Before we leave Militant-Jihad-Free Oman

Photo from BBC News (thank you, BBC)

A word from Sultan Qaboos himself:

...stagnation resulted in a weakness of the Muslim nation, which, in recent years, has brought about fanaticism based on a lack of knowledge among the Muslim youth about the correct facts of their religion. This was exploited by some to perpetrate violence and propagate cases of difference which led to discord and hatred.

Therefore, in order that Muslims should not remain backward, while others advance, they are required by the Law of Islam to rectify this situation and renew and revise their thinking, so that they can apply the right solutions to modern problems that are facing the Islamic community. Thus they can show the world the reality of Islam and its principles which are applicable to all times and places.

Obstinacy in religious understanding leads to backwardness in Muslims, prevalence of violence and intolerance. This, as a matter of fact, is far removed from Islam which rejects exaggeration and bigotry, because it is the religion of liberality.

Excerpt from the Sultan's National Day speech, 1994.