ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said Nov. 8 that although Islam is a minority religion in Taiwan, it has enriched the nation’s cultural diversity and is fully protected by the government under the law.
“There are between 1.6 billion and 1.7 billion Muslims in the world, or about one quarter of the world’s population,” Ma said. “About 60,000 Muslims reside in Taiwan, along with more than 180,000 Muslim guest workers from Indonesia. The ROC upholds freedom of religion and religious equality, providing an environment where all religions respect each other.”
Ma’s comments came as he met with a delegation of the nation’s Muslims before they set off to Mecca on this year’s hajj. The nation has sent a group on the hajj every year since 1954, the president said, adding that the delegation continues to maintain Taiwan’s amicable relations with the Muslim world, serving as an important conduit for the nation’s communication with global Islam.
“This is the fifth time since I became president that I have seen the delegation off on the hajj, showing that the government takes the faith’s development seriously,” Ma said. “Islam is also well represented in the collections of the Museum of World Religions in New Taipei City, further demonstrating Taiwan society’s enlightened attitude toward religion.”
The president said that while he was Taipei mayor, he succeeded in preventing the demolition of Taipei Grand Mosque by classifying the facility as a historical site, saving this unique example of exotic religious architecture and preserving it as a place of worship for the nation’s Muslims and foreign workers.
“This year more than 4 million pilgrims from about 200 countries will join the hajj in Mecca,” Ma said. “From Nov. 8 to 12, they will demonstrate their faith and love for their fellow man in what has been called the greatest religious activity of the modern world.”
According to the president, Islam is one of the world’s most influential religions. At its heart are the concepts of upholding peace and justice, helping the weak and aiding the poor, as well as love for the people and all things, Ma said, adding that these are of great benefit to the development of contemporary society. (SDH)
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