Avoid taking matters into own hands, don urges Muslims

 

Muslims are urged not to take matters into their own hands when it comes to issues that touch the sensitivity of Islam, said Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Institution of Malay Rulers Chair fellow Mujibu Abd Muis.

He said that if one takes matters into their own hands, it may lead to unrest which is not good for the nation’s harmony.

At the same time, Mujibu stressed the need for the government and authorities to take swift action when such matters arise.

"All parties should allow the government and authorities to take appropriate actions but as Muslims, of course, we want strict action and heavy punishment to be taken if it is true that the arising issue makes a mockery of Islam.

"However, if the issue that arises is just your own interpretation and there is no proof of what happened, there is no need to be overly sensitive to the point where the letter T is said to be a cross... so in this case, Muslims should have a rationale of looking at an issue," Bernama reported him as saying.

Mujibu said the move also coincided with the decree of Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who called for the Malays, especially in the state, to take the path of unity and strengthen harmony among the multi-ethnic and multi-religious community.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah

"If you look at the issues that have arisen recently relating to the sensitivity of Muslims, especially involving the word ‘Allah’, it is true that it is very sensitive and hurts all Muslims.

“However, we also saw the swift action of the government from a legal point of view and the person who did it has also been charged in court. Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had also consented to meet the alleged offender.

"I think what Muslims in Malaysia are doing through boycott also clearly shows its impact and is a lesson to all that such things should not have arisen," he said.

Embrace middle path

Mujibu said Sultan Sharafuddin's decree was also timely considering that at this time, the trials and controversies that plagued Muslims had received various reactions and this decree was also to prevent untoward things from happening.

"To prevent such things from taking place, everyone should heed the call of His Highness to take the middle path and be modest," he said.

In urging the government and authorities to act decisively, Mujibu stated that every process and procedure must be followed so that it does not backfire on the government.

"I think swift action or not depends on the authorities as they have to work within the legal framework and go through certain processes and procedures in terms of investigation and evidence.

"I’m confident that if we take the appropriate action and are given enough time to complete the investigation, it will be resolved," he said.

Last Friday, Sultan Sharafuddin decreed that the Malays in the state continue to take the path of unity and strengthen harmony among the multi-ethnic and multi-religious community.

While he is touched at seeing the unity, cooperation and spirit of helping each other displayed by the Malays, the sultan said the values that had been established must continue to be maintained and improved in order to guarantee a more advanced and progressive Selangor.

- Bernama