What if it were a 130-year-old mosque?

 

As a Muslim, I welcome the arrival of Syawal with gratitude and joy. This is a time of renewal, humility and self-reflection. It is also a time to ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions - not to divide but to understand.

The recent decision involving the relocation of the Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple to make way for the construction of Masjid Madani has sparked strong public reactions, much of it emotional and understandably so.

However, it also raises a deeper question that I believe we must ask ourselves honestly.

What if it were a 130-year-old mosque?

Some buildings are made of stone and steel. Others are made of memory, layered with rituals, footsteps and the quiet weight of generations.

Sacred spaces, regardless of religion, are never just physical structures. They carry meaning far beyond walls and roofs.

So, imagine this. A mosque, built long ago and deeply rooted in its community, stands on private land. The land is sold to someone of a different faith who plans to develop it into a new place of worship.

Would we simply say, “the law is the law”? Or would we be the first to raise concerns, to speak of heritage, history and the significance of what stands to be lost?

Would we accept the legal explanation with calm, or would we demand intervention? Would we remain silent, or would we hope for sensitivity and understanding?

These questions are not easy. But fairness is never easy.

Justice, highest principle of Islam

I am not writing this to defend or oppose any particular decision. I am writing because, as a Muslim, I believe justice is one of the highest principles of our faith and justice must be applied consistently.

If we speak of the law when others are affected, we must also accept the law when it applies to us. If we call for an understanding of our history and traditions, we must also extend that understanding to others.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the groundbreaking ceremony of Masjid Madani

This does not mean the law is wrong. Landowners do have rights. Urban development requires planning and enforcement. A structure built without approval can be subject to removal. These are facts we cannot ignore.

But sacred spaces are not ordinary buildings. Whether it is a mosque, temple, church or gurdwara, these places are deeply tied to identity and belonging. That is why sensitivity matters. That is why fairness matters.

At the same time, those who protest the temple’s relocation must also reflect. If the roles were reversed - if a mosque were being relocated to make way for another place of worship - would they be just as firm in defending the rights of the landowner? Or would they call for the mosque to be protected in the name of heritage?

Mutual honesty

Both sides need to be honest. This issue is not about choosing sides. It is about whether we are consistent in our values, even when it challenges our comfort.

What we must avoid is the belief that different rules apply to different communities. That path leads to distrust. And when people feel that justice depends on who they are rather than what is right, unity becomes harder to build.

With Aidilfitri upon us, we are reminded of the spirit of this month - to seek forgiveness, purify the heart and renew our commitment to goodness. Strength in Islam is not shown through power but through fairness, compassion and integrity.

The question, what if it were a mosque, is not meant to reverse blame. It is meant to remind us to look in the mirror. If we want others to respect our sacred spaces, then we must be willing to do the same.

If we believe in the rule of law, then let it apply equally. If we believe in heritage, then let it be honoured regardless of religion. If we speak of harmony, then let us practice it even when it is not easy.

Only then can we truly celebrate Aidilfitri - not just with festivities but with a deeper sense of justice, humility and unity. - Mkini

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MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is a former Federal Territories Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional secretary.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.