President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Sunday called on Indonesian Muslims to follow the Prophet Muhammad's example in living in a religiously diverse society and in overcoming differences among people.

The president made the appeal while he attended a large prayer service held in celebration of the Prophet's birthday at the National Monument (Monas). "Let's us follow the Prophet, his morals and manners as well as his attitude and politeness," Yudhoyono said, stressing how the Prophet built solidarity and stressed a message of peace in his teachings.

The president said that the leadership and the manners of the prophet in managing state and national affairs during his life deserved to be followed nowadays. The Prophet, he said, asked all to take part in developing the nation's future and ensuring it remained harmonious and civilized.