Meaning: The quote you provided is from Abdullah Badawi, a Malaysian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2003 to 2009. In this quote, Badawi is expressing the idea that the global community should engage with Islam and Muslims who are committed to progress, development, peace, and moderation, rather than being confronted with militant or extremist elements within the religion. This quote reflects Badawi's perspective on the importance of promoting a positive and peaceful image of Islam and fostering dialogue and cooperation between Muslim-majority countries and the international community.

Badawi's emphasis on engaging with Muslims who are committed to progress and peace is significant in the context of global perceptions of Islam and the challenges posed by extremism and radicalism. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks and subsequent acts of terrorism carried out by individuals or groups claiming allegiance to Islam, there has been a heightened focus on the relationship between the Islamic world and the rest of the international community. The actions of extremist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and others have led to widespread misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam, often associating the religion with violence, intolerance, and backwardness.

In this context, Badawi's statement can be seen as a call for a more nuanced and constructive approach to engaging with Islam and Muslims. By highlighting the importance of promoting a positive image of Islam and emphasizing the peaceful and moderate aspects of the faith, Badawi is advocating for a more inclusive and balanced understanding of the religion. This is particularly relevant in the context of efforts to counter radicalization and extremism, as well as to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Furthermore, Badawi's emphasis on progress and development aligns with his broader political and ideological outlook. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Badawi pursued a vision of "Islam Hadhari," which sought to promote a modern and progressive interpretation of Islam that is compatible with the values of democracy, human rights, and economic development. This concept emphasized the importance of good governance, economic growth, and social justice within an Islamic framework, reflecting Badawi's commitment to reconciling traditional Islamic values with the realities of the modern world.

In the international arena, Badawi also sought to position Malaysia as a moderate and progressive Muslim-majority country that could serve as a bridge between the Islamic world and the West. He advocated for dialogue and cooperation between different civilizations and religions, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. Through initiatives such as the "Alliance of Civilizations" and his role in promoting peace and stability in the Muslim-majority regions, Badawi sought to project a positive and constructive image of Islam on the global stage.

Overall, Abdullah Badawi's quote encapsulates his vision of engaging with Islam and Muslims who embody principles of progress, development, peace, and moderation. His perspective reflects a broader effort to counter stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam, promote interfaith understanding, and foster cooperation between the Islamic world and the international community. By emphasizing the importance of engaging with the positive and constructive aspects of Islam, Badawi's quote underscores the potential for dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration in addressing the complex challenges facing the global community in the 21st century.