Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has no problem with Tony Abbott making public comment about Islam.
Mr Abbott, who was ousted by Mr Turnbull in September, says the Islamic faith needs to undergo its own reformation - in the same way as Christianity - in order for it to better fit in to modern society.
Mr Turnbull said people "read a lot" into Mr Abbott's comments, but the former prime minister was entitled to his opinion.
The vast majority of Muslims were appalled by extremism and the leaders of the major Muslim nations such as Indonesia had strongly spoken out against terrorism, he said.
Indonesia demonstrated that the Muslim faith could be compatible with a democratic, open and tolerant society.
"The one thing we need to be very careful not to do, and I'm sure Tony agrees with this, is play into the hands of our enemies and seek to tag all Muslims with the responsibility for the crimes of a few," Mr Turnbull told ABC radio on Wednesday.
The prime minister said he was keeping in touch with Mr Abbott, who has said he will make a decision on his parliamentary future around April next year.
"I had a very good discussion with him a week or so ago and I'm sure I will meet with him again in the future," Mr Turnbull said.
"There's no lack of connection if you like."
