Muslims in Malaysia must reject all forms of extreme teachings which could lead to destruction such as animosity with each other or taking their own lives in the name of Islam, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Commenting on the suicide bombing incident in Manchester, England and clashes between Philippine security forces and militants in Marawi, Mindanao which involved Malaysians recently, he said among the pillars of Islamic teachings was to protect one's own life and the lives of others.

"Let us not forget, one of the principles of Islam is to protect lives, not to kill ourselves or other people.

"Our lives are not ours but belong to Allah who determines to take it or to let us live a long life," he said at a breaking-of-the-fast event with ulama (scholars) and umara (leaders) of Islamic non-governmental organisations at his official residence, Seri Perdana in Putrajaya tonight.

Also present were his wife Rosmah Mansor, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Najib also stressed the importance of Muslims to unite to uphold Islam and ensure the future of the ummah (faithful).

He said unity was the foundation for all dreams and noble aspirations as the agenda to uphold Islam can no longer be borne by the government alone.

"If we are faced with enemies who are united and have a strategy, but we isolate each other, ignore each other and do not seek ways to unite, we will surely be defeated by the enemies of Islam," he said.

"A large number of Malaysians are Muslims and the government cannot meet the Islamic agenda unless the NGOs as partners of the government fight for the sake of Allah, so unity is the most effective weapon to attain our aspirations," he added.

He also stressed on the need for the ulama and umara to continue their efforts with honesty and lead with fairness and trustworthiness to uphold Islam and for the good of the people.

"According to the Prophet's hadith, if these two groups of people (ulama and umara) are good, then all will be good, but if they are not, then everything will be destroyed," he said.

At the event, the prime minister performed the maghrib prayers with the congregation and broke his fast with 1,500 guests including hard-core poor and orphans.

Later, he performed the isyak and tarawih prayers.

The prime minister also presented donations amounting to RM803,205 to 319 students of religious schools.

Najib also presented zakat (tithe) donations to 90 orphans from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim/Miskin, Klang; Rumah Tunas Harapan Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Kuala Selangor and Pusat Jagaan Anak-anak Yatim/Miskin Rukaiyah, Kajang.

- Bernama