technologies could provide a bigger impact on the learning process.

“There are various information sources available through the Internet and we should be smart in using the best for our people’s understanding,” said Taib at the Harakah Islamiah (Hikmah) 17th triennial general meeting (TGM) yesterday.

The chief minister said conventional methods would not be able to compete as it is easier for people nowadays to learn something through the latest technologies which is easier to understand.

He urged Hikmah to come up with more comprehensive strategies and plans in order to spread the teachings of Islam and provide a clearer understanding of the religion.

“We want Hikmah to become the organisation for those interested to spread the good news about Islam to others. Therefore the method should not be the same as before as we can utilise the sources available.”

He said Hikmah and other Islamic bodies should maintain good relationships with other religious associations as unity is needed to develop and set a good standard for society.

“We need to tell the world that the perception towards most Muslims as extremists is totally wrong and tell everyone the real teachings of Islam,” he said.

Taib cited the example of the Renaissance era, which saw Muslim intellectuals such as Omar Khayyam revolutionise mathematics, while Al Idrisi created the most accurate map of the world.

“The era saw Muslims at the forefront of information and were respected for their capabilities to provide change for the better,” he said.