“Hell awaits if you don’t follow my faith” is how holier-than-thou types drive wedge into Malaysian society

 

“HOLIER-THAN-THOU” describes a self-righteous, sanctimonious attitude where a person acts morally or spiritually superior to others.

How does your typical Malaysian respond when confronted by such a character?

This was the loaded question posed by digital creator Nasri Azhar known for his moderate Islamic views on Facebook.

Using a caricature, he depicted an orange Baju Melayu-clad Muslim berating a hodgepodge collection of non-Muslim Malaysians that they are destined for the fiery depths of hell upon their death should they stick to their respective faith “without having the time convert to my spiritual path”.

Inviting ordinary Malaysians to share their views, the post has generated 1.2K likes, 2.2K comments and 145 shares at the time of writing, denoting that more than a few have crossed paths with such conspicuously pious characters suffering from a messiah complex.

First and foremost, it was highlighted that every religion professes to be the right path. There is no evidence that any one religion is the absolute truth and final word on the hereafter.

This commenter was at pains to stress that it is a matter of individual choice and people should not force their beliefs onto others.

This sentiment was echoed by another observer who pointed to labels such as “kafir (infidel)” “goyim (non-Jew)” and “disbelievers (among Christians)” that permeate each religion to denote followers of other faiths.

It was also argued that religion is the source of many conflicts around the world. That is the painful truth that – like it or not – everyone has to swallow.

Some theological experts also duly argued that NOT all religions take such a stance, rightly pointing out Buddhism and Hinduism as examples. “This is only prevalent in Abrahamic religion,” contended one Muslim commenter.

Claiming to speak from experience, one commenter chose to simply ignore such overbearing characters, professing that her spiritual journey is a matter of personal choice.

The primary focus was being the best mother, daughter, sibling and relative to her family. Just do good deeds while on earth and when she is no longer here, she leaves it to the Almighty to deal with her soul.

Religion is not meant to be force fed. This was an oft repeated theme in the comments with many firmly of the view that is strictly a personal choice.

One concerned parent stressed to his kids to never make such proclamations as “we’re not on earth to be God’s proxies”.

However, some commenters walked straight into the trap and decided to become the caricature in question by ramming down their versions of the absolute truth to all and sundry (ie Muslims are obliged to school followers of other faiths what their own faith entails).

Whether an individual feels that one’s spiritual path is the absolute truth or otherwise, that should by right be kept private and not be forced upon others.

In Malaysia, having respect for other religious beliefs (and practices) is paramount so as not to offend or worse, create schisms so wide as to be unbridgeable. –  Focus Malaysia