Muslims must have faith in their faith, says KJ

Amid increasing warnings of Muslims being led astray by other followers of other faiths, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin today related how one can join Chirstmas celebration yet still remained a staunch Muslim.

In a posting on hisFacebook page today, Khairy said he attended a Catholic primary school in Japan that was run by Canadian Catholic priests.

"We all sang in a choir. When it came to Christmas, non-Christians also sang the non-religious songs. I think some even sang the religious songs but just kept quiet during certain lines.

"I went to my friends' houses for Christmas. I was given presents. My parents were well prepared so I brought presents with me also to give to my hosts.

"None of this affected my own faith... nothing at my Catholic school could undermine or shake my faith" he said.

Furthermore, Khairy said there were crucifixes in every classroom and his teacher, Brother Raymond, too wore a big cross on his neck.

Having convictions

He that school began with prayers and non-Christians like Khairy, he would bow their heads in respect or recite the Al-Fatihah.

"The point of my brief recollection is this: have faith in your own faith. If your belief is strong, no one can make you lose your religion," he said.

"And if you are sure of your own convictions, you will respect others even more. You won't view them as a threat, as people secretly working to proselytise you

"You might even learn from them as I did from Brother Raymond," he said.

According to a 2005 guideline issued by the National Fatwa Council, Muslims are not allowed to attend events with crucifixes or Christmas trees as they were deemed to be "against the Muslims faith".

In 2007, the council issued another guideline, stating that Muslims were allowed to send well wishes to non-Muslims during their religious celebrations, on condition that it does not glorify or praise other religions.

Reject extremism

Meanwhile, in a more formal Christmas message, PAS Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat said he hoped for strengthening ties between the members of the Abrahamic faiths.

"I also urge Malayians of all races and religion to love and respect each other and reject extremism that will only disrupt the country's harmony.

"As a Muslim, I am educated to always be fair and do good to those who are good to us even though they are from a different religion," he said.