A condolence book at Karpal Singh’s home in Jalan Utama. The National Fatwa Council says Muslims should not use the expression ‘Rest in Peace’ on non-Muslims because the term had Christian connotations. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Hasnoor Hussain, April 18, 2014.PAS will discuss whether it is appropriate for Muslims to use the phrase “Rest in Peace” (RIP), following the National Fatwa Council's reminder yesterday to Muslims not to use the expression on non-Muslims because the term had Christian connotations.
PAS Research Centre director Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the party’s political bureau would discuss the matter on Monday and make its stand on the use of the phrase.
The council issued the statement following the death of Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh yesterday morning in a car accident in Perak.
Many are using the phrase to express their condolences via social media.
Dzulkefly said the passing of a statesman like Karpal from whichever side of the political divide should be accorded salutation and recognition.
"During times like this, some statements can be sensitive. Even non-Muslims (who have died) must be honoured," he said after paying his respects to Karpal at his home in Jalan Utama today.
The council said in the statement on its website that Muslims could express their condolences to non-Muslim families as long as there were no religious implications.
It said RIP was an assumption that the non-Muslim person would receive God's blessings.
"Wishes such as 'I sympathise with what has happened to you' or 'we express our sadness at the loss in your family' are allowed.
“However, a Muslim is not encouraged to wish a non-Muslim person c'," it said.
Tumpat MP Kamaruddin Jaafar said it was an undisputed practice by Prophet Muhammad to pay respect and honour the dead, including non-Muslims.
He said the Prophet gave respect to a deceased Jew when the body passed by him.
"When he was questioned by the people on his actions, he said he gave his respects because the Jew also had a human soul, and all human souls came from God.
"Everyone should honour Karpal and his memory, not the RIP issue. Let's not resort to any negative comments or opinions," he said.
To this, Dzulkefly responded by quoting a verse from the Quran used at times of death and solemnity: "from God we came and to God we shall return".
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